Portage la Prairie's Central Plains RCMP Detachment Inspector Paul Peddle says it was nice to have Commissioner Brenda Lucki pay them a visit last week.  

He explains it was his first time meeting her, noting she stopped by while visiting the province for a special event.

"She was such a wonderful person," says Peddle. " She came here with our Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill, to meet our employees and our staff here at the building. She just wanted to come and express her appreciation for the great work that the members do here, and she's in our province to do the Change of Command ceremony."

He notes Rob Hill is the new commanding officer for D Division, Rob Hill, who was just recently introduced to that role over the last few months. 

"Our employees got the chance to meet her and ask her questions, and she provided an update to our employees on the things that are happening in the RCMP," continues Peddle. "We were very grateful and honoured to have her here."

He explains the Manitoba RCMP is referred to as D Division.

"The previous Commissioner was Jane MacLatchy," continues Peddle. "The reins were handed over to Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill and he was in our detachment, as well, for the meeting with the members. It was just great to have him here and I know it sends a positive message to our Members in the Community to have that support."

Peddle says the duration of tenure for an Assistant Commissioner could be different depending on their transfer.

"It could be a couple of years, or it could end up being five years, but there are usually three to five years on average in that type of role," adds Peddle. "The Assistant Commissioner would be the Commanding Officer. So, Rob Hills's title would be Assistant Commissioner and he's the Commanding Officer of Manitoba, D Division. Each province has an Assistant Commissioner depending on the size of the province. The Commanding Officer could be a Chief Superintendent, Assistant Commissioner, or it could be a Deputy Commissioner in the cases like British Columbia where it's a bit bigger."

He notes the Change of Command is a significant event and a proud moment for the members of the division. 

"That's a very high rank, and it's something he worked extremely hard for," says Peddle. "Obviously, it would be a goal of everybody in the RCMP. It's a big goal to strive for, but absolutely, someday, that would be a position I would certainly love to have."