Inspector Blake MacLeod, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP's new Officer in Charge (photo courtesy of the City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP

Local RCMP member named new Officer In Charge

Aug 1, 2024 | 10:06 AM

Vernon and the North Okanagan has a new top cop.

Inspector Blake MacLeod has been selected as the new Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.

MacLeod began his career in policing at the Depot in Kelowna, before moving to the Sea-to-Sky region where he was promoted to a corporal. During his time on the coast, MacLeod served as a watch commander, a plainclothes officer, and a detachment commander.

In 2009, MacLeod returned to the Okanagan.

MacLeod had been serving as the Active Officer in Charge for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP since Superintendent Shawna Baher left the local force last November to take over as the Chief Superintendent on Vancouver Island, and the City of Vernon announced his new appointment Wednesday, July 31.

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“The City of Vernon is pleased to see Inspector MacLeod promoted to Officer in Charge,” Victor Cumming, Mayor of Vernon, stated.

“Superintendent MacLeod brings a tremendous amount of expertise, leadership and solid local relationships. We look forward to working with Superintendent MacLeod as he continues to guide the Detachment in serving and protecting the community. His personal years residing in the North Okanagan is a great advantage.”

MacLeod has deep ties to the Okanagan, as he has coached youth sports teams and volunteer with both youth and seniors’ groups.

“I am proud to work with a wide variety of communities served by our detachment where we will continue to build strong relationships and partnerships,” MacLeod said.

“The detachment is full of amazing people who are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our region and I look forward to leading them. I could not be prouder, nor more thankful and honoured, to have been given the opportunity to lead this great group of people.”

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP serves the Vernon, Coldstream, Okanagan Indian Band, Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Lumby, Enderby, Splatsin First Nation, Cherryville, and Falkland.

“The District of Coldstream is immensely pleased with the selection of Blake MacLeod as the next superintendent for our area. His professionalism along with his intimate knowledge of the area, openness to listen and his easy style of communication, with a touch of humor, is an enhanced benefit for all. Congratulations, we look forward to the continuation of a positive relationship with the District of Coldstream,” Ruth Hoyte, Mayor of Coldstream, said.

“The City of Armstrong extends congratulations to Insp. Blake Macleod in taking on this new role. We look forward to working with Insp. Macleod and further extending the City’s close relationship with the RCMP,” Joe Cramer, Mayor of Armstrong, added.