During a change of command ceremony today, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador welcomed Assistant Commissioner Tracy Hardy as its new B division commanding officer.
Premier Kathy Dunderdale attended the ceremony at RCMP headquarters along with Justice Minister and Attorney General Felix Collins.
“This is an historic day for our province as Assistant Commissioner Hardy is the first woman to lead the RCMP in our province,” said Dunderdale. “Assistant Commissioner Hardy’s career in the RCMP is exemplary and shows her to be the ideal person to lead “B” Division. She is conscientious, hard-working and has a collaborative leadership style which will be beneficial while working with community groups, other policing agencies and various levels of government.”
Hardy takes command of the RCMP following the retirement of the outgoing commanding officer and assistant commissioner Bill Smith, who held the position since September 2009.
“As minister of Justice, I had an excellent working relationship with Assistant Commissioner Bill Smith,” said Collins. “He had a true appreciation and love for Newfoundland and Labrador that was evident every time I met with him.”
Collins wished Smith all the best during his” well-deserved retirement” and also extended his congratulations to Assistant Commissioner Hardy. “In the time that she has been in the province, she has proven to be an excellent leader and I look forward to working with her and the RCMP,” the minister said.
Hardy commenced her duties as commanding officer in May.
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