New RCMP detachment opens in Lytton
Lytton
2024-04-26 11:06 PDT
The Village of Lytton and people from the surrounding communities welcomed the new RCMP Detachment on April 25. More than 60 attended the opening of the interim detachment starting with the blessing from Chief Niakia Hanna of the Lytton First Nation.
The Lytton RCMP Detachment burned to the ground along with 90% of the properties of the Village of Lytton as a result of the devastating June 30, 2021 wildfire. The new interim Lytton Detachment was the first public building returning to the Village.
"The Village of Lytton is pleased to see the opening of the interim Lytton detachment. Having RCMP presence in the community supports safety and resilience. This is a significant step forward to restoring essential services for Lytton, and we look forward to the permanent detachment being rebuilt," says Mayor Denise O’Connor.
Defending the law may be our role as police officers, but we live and raise our families here. We are part of this community and you have welcomed us into your homes,
said the Assistant Commissioner, John Brewer, Criminal Operations Officer - Core Policing. We know serve at the behest of the community and the official opening of this Detachment symbolizes this wonderful connection to the people of Lytton and the many First Nations in the area.
South East District Commander, Brad Haugli, spoke about the commitment to region. There were many heroes on that day in June 2021, making efforts to evacuate multiple communities at a moments’ notice. The many heroes included several RCMP members. BC RCMP then immediately came from surrounding communities to ensure public safety and this continued for weeks, demonstrating once again how effective the BC RCMP are with quickly mobilizing in the spirit of public and police safety.
Detachment Commander, Sergeant Scott Clay, was doing double duty as the MC for the event as well as speaking about the value of having an RCMP Detachment return. Even after the fire, police continued to patrol the area while stationed in the Lillooet Detachment.
This structure will also serve as a Command Post for any major event in the area from Boston Bar to Ashcroft,
said Sgt. Scott Clay. While this is an
interim
detachment, BC RCMP is planning a permanent solution for the future, in consultation with the community.
The presence of an operational police station and the return of RCMP members and their families to their new homes in the community offers hope and re-enforces our commitment to the Village of Lytton and the Indigenous communities of this area,
added Sgt. Clay.
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BC RCMP Communication Services
778-290-2929
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