Cochrane welcomes new RCMP Insp. Lauren Weare who will be awarded the Order of Merit this October.
“I am pretty excited (about the award) – it is a pretty humbling honour,” Weare said.
The Order of Merit was instituted in 1902. It recognizes those who rendered exceptionally meritorious service to the Crown in armed services or toward the advancement of arts, literature and science, or to persons upon whom the Sovereign sees fit to confer the honour.
While Weare does not know who nominated her yet or why – the new inspector will find out at the award ceremony in Montreal at the start of October – she guesses it has something to do with her 29 and a half years of service with the RCMP.
“I’m assuming it is from my policing in First Nations communities – the bulk of my service was in front line general policing,” Weare explained.
Weare started her policing career in Bonnyville, Alta., in the 1980s where she stayed for a couple years before moving to British Columbia, where Weare worked the majority of her service in northern remote communities before becoming a detachment commander.
Weare was a detachment commander for two different regions during her time in British Columbia, before accepting the job for Cochrane’s new inspector this fall.
The former detachment commander interviewed for the position back in the summer and moved to Cochrane at the beginning of the month.
“I am very struck by the amazing growth that is going on, yet woven into the community is the small-town feel,” Weare said.
“I visited here a couple of times years ago – and when I came back I thought the summer was nice here but now I think fall is prettier.”
Weare said she has been settling nicely in her new community with her husband and the family dog, while also being able to attend some of Cochrane’s unique events, including the recent Outhouse Races.
“I am struck by the sense of community – I cheered on the outhouse races and everyone spoke to me and everyone was very welcoming,” Weare said.
As part of her duties as Cochrane RCMP inspector, Weare will also oversee the Kananaskis detachment, and will be based out of the other detachment a couple days a week until a new corporal is hired. As of Oct. 5, Weare will also be one of the few in Canada to be an Order of Merit recipient.
“There is a great deal of community here – Cochrane is very welcoming, I like it,” Weare said.
