Insp. Kevin Hewco has been chosen to lead the Penticton RCMP detachment and South Okanagan regional command.
Hewco will join the Penticton detachment this summer, with the date dependant on finalizing housing arrangements.
"I am excited to return to the valley, and particularly Penticton and the South Okanagan. The region is beautiful and the communities are warm and welcoming. I can't wait to begin the new role," he said.
Insp. Hewco comes to Penticton from North Cowichan RCMP detachment, based in Duncan. He takes over duties from Insp. Brad Haugli, who moved on to the Lower Mainland on April 5 to take on a new position in the RCMP as the investigative services officer.
Hewco has been a Mountie for more than 26 years, joining the RCMP in 1986 after earning a Bachelor of Economics and Political Science from the University of Alberta. After training in Regina, he was assigned to Whistler and Kelowna for investigator duties. He has led the Port Alice, Tofino, Oceanside (Parksville) and North Cowichan detachments as commander. He was also the elected representative for the Island District RCMP members' E Division Labour Relations Program.
"Insp. Hewco understands policing in B.C. and the safety needs of communities. We are thrilled to have an officer of his calibre join the Penticton detachment and South Okanagan region," said Acting Mayor Garry Litke.