A Chase RCMP officer’s promotion was marked in a ceremony hosted by the Neskonlith Band.
The Band hosted the ceremony on Monday, April 29, in recognition of Const. Jarret Cottrell, a local RCMP Indigenous liaison is moving to the Cranbrook detachment where he’ll serve as corporal.
“Const. Cottrell has been an invaluable member of our community, demonstrating unwavering dedication and commitment to ensuring our safety and well-being,” said the Band in an announcement of the ceremony.
An RCMP media release explained how before Cottrel arrived in Chase, there hadn’t been anyone in the liaison position for a few years, “and things weren’t going very well between the local police and the Indigenous community.”
“Upon Const. Cottrell being posted to the community, he spent a lot of time meeting with Band members listening and addressing their concerns,” reads the release. “Thanks to his hard work, the community started to trust the police more and now report genuinely feeling safer in their community.”
During the ceremony, the RCMP said many people showed how much they appreciated Cottrell’s contributions during his time in Chase.
“It was a way for everyone to show that they were grateful for his efforts and that they recognized how important his work was for bringing everyone together and creating a safer community for all,” reads the release. “Const. Cottrell was also given a great honour by being blanketed by the Neskonlith Indian Band as their way of showing their utmost respect and appreciation for all the work completed over the years.”
The RCMP are also proud of Cottrel and all he’s done, noting “he leaves behind a strong example of how police officers can make a big difference in their communities.”
“We know he will keep doing great work in his new posting, helping to make the community a better place for everyone,” said the RCMP.
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