National attention has been focused on the RCMP since
commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli resigned his post last week. But for North Okanagan residents, they’re probably wondering what’s going on in the local ranks of the RCMP. Within just three working days, Insp. Clair Hayward retired and Staff-Sgt. Randy Rogers was reassigned to undetermined duties. It had been anticipated Hayward would eventually retire, but the timing raised some eyebrows, especially due to the fact that he was gone the day after his announcement. In terms of Rogers, even the police admit reassignment was unexpected. Insp. Steve McVarnock, the new acting officer in charge, suggests the changes are a result of the RCMP being a transient operation. While that may be true, such a sudden turn-over in senior staff is bound to raise questions, especially when there is no indication as to why Rogers was reassigned. Everything that’s occurred may be completely above board, but the situation is likely to fuel the rumour mill. Residents may be left wondering if such a rapid change in leadership is a result of something else going on. McVarnock took a positive step Tuesday by meeting with the media and answering questions as candidly as he could within an organization such as the RCMP. However, we would hope that’s just the first step of many. McVarnock and other senior brass need to meet with council, business groups, service clubs and residents in general and assure them that it’s business as usual at the detachment and that their interests are a priority. If this situation isn’t handled properly, public faith in the police could be eroded. #######################
Detachment undergoes swift changes
By roger knox Morning Star Staff Dec 13 2006
Vernon’s new top cop admits there could be a public perception of problems at the local detachment, given his swift promotion to the post, and the fact he introduced an interim staff sergeant at a Tuesday morning press conference. The conference was held to introduce Inspector Steve McVarnock as Vernon’s temporary officer in charge of the Vernon/North Okanagan detachment, taking over from Clair Hayward, who retired suddenly last Wednesday. McVarnock was the operations officer for the Kelowna detachment. Joining McVarnock at the conference was Staff-Sgt. Jim McNamara of Kelowna, who has been temporarily re-assigned to Vernon. McVarnock announced Tuesday that Staff-Sgt. Randy Rogers had been reassigned within the RCMP. "Randy's reassignment was unexpected, it was a decision made at the district level and I can't really comment on it," said McVarnock, 45. "Where he'll be re-assigned hasn't been decided." Given that the top two men in Vernon have retired and been reassigned in less than a week, McVarnock admits that eyebrows will be raised within the community. "There would be that perception, yes," said McVarnock when asked to comment about the sudden changes at the local detachment. "To say my arrival in Vernon was very sudden would be an understatement, but that's the ever-changing world of the police. We're a transient organization trained to assess and adapt. I was asked on Thursday to come to Vernon so I didn't have a lot of time to think about it, which is a good thing. I'm certainly looking forward to working with the membership and the community." While his stint is listed as temporary, McVarnock made it clear he wants the Vernon posting on a full-time basis. He served part of his 25-year RCMP career as a constable in Vernon from 1987-91, where he listed helping peacefully resolve a hostage-taking incident at the old K-Mart in the Village Green Mall as a career highlight of his time in Vernon. "I jumped at the opportunity to come back here," said McVarnock. "I hope to become the permanent officer in charge if things work out. Hopefully, that decision will be made within a couple of months." The man taking over from the well-liked, well-respected Hayward within the detachment is a man passionate about community and working with kids. Married with a teenage daughter and soon-to-be-teenage son, McVarnock describes himself as a hands-on leader who believes in establishing a big RCMP presence in the downtown core. He is also community-minded. McVarnock sits on the board of directors of the RCMP's Cops 4 Kids charity, helps out with B.C. Special Olympics, coaches his kids’ soccer teams and is very passionate about the Wendy’s Sunshine Dream Lift For Kids Foundation. “My family has been very supportive of my career and we look forward to our time in Vernon,” said McVarnock, who served three RCMP tours in the Northwest Territories, time in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and also did a stint with the RCMP’s famed Musical Ride. He also served time as a Canadian peacekeeper in Kosovo in 1999 and 2000. If given the Vernon officer in charge post permanently, McVarnock will get to pick Rogers’ successor as staff sergeant. McNamara is in Vernon strictly on a temporary basis.
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