Invest in women; Accelerate progress – RCMP showcases woman leaders on International Woman’s Day

Penticton, Osoyoos, Oliver, Summerland

2024-03-07 14:32 PST

File # International Woman's Day

As the RCMP celebrates 50 years of woman serving in the RCMP, we are also celebrating International Woman’s day, which on March 8, is a call to action and a reminder that gender equality is one of the most effective ways to build healthier, more prosperous, and more inclusive communities.

The Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP (PSORD) are celebrating and recognizing this day, by showcasing some of the many woman, both municipal employees and officers, within the south east district who make a difference in their community each day.

Not only is this a time to raise awareness of the progress made towards achieving gender equality it is a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and is celebrated in most countries’ world wide. We at the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP work hard to celebrate the cohesive nature of all of our employees, regardless of gender, as it takes a team effort to build successful and respectful working environments that serve the communities in which we work each day.

Meet some of the woman serving your community:

Superintendent Beth McAndie, Penticton South Okanagan Regional Detachment Officer in charge.

International Woman’s Day holds a special meaning for me as it recognizes the trailblazing woman who have paved the way for our success and progress before us and also empowers and supports fellow woman to excel in their roles as police officers and community leaders today. A career highlight for me was leading the ceremonial troop which raised the Canadian flag at the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge. It was truly an honour to represent our country, the RCMP and woman in policing.

My advice to girls and young woman, would be not to let anyone tell you can’t chase your dreams. It takes courage to strive for what inspires you and give you purpose. Failures along the way equal experience. Remember your perseverance and determination may be inspiring others to chase what matters to them.

Dede Dacyk, Program Manager, Penticton / Summerland RCMP Victim Services and Benelli, PADS accredited facility dog.

I have been working with RCMP victim services for 21 years. I first started as a volunteer and then became a full-time employee. I have worked with many wonderful people and am thankful that I come to work each day with the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Victim service employees work with people who may have been affected by crime and trauma as well as people who may be experiencing a very low point in their life. I have many highlights of my career, but one special one was when I was awarded the Victim Service of the Year Award for the Province of BC in 2020. This award showed me that the work I do is not only recognized and appreciated locally, but also provincially. Another highlight would be when I supported a little boy during his testimony in court. This little boy did a wonderful job telling his very difficult story and when it was all said and done, he looked at me and said I could have never done that without you. I will never forget that little boy, he was incredibly brave.

If I could give young females any advice when they are starting out their career, I would say, don’t be afraid to go after what your dreams are. Whether you want to head off to College or University, travel around the world or start with your first job, just do it! Be yourself! Be confident! Try to make a difference!

Randi Grady, Municipal Operations Manager, Penticton RCMP

I’ve had the privilege of working with the RCMP for over 30 years supporting the membership. The most gratifying highlights of my career have been being part of a team during significant public safety threats ensuring members are provided with resources, support and information to restore public safety.

As my interest in policing began at the age of 19, I started working with the local RCMP in administrative roles, however it was my post secondary education in business that equipped me with the essential skills to kick start my career in administrative policing. Throughout theses years of service, I have gained valuable on the job skills of RCMP procedures and records management systems which I have been able to utilize throughout my career and serve many facets of the organization.

Sergeant Laurie Rock, Operations NCO, Penticton RCMP

The last 20 years has provided some amazing experiences and opportunities, which was something I always said I wanted when I joined the RCMP. This career has accumulated many friendships and allowed me to grow and strengthen as a person both professionally and personally. I have gained valuable working relationships with multiple community partners which has allowed me to work on multifaceted investigations and provide support to vulnerable populations.

To the younger female generation, change is inevitable! Each day and the experiences you have will provide something new to life however, it is how we process these changes and attribute it to our own life that will make the difference. The sense of family and bond that you share when working alongside a team in policing is invaluable. Having two daughters of my own, I want them to see the level of compassion, strength and independence that I possess and transfer that into their own values and life goals as they grow.

Constable Angela Ell, Penticton RCMP, General Duty

I have experienced many highlights throughout my career as an RCMP member. From my Depot graduation when I was handed my badge by a member who would later become the first woman to permanently hold the position of Commissioner of the RCMP, Brenda Lucki, and then arriving at my first posting on beautiful Vancouver Island. Memories I will cherish were made during the two years I worked on the Northern Services Relief Unit in the Yukon Territory. I had the opportunity to serve every community in the territory and I met many wonderful people along the way.

My advice to young girls: find your voice and use it. Do not underestimate yourself; being a woman is your superpower in this career. Identify your unique strengths and build your career around them. Although policing has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, the future is brighter with a diverse group of men and women working together.

Constable Pamela Scheidl, Penticton RCMP, General Duty

I have been fortunate to have many career highlights throughout my 15 years of service with the RCMP, but one of my all-time favorite memories is when I was seconded to work at the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Vancouver, BC. Being able to represent the RCMP on an international stage as well as working alongside the thousands of volunteers and other organizing agencies is something I will never forget.

If I was to give advice to younger females, it would be to go out and get as much life experience as possible before joining. Life experience gives you the ability to relate to people on all levels. Having the ability to speak with people is a skill and one of the most important ones in police work.

Released by

Cst. Kelly Brett

Email: kelly.brett@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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