Fort Smith (Sep 18/06) - A former sergeant from Fort Smith has been named the new commander of the RCMP in the southern part of the Northwest Territories.

Staff Sgt. Craig Seafoot will oversee the RCMP's South District, which includes nine detachments: Fort Smith, Hay River, Behchoko, Fort Liard, Fort Providence, Lutsel K'e, Fort Simpson, Whati and Fort Resolution. "I'm looking at it as one large detachment," he said.

Seafoot said a staff sergeant supervises the detachments, but doesn't interfere in day-to-day operations.

"If they have any ideas or concerns, they can talk to me," he said.

Seafoot spent 30 months in Fort Smith. "I enjoyed my time there."

His promotion became official Sept. 6. He has been acting commander of South District since May.

Seafoot will be relocating to Hay River in early October.

"I'm looking forward to moving to Hay River and meeting the people," he said.

Once he clears up detachment work, his next step will be to enhance relations between the RCMP and the South District communities.

"I plan to be going to every community in the south in the next few months," said Seafoot, adding he will be meeting with both RCMP members and residents.

Staff Sgt. Bob Gray, the former commander of NWT South District, has retired.

Seafoot's replacement has not been named in Fort Smith. Cpl. Grant Payne, who recently transferred to Fort Smith from Whati, is acting sergeant in the interim.