A new commanding officer will lead the Nanaimo RCMP detachment.
In a press release on Thursday, Feb. 20, it was announced that Eric Rochette will be the new police superintendent in Nanaimo, replacing Andrew Burton, who took over as officer in charge in October. Burton began serving as acting superintendent in 2023, taking over for Lisa Fletcher.
The bulk of Rochette's experience is as a front-line police officer and he has worked in detachments in both large urban centres and small rural communities in Manitoba, Quebec and B.C., the press release stated. Included in that, work as an inspector at Port Alberni.
Rochette is eager to take on his new role.
“I am honoured to have been selected as the new [superintendent] for Nanaimo detachment," Rochette stated in the press release. “I am committed to working closely with all our partners to ensure we maintain the highest standard of service, professionalism and integrity."
Chief superintendent Bruce Singer, district commander for Island District RCMP, welcomed Rochette to the role.
“The officer in charge is an important position and works in partnership with our communities and the RCMP leadership to set policing priorities. I look forward to working closely with him," Singer said.
Burton retires from the RCMP after 32 years of service and will move on to be warden at Nanaimo Correctional Centre. He is honoured to have served in Nanaimo and is proud of the RCMP's work.
"Time and time again, they are asked to do challenging work in often very trying circumstances … Superintendent Rochette is an experienced leader. I have worked closely with him as part of the senior management team for the past year and know he has the proven experience and ability to lead the detachment," Burton stated in the release.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog said he is grateful for Burton's service.
"His leadership, commitment to public safety and efforts to support both the community and his fellow officers have left a lasting impact," the mayor said in the release.
