LOCAL NEWS

This week we sit down with Staff Sergeant Todd Fookes the head of the White Rock RCMP detachment to find out a little bit about his background and the future of policing in White Rock.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised and spent the first 19 years of my life in Saint Albert, Alberta a suburb north of Edmonton.

What made you choose a life with the RCMP?

It was a fairly easy decision for me to make. My father was a member of the RCMP in Saint Albert. He really seemed to enjoy his job so it was a natural progression for me to follow in his footsteps.

When did you come to White Rock?

I have been Staff Sergeant here in White Rock for the past 18 months. I was station in Richmond originally when I graduated from the RCMP training college. While in Richmond I was offered a position out at UBC with the RCMP but it just seemed so far away from everything. When the position in White Rock came up, I took it.

Where do you make your home?

I live in Langley. My wife is a member of the Langley RCMP and we have two children a son who is 15 and a 13 year old daughter.

What do you find is the worst part about your job?

I would have to say it is all the paperwork. I realize it is very important but sometimes I get bogged down with all the checks and balances, and I would like to be out in the community a bit more.

Do you take an actual patrol as part of your duties?

No I am pretty much behind the desk Monday thru Friday taking care of all the administrative duties. I do like to get out to the special events in White Rock like the Sea Festival and Canada Day

What do you enjoy the most about being in the RCMP/

I really like getting out into the community. The other night we were all dressed up in our dress serge uniforms and we were over at White Rock Elementary working with the kids and our D.A.R.E. Program. Also last week we held our annual awards get together for the over 40 volunteers that work with our detachment. We host a special night each year, and this year we got together at Hazelmere golf course. I really enjoy those kind of events.

Staff Sergeant Fookes with volunteer Marilyn Rice and Mayor Forster at the recent event honouring local volunteers.

What are the main challenges of policing in White Rock?

I would have to say it is trying to be everywhere at once. Sometimes we will be needed for something down on the beach, and a call will come in some kids up in a park in the northern part of White Rock need some attention, and it is just a matter of trying to meet everyone's demands at the same time. Another big challenge we face, is something every detachment is up against and that is officers retiring. We presently have 4 cadets fresh from graduation on our 22 member force here in White Rock. So extra time needs to be spent with them to get them up to speed.

What are your thoughts on the Sandcastle Competition returning to White Rock this summer?

I think anything that provides a positive image and event for the city is a good idea. We will work closely with the organizers to ensure it is a safe family event. You have to plan for the worst and hope for the best.

Will we see the return of the red serge officers on The Promenade this summer?

I hope so. We did it last year for 4 hours every Sunday afternoon. With White Rock being a tourist destination the program was very successful. People love to have their picture taken with an RCMP officer in his dress uniform

Thank you very much to Staff Sergeant Fookes for his time and honest candor on policing in White Rock. Watch for future profiles on the White Rock RCMP detachment.