The Pas RCMP Detachment celebrated a change of command ceremony today. While a change of command ceremony is always special for RCMP detachments, this one had an added twist.
For the first time in the modern history of the Force, a father handed over the reins of a detachment to his son. Staff Sergeant Noel Allard signed over command of The Pas RCMP Detachment to his son, Staff Sergeant Jeremy Allard. Making the event even more special was the fact it was a personal homecoming for Staff Sergeant Jeremy Allard, who first signed up to be a Mountie while living in Cranberry Portage and wrote his entrance exam in The Pas in 2001.
Staff Sergeant Jeremy Allard with father, Staff Sergeant Noel Allard.
The Allards are Metis, originally from St. Laurent, but northern Manitoba has been home for many years. It is where Staff Sergeant Jeremy Allard grew up, and where he lived until being stationed in Saskatchewan after his graduation from RCMP Depot.
“I’m excited to be home and closer to family,” said Staff Sergeant Jeremy Allard. “The Pas is known as a great place to live and work, and I’m looking forward to being part of that. Taking over from my dad has made this very special for me.”
It was as a very proud father that Staff Sergeant Noel Allard addressed the crowd attending the ceremony: “I am honoured to say that The Pas/OCN is getting a younger, more educated and highly respected Detachment Commander. But then, I may be biased.”
He added, “The members of The Pas are fortunate to be under the command of Jeremy, and I feel assured that I am leaving my post in good hands.”
As Staff Sergeant Jeremy Allard takes over The Pas RCMP on January 13, 2015, Staff Sergeant Noel Allard moves to the North District office in Thompson, Manitoba in an advisory position.
To honour the Allards, and to mark the important change of command event, Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Commanding Officer of the RCMP in Manitoba attended. He was joined by Chief Superintendent Scott Kolody, Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations; and Superintendent Kevin Violot, North District Commander.
“This is what it is all about,” said Assistant Commissioner Brosseau. “The RCMP is a family. The command of The Pas Detachment is not the only thing passed from father to son. Pride in serving and pride for the Force is also a big part of the Allard family’s commitment to community.”
Also in attendance was Churchill Member of Parliament Niki Ashton, The Pas Mayor Jim Scott, Opaskwayak Cree Nation Chief Michael Constant, and Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand.
