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INUVIK - Staff Sgt. Bill Eubank looks at his latest promotion as just a normal progression in a rewarding career spanning 30 years.

No longer just in charge of the Inuvik RCMP detachment, next week his job title will be District North Advisory N.C.O (Non Commissioned Officer). Which means he'll be overseeing detachments in Deline, Tulita, Norman Wells, Fort Good Hope, Aklavik, Fort McPherson, Tuktoyaktuk, Paulatuk and Holman.

Staff Sgt. Bill Eubank shares a laugh with Constables Paul Woodfine, left, and Andrew Hicks of the Inuvik RCMP detachment on Tuesday. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

"I'll just be moving across the hall, no pay raise or anything, just more responsibility," he said with laugh.

Though stationed here for just one year, he has a wealth of experience, having risen through the RCMP ranks in several provinces and territories, including the Yukon and Nunavut. In fact, much of his career has been spent at small aboriginal community postings, including stints as sergeant at Fort McPherson, Fort Simpson and Behchoko.

He's also been part of the United Nations Protective Force, serving in Yugoslavia and has experience in everything from highway to snowmobile patrol, to search and rescue and major drug investigations.

But Eubank admits no groundbreaking changes are on the horizon for this district. Rather his emphasis will be on providing support, ensuring that officers aren't wanting for equipment.

But the former high school teacher said he's there to offer his experience and guidance while ensuring each detachment maintains a community first approach, a philosophy that he said has boded him well thus far.

Above measuring up to standards set by the courts, the territorial government and the RCMP, he said detachments have to measure up to individual community standards.

"The police don't exist without the community," he said. "It's the same with every new person who comes up here. They have to learn their community. If you're in an post where you are the minority and it's your world that's turned topsy-turvy, then you've got a pretty steep learning curve."

He said he and his colleagues have put that community minded approach into play in Inuvik. Through community consultations the detachment has focused on reducing drug and alcohol abuse as well as domestic violence in the area. Much of its educational and enforcement programs are centered on this goal.

Eubank said he's aware of the longstanding concern over the lack of RCMP officers in the district, but admits it's a governmental issue.

A man constantly on the go, he's juggling countless responsibilities, whether it's regarding hiring, mentoring, or budgeting. Two more years remain in his three-year posting here. But he said he's too busy and having too much fun to consider what will come after.

Inuvik Const. Paul Woodfine thinks his boss is more than ready for his added responsibilities.

"It's been great so far, he manages in a way that's to the point and inclusive," said Woodfine. "He always seems to get the job done in the most efficient way."

Eubank, the self-proclaimed small town boy from Swift Current, said the North has exposed him to a rich culture and community diversity that's made him much better at his job.

"It's affected my understanding of cultures and my approach to it," he said. "My life in the Northern communities has laid the groundwork for all of my success, such as it may be."