Top NWT cop to retire from RCMP, prepares for new job

Yellowknife, NWT – It’s the final Friday on the job for the top Mountie in the Northwest Territories.

Wade Blake retires as Chief Superintendent of the RCMP in the NWT next Wednesday.

We asked him how that feels.

“I don’t know. I’ve spoken to other members who’ve retired and they say it usually take a couple months after you go before it really hits you and so far it hasn’t hit me. Mind you, I’ve been busy. My job still continues and there are other factors playing into it as well including transitioning into a new job.”

Blake’s new job will be as Director of Community Justice and Policing for the Justice Department.

We asked him, if he had to do it over again, would he do anything differently or if he has any regrets.

“No huge regrets because obviously at the time any decisions are made they’re based on the best information you have at the time, so I don’t think there are any decisions that I question myself about. Others may but that’s their prerogative.”

Blake had previously said he wished the fatal shooting in 2012 by RCMP of Karen Lander in Yellowknife had been handled differently.

Blake, who’s been the territory’s top cop since 2010, will be replaced by Superintendent Ron Smith.

An official change of command ceremony is to take place in July.

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Mike Gibbins
Mike Gibbins
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