Insp. James McLaren says Maskwacis is a place he’s been trying to reach since he was a constable.

Twenty-four years and 10 transfers later, he’s finally here, as the community’s new RCMP detachment commander, succeeding Insp. Earl Nini, who had been commander since 2015.

Monday (Nov 20th) was McLaren’s first day on the job.

“In my opinion, Maskwacis detachment is kind of the jewel and the crown,” McLaren said. “This is the place to go where we do our best work, where we have lots of opportunity to get involved with the community and provide our services the best we can.”

His first order of business is to meet with chiefs and elders from the Montana First Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Samson Cree Nation and Louis Bull First Nation.

McLaren said he wants RCMP members to be visible, get involved in the community and strengthen relationships.

An RCMP release says the new commander has served all over Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Nunavut, with an emphasis on serving First Nations communities.