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Chris Bear new head of North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment

Bear will replace Inspector Ray Carfantan
8398344_web1_Chris-Bear---photo---Sept-2017-cropped
Chris Bear has been selected as the new Officer in Command of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment. (Submitted photo)

Staff Sergeant Chris Bear has been selected as the new Officer in Command of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment.

Bear, who will replace superintendent Ray Carfantan, the Officer in Charge at the detachment since 2013, will be promoted to inspector as part of his new placement.

“My family and I are extremely happy to be given this opportunity,” said Bear.

“There is some amazing work being done in collaboration with the community and I look forward to building upon those successes.”

Bear was promoted internally from the role of Operations for the detachment, where he was second in command.

The 24-year veteran of the RCMP has made the Cowichan Valley his home since 2006.

During this time, he has held several positions within the detachment, as well as with the Aboriginal Policing Services in the Victoria Island District Headquarters.

Prior to coming to Vancouver Island, Bear spent 12 years in several different detachments throughout the Yukon Territory.

A panel consisting of several senior RCMP representatives, Acting North Cowichan Mayor Kate Marsh, Duncan Mayor Phil Kent, and Calvin Swustus, justice coordinator for Cowichan Tribes, held interviews on Aug. 31 and Bear was chosen as the successful applicant.

“Staff Sergeant Bear understands policing in the Cowichan community and we are thrilled to have an officer of his calibre as Inspector of the Duncan/North Cowichan detachment,” says Jon Lefebure, Mayor of North Cowichan.

Carfantan, who has been an RCMP officer for 28 years, is being promoted to superintendent and is heading to the Mounties’ Southeast District in B.C. where he will serve as assistant district officer.