He has only been here since December, but Staff Sgt. Ryan Currie says he and his family are already in love with the Creston Valley.
“We moved here to become part of the community and to enjoy outdoor recreation,” Currie said on Monday. “And Amanda can hardly wait for the fresh fruit and vegetable season!”
The relocation from Canmore included a promotion for the 21-year RCMP veteran. Raised in Moose Jaw SA, Currie began his police career in the fly-in Indian reserve community of Wollaston SA and also worked in Assiniboine SA before moving on to postings in the Yukon.
More than a decade ago he moved back to Saskatchewan to become a driving instructor at the RCMP training depot, and five years later he moved into administrative work in Saskatchewan’s F Division. For five years he was a sergeant, second in command at the Canmore detachment.
With his wife, Amanda, and 11th-grade stepson, Currie says his family has received a warm welcome.
“I like being part of a community and being visible,” he said. “It has been nice to get out and about and feel welcome wherever I have been. It’s pretty easy to develop good relationships when everyone is so open and friendly.”
Currie has also been impressed with the staff and RCMP members at his new detachment, crediting Sgt. Dave Nassichuk and Cpls. Gerry Sliworsky and Darren Kakuno for their leadership since the retirement last year of Staff Sgt. Darryl Hammond.
“It has been really easy to take over command—-this is a really good bunch of people here.”
Memories of frigid Saskatchewan and Yukon winters flooded back when he talked about the Creston environment.
“On a Saturday in January, Amanda and I actually sat out on the deck with our dogs—it was just beautiful. What’s not to like?”