By Steve Hubrecht
steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Two longstanding, popular members will soon be leaving or have already left the local RCMP detachment.
Many Pioneer readers are familiar with Corporal Brent Ayers, who has often written the ever-popular page four RCMP report on numerous occasions, filling in this capacity, when the detachment commander has been away on vacation. Cpl. Ayers has served with RCMP for 30 years, 15 of those in the Columbia Valley, and retired just a few days ago at the end of January.
“Over the years, Cpl. Ayers played a significant role in shaping our detachment and our members. He’s going to leave some large boots to fill,” wrote Sergeant Darren Kakuno his quarterly RCMP report.
Constable Peggy Bell, who has been with the Columbia Valley RCMP for almost nine years, will also be leaving in a few months. Cst. Bell has been working toward a career in the RCMP’s Forensic Identification section.
“In December, we received word that Cst. Bell had been accepted into this specialized section and will be transferring this spring,” wrote Kakuno, adding she has been a “dedicated” member of the local detachment and “will certainly be missed.”
The detachment has already begun the process of finding replacements for both Cpl. Ayers and Cst. Bell.
