McVarnock moving on up

Published: April 14, 2009 7:00 PM Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star

Call him Superintendent Steve McVarnock. Vernon’s top police officer has been promoted from the rank of inspector, after some organization paperwork finally got completed. “Obviously throughout the selection process, I had the support of my highers in Kelowna and Vancouver, I had the support of Vernon council, and I’ve had the support of many people, for which I’m very grateful,” said McVarnock, who turns 48 later this month. In September 2008, the RCMP’s organizational classification branch at provincial headquarters in Vancouver classified the Vernon/North Okanagan detachment one worthy of a superintendent as growth at the office exceeded 140 paid staff members. In November, an internal process began to name a superintendent for the local detachment. “Any commission to the rank of inspector or promotion above that has to go to a privy council appointment in Ottawa,” explained McVarnock. “Because of the uncertain status of the government before Christmas, and the lengthy break after the holiday season, my appointment wasn’t signed off until last week.”

Entering his 28th year with the RCMP, and his third as leader of the Vernon detachment, McVarnock said his promotion doesn’t mean major changes at the office. His boundaries and jurisdiction will stay the same, but the appointment to superintendent means the local detachment will be entitled to additional senior staff. “I will have another inspector here in support of operations. I’m going to meet with division management to look at what upper management structure might look like here,” said McVarnock. “A lot of it will happen through reclassification of existing positions. I’m a believer in any new position we get, I want to have on the road as front-line constables.” A former constable for five years at the Vernon detachment himself, McVarnock credits his colleagues for his career success. “I have an excellent management team here, front-line members have been just awesome, and the support staff have been unwavering,” he said. “I want to acknowledge their support in helping me meet the community’s needs and objectives in terms of public safety.” McVarnock also praised the support of the city, who have helped the superintendent create 16 additional gun-and-badge positions, along with 11 new support staff, since his arrival in 2006.

Vernon’s top cop has no plans to leave a place he says is “near and dear to my heart,” but the promotion does mean he could be moved if that’s the organization’s wish. “At my level, I’m at the mercy of the organization,” said McVarnock. “If I get called by Ottawa and they say you’re going to location X, I’m gone. Obviously I’d like to stay here, but if an opportunity arises that will advance my career interests, and advances my knowledge and learn something different, I would definitely look at it. I’m very happy here. I’m living in the Okanagan. It’s not a hard place to be.” There are four ranks higher than superintendent in the RCMP – chief superintendent, assistant commissioner, deputy commissioner and commissioner.