The Terrace RCMP has announced that Inspector Dana Hart is retiring from the force after almost three decades total service and four-and-a-half years as commander of the Terrace detachment.
Hart said in a press release today that he is proud of the positives that came out of his time with the detachment here.
He revamped the detachment's media relations program and was a vocal spokesperson for community involvement in crime reduction, to name a couple initiatives he undertook.
“I am very proud of the women and men of the Terrace RCMP Detachment. They are committed to making Terrace and area a safe place to live and work,“ said Hart.
But he did acknowledge the “challenges" he faced, that much of the policing job is unpleasant.
“Over the years there have been countless amazing experiences, but there have also been some horrible ones and many sacrifices. Police work is demanding and stressful, we often see people at their worst or in the worst of circumstances.”
Hart was leader of the Terrace detachment over a challenging period, as there were several high profile cases of alleged police brutality and the revelation of steroid use among a group of officers within the Terrace detachment.
While he served the majority of his career in criminal operations, he also worked on protection details of Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Prime Minister Stephen Harper and was an Honourary Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor.
Hart was unavailable for further comment on the decision to retire at the time of writing.
“Terrace is a beautiful place with a lot to offer," he said in the release. "And while there are some challenges, there is a strong community desire to work together. I sincerely appreciate the support from both the current and previous Mayors and Councils, and the Chiefs and Councils of Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations”
According to the release, Hart has received several awards over the course of his career, including the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals, the RCMP Long Service medal and Bronze Clasp, a Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery and the award for 2014 Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year .
While Hart pursues a life closer to his family, staff sergeant Syd Lecky is taking over as the interim commander until a decision is made on a permanent replacement.