The acting commander of the RCMP’s Ponoka detachment has been promoted to staff sergeant and officially put in charge.
Chris Smiley had been acting detachment commander in Ponoka since 2017.
Smiley is originally from Annapolis Valley, N.S., and began his career at the Vermilion detachment, where he served in general duty and traffic services.
Smiley transferred to the Blackfalds detachment in 2010 and was promoted to corporal and named watch commander at Rocky Mountain House detachment in 2015.
In February 2017, Smiley was promoted to sergeant in charge of operations. Later that year, he took on the role of acting detachment commander.
Along with his daily duties, Smiley is also a public safety and Taser instructor, training RCMP members around the district.
As detachment commander, Smiley said he will focus on crime reduction, traffic safety and continued efforts to promote and develop strong ties between the RCMP and the community.