The Westlock RCMP Detachment has a new commanding officer as Sgt. Al Baird officially took the reins from Sgt. Bob Dodds last week, who had been splitting his time between Barrhead and Westlock.
Baird, who has 31 years on the job and a wealth of experience, comes to Westlock via Smoky Lake where he spent the last three-and-a-half years.
He has also been stationed in Stony Plain, St. Albert and Cold Lake along with two postings in Newfoundland.
“I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting people, talking with them and hearing their concerns and just getting out there to let them know I’m around. If people have questions or concerns they’re welcome to phone in. We’re here to help,” said Baird.
Having come from Smoky Lake, Baird is already familiar with the region and the growing issues with rural crime. He expects Westlock to be very similar.
“If it’s like anywhere else in Alberta, rural crime has been on the upswing and showing no signs of declining. I’ll get to know the community, the mayors and councils and talk to locals and we’ll see if we can come up with some strategies to help make it harder for the bad guys to operate in our area,” he said. “Rural crime is rural crime and we’ll try to find ways to make people feel safe.”
He reminds rural residents to lock up their belongings, keep the lights on and report any suspicious activity they may encounter and to watch out for each other.
“I’ve always liked the rural policing aspect of it. People know each other, you know your neighbours as opposed to the city where it’s a little bit harder for people to watch out I think because people think they’re being nosy,” said Baird.
Personally, Baird is a family man and an outdoorsman. He enjoys hunting, fishing and camping in his off time.
He was also active in coaching when his kids still played hockey, although his children are now grown with one still remaining at home.
He’s looking forward to getting to know the community even better than he does already.
“It’s great, I’ve been here before. My kids have played hockey here and we’ve camped in the area before so I kind of knew what Westlock was before I came.”
