Claresholm RCMP detachment welcomes new sergeant

By Rob Vogt
The Claresholm detachment of the RCMP has a new sergeant, with a familiar name.
Perry Pelletier arrived in Claresholm on Oct. 2, but his parents Mel and Laurie moved here years before that, although Mel has since passed.
Pelletier was born in the Yukon and started school in Yellowknife, both while his father, who was also in the RCMP, was posted in the north.
They would move south to Melfort, Saskatchewan, where Perry joined the RCMP as a special constable in 1986, attending RCMP training at Depot in Regina.
He would be posted to a federal section in Vancouver then, in 1991, was promoted to regular constable where he went back to Depot for further training.
From there he was posted back to Vancouver for two years, the University of British Columbia detachment for three more, then to Surrey in 1996.
He then accepted an interdivisional transfer to Saskatchewan, and a post at Foam Lake for nine years.
From there it was a variety of postings in Saskatchewan, with his last nine years in Swift Current.
He brings a total of 37 years experience with the RCMP to his first posting as sergeant.
So far he has been getting to know the members and staff in the detachment, and the community as a whole.
“I’m enjoying it,” he said.
Pelletier’s goal is to keep morale high among his officers and have a positive atmosphere.
He is also looking forward to meeting the town and municipal district councils, and keeping everyone informed.
As he moves through the community he plans to get involved.
“I’m going to do as much as I can for my community and my office,” he said. “I want to serve the community’s needs.”
Part of that is raising awareness.
“Our job is to educate the community to protect themselves,” Pelletier said.
To that end, if anyone has any concerns, they are encouraged to contact the detachment.
“If you see something, report it,” he said.
Often, different people see different things that, when put together, can help the police solve crimes.
“We need the public’s help to do that,” Pelletier said.