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RCMP celebrates its Cowichan volunteers

Volunteer programs face challenges
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Insp. Chris Bear, head of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment, speaks to volunteers at a recent luncheon. (RCMP photo)

The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment thanked the many volunteers who help local police in the community at a recent luncheon to celebrate them.

Insp. Chris Bear, head of the detachment, said at the luncheon that there have had some changes and challenges with the volunteer programs that are supported by the RCMP over the past two years.

He said COVID-19 has had significant impacts on the ability for many of the RCMP’s programs to run.

“Additionally, the Auxiliary Constable program has been in limbo for some time and it was recently announced that this volunteer program will no longer be used by the RCMP,” Bear said.

“In prior years, the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP has been strongly supported by this program, and many of the volunteers in the Auxiliary Constable program volunteered hundreds of hours each year. This commitment to our communities was amazing and we thank our former auxiliary constables, you made a difference.”

Bear went on to express his appreciation and gratitude to the volunteers on the former Community Policing Advisory Committee, the volunteers on the newly formed Cowichan Community Policing and Engagement Society, the volunteers with Speed Watch, Block Watch, Restorative Justice and Cowichan Crime Stoppers.

“These programs and all the volunteers’ efforts play a huge role in the level of community safety and the quality of service the B.C. RCMP are able to provide to the Cowichan Valley,” he said.

“Thank you all for taking the time to give to your community.”