Three new inspectors were introduced to the public at a news conference Wednesday. Each of the officers answered a few questions, included below, from reporters gathered at the event. These interviews have been edited for grammar and length
Insp. Brent McDonald
Q: How are you feeling today?
A: Good, it’s an exciting time. I look forward to new challenges. I was on the criminal investigation side of the house for about 12 years. So coming over to the patrol side is a breath of fresh air. I can reconnect with some of the members that I haven’t worked with lately.
Q: What do you think you bring to this role that will help with the departments you oversee?
A: I’m one of the old guys here so I bring a little bit of experience … and kind of an equal balance between investigations and patrol. Our service isn’t too large, and there’s not a lot of opportunity for everybody to experience that side of the house. I feel fortunate that I have been able to.
That brings some extra training and specialization that perhaps I can share with other members.
Q: Is administration something you’ve been interested in learning more about?
A: No actually. I was quite content being an investigator for a long time. It was a difficult decision to take on this role. It’s an exciting challenge, it’ll be different. I feel that have a little more influence in the role that I’m in, and you can contribute more.
Insp. Craig Mushka
Q: How does it feel?
A: It’s a great honor and it’s an exciting time. I’m definitely looking forward to working with my new team. But again that comes with new responsibilities and new challenges. Although it’s exciting, it’s also a little bit overwhelming at times. But I’m definitely looking forward to it.
Q: Are there things you want to get to fist? Things you want to get started on right away?
A: I’m quickly learning that I have a lot of meetings and I have to reach out and speak with a lot of new contacts, not only within the city but also provincially. It is a large portfolio that I’m overseeing, so I’m going to have to educate myself in a lot of different areas. It’s going to be a busy next few months for sure.
Insp. Tadd Kellett
Q: Can you tell us what your’e excited about with this new role?
A: The new role is exciting because I’ve always wanted to be a police officer and now I’m a leader amongst members.
To be a leader is always exciting, and to bring the ideas they have forward and to bring the community’s ideas forward to research them and make sure we get them out there.
Q: Do you think coming from a military background gives you a slightly different perspective?
A: It gives me the order and structure that is needed, especially in policing, so it helps me that way a lot.
Q: What are you looking forward to most?
A: To me what’s most exiting is the learning curve. It’s a challenge. I love challenges, so bring it on. I want to go forward and be positive.
Q: Chief Bergen was saying you were a big piece of helping (the police service) through the transition. Do you think some of that work will come in handy now?
A: I had a little bit experience with the support part and the business part, which helped us, especially when we are short-staffed.
Everybody stepped up in every different aspect. People stepped up from the constable level up for the last year and now we’re moving forward.
That part is exciting because we all can put the details and effort forward in the areas we’re responsible for.
