OLDS — Staff Sgt. Warren Wright, the commanding officer of the Olds RCMP detachment for the past four years is retiring effective April 25.
Director of protective services Justin Andrew made that announcement Tuesday, March 18.
Wright, originally from Olds, served in nine postings in Alberta and Saskatchewan over a 32-year career.
He came back to his hometown four years ago to head the Olds RCMP detachment.
No replacement has been named yet.
The RCMP Southern District Management Team is working on finding suitable candidates, in conjunction with the Town of Olds.
In the meantime, A/Sgt. Leif Svendson will assume command of Olds RCMP and continue the seamless operation of the detachment.
In an email, Wright told the Albertan it took a while for him to make the decision to retire.
“It was not an easy decision to end my policing career, as it has been a major part of my life for so long,” he wrote.
“It took me about six months to wrap my head around retiring, but once I turned that corner a month ago, I am now ready to go.”
Andrew indicated it's been a pleasure working with Wright.
"I can say that in our time working together, we have tackled some serious things affecting public safety in and around Olds," Andrew wrote.
"Not all of these conversations can be discussed for obvious reasons, but we have encountered situations involving drugs, theft, police visibility and homelessness in that time and I can say with confidence that Olds is in a better place today as a result of Warren’s leadership and commitment to policing in Olds."
Wright was asked if there Is there an accomplishment over the past four years or over his career that he's really proud of.
"No, not specifically," he wrote. "I guess you get to the point in your career where you focus on supporting and celebrating others.
"However, I am grateful for the relationships I have made with the members, admin staff and our municipal partners. I believe I am leaving on a high note and will miss the people the most."
Wright indicated he plans to remain in Olds after his retirement.
“This town has been my home for most of my life. I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” he wrote.
