“It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve the citizens of Kamloops.”
Those were the words of a tearful Superintendent Syd Lecky, who addressed Kamloops City Council for the final time today ahead of his move to Yellowknife to become the new commanding officer of the RCMP’s “G” Division.
“I’m looking forward to some new challenges but as you know that does mean I do have to say goodbye and that is the tough part of the job,” Lecky said.
“It has been a privilege for the last four and half years to have served the citizens of Kamloops and to work with the city council and our city staff and certainly the members that work in the Kamloops RCMP detachment.”
“It was not lost on me that I was given this opportunity, so thank you Mr. Mayor, Mr. [CAO David] Trawin,” Lecky added. “Thank you very much.”
Lecky also told council his successor – Inspector Jeff Pelley – is “the right person for the job.”
“[He is] one of the smartest, best police officers I’ve ever worked with,” Lecky added.
“He’s committed to the region. He grew up not too far from here and went to school here in his post secondary education. He understands the challenges that we face and really is an exceptional leader so without question, that was the right selection. I am biased, but it is the truth.”
Mayor Ken Christian, who was chairing his final city council meeting Tuesday, also thanked Supt. Lecky for his service to Kamloops.
“I was recalling when I first met you – Mr. Trawin and I were on the panel that interviewed you – and the first day I met you I said after the interview that this guy was upwardly mobile and now here you are, upwardly mobile,” Christian said.
“I understand that you are getting a promotion out of this move. It is a Chief Superintendecy in Yellowknife and they’re going to be lucky to have you.”
“To Inspector Pelley who is taking over from you, I think we consciously decided that he would be best to address the new council when they come with his goals and strategic plan for policing in Kamloops,” Christian added.
Pelley – by the way – will also be promoted to Superintendent once he takes over in Kamloops.
