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.

CJCD Mix 100 News

Mike Gibbins
Mike Gibbins
Hello and thank you for listening to 100.1 Moose FM! To contact me, you can email me, find me on Twitter or call (867) 920-4663.

Continue Reading

You may also like



cjcd Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Hay River monitoring spring break-up as emergency preparedness launches

The town of Hay River has provided updates and resources regarding spring break up and emergency management planning for flooding and wildfires. This week, Hay River officials reported that early indicators suggest some localized breakup of the Hay River could take place by the weekend.

GNWT releases their first spring break up report for season

The territorial Department of Environment and Climate Change issued their first break-up report for 2026 on Friday evening. Scientists with the department reported that following a “delayed start” snowmelt is “ongoing.” The data was collected over the last month up to 2 p.m. Friday and released at 7 p.m. by the GNWT.

Behchokǫ̀ RCMP respond to reports of shots fired

RCMP in Behchokǫ̀ have responded to a report of shots being fired in the community.

GNWT breaks ground on new Territorial Wildfire Centre

The Government of the Northwest Territories broke ground in Fort Smith on the new Territorial Wildfire Centre building today, marking what they say is a new milestone in public safety investment.

Yellowknife’s aquatic centre gets official name

As of Saturday, the aquatic centre in Yellowknife will officially have a new name. After opening about one year ago, the aquatic centre has eagerly awaited naming.