In his last official act before retirement, Powell River RCMP detachment commander Rod Wiebe appeared before City of Powell River Council for acknowledgements.
City councillor George Doubt, who chaired the council meeting, said he wanted to recognize the special occasion.
“Our staff sergeant, Rod Wiebe, is with us in council chambers tonight and this is going to be the last time we see him in his regalia as commander of our local detachment,” said Doubt. “I hear that you are retiring. I want to thank you on behalf of city council and the City of Powell River for being here today, and for working with us. We want to celebrate your last directors’ meeting with us and we want to thank you for your years of service.”
Doubt said Wiebe served in the RCMP for 34 years, and added that he was sure Wiebe had seen many changes over that time. Doubt said Wiebe spent time in Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Prince Rupert, and finally, Powell River, where Wiebe has been for 13 years.
Doubt said Wiebe has engaged in activities such as mountain biking, cycling or playing hockey when not serving as an RCMP officer.
“Thank you, Rod, on behalf of Powell River, for your service,” said Doubt.
Wiebe said he had a blessed and challenging career, and that he wanted to thank the mayor and council.
“You guys have shown nothing but support for the local RCMP since I’ve been here, since 2011,” said Wiebe. “You have supported us through increased membership, you have supported us through programs we want to roll out, especially financially. We do appreciate the support that comes out of this building.”
Councillor Cindy Elliott said she was sad to see Wiebe go. She asked if he was going to remain in the community, or was he planning to retire somewhere else?
Wiebe said he grew up in Lethbridge, Alberta, which used to be home, but he calls Powell River home now.
“We are not going anywhere,” said Wiebe. “It’s such a great community. This is where I’ll retire.”
Elliott said that was wonderful to hear and congratulated Wiebe.
Councillor Rob Southcott said he felt a personal loss, because he was working as unit chief for the ambulance service here when Wiebe arrived in the community.
“I really enjoyed our relationship in that capacity,” said Southcott. “It certainly continued during the years when you have turned out in these chambers, often.
“We’ve been very lucky in this town. Your predecessor was my neighbour and he was a very fine man. I just hope our luck continues. I am personally very grateful for all you have done for us, and how easy it has been to work with you. Thank you so much, Rod.”
Chief administrative officer Lisa Bhopalsingh said she wanted to thank Wiebe for helping the city. She said he would be missed at the city directors’ table.
“We’ve got to meet with him, staff-to-staff every Wednesday morning, and no longer will there be competition between him and the fire chief,” said Bhopalsingh. “We look forward to keeping in contact with you, Rod.”
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