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ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD
The new commander of the Fort Liard RCMP detachment is looking forward to getting involved in the community.

Cpl. Monica Schimanke, the new commander of the Fort Liard RCMP detachment, is eager to get involved in the community. - photo courtesy of Cpl. Monica Schimanke

Cpl. Monica Schimanke arrived in Fort Liard on Oct. 8.

"I've been wanting to come North for quite awhile," Schimanke said.

Her last posting was in Fort McMurray, Alta. The booming city was a larger centre than she ideally wanted to work in. The RCMP detachment alone had more than 200 members.

She said Fort Liard is proving to be a welcome change.

"It's a nicer pace of life," she said. 'The people are friendlier, the scenery is incredible."

In a community the size of Fort Liard, you have a chance to really get involved, she said.

Schimanke is interested in addressing domestic violence, working in the schools and getting to know the community better.

Over the past month, she has already started this process by meeting Acho Dene Koe First Nation Chief Harry Deneron and Mayor Morris McLeod.

Schimanke said she is also starting to get to know other community residents.

The detachment has four ongoing priorities that were established previously in consultation with leadership in the community. The priorities include police and community relations, substance abuse education, youth and violence.

As part of the goal of building relationships with the community, Schimanke is encouraging open lines of communication with the detachment.

"We are here to help or answer questions. You should never be afraid to call us or ask questions or voice concerns," she said.

Schimanke would also like to hear from residents who have solutions in mind for issues they see around Fort Liard.

The detachment is also responsible for Nahanni Butte. Officers normally visit the community at least once a month.

Schimanke would like to have regular visits every few weeks.

Establishing a relationship with the Charles Yohin School is also one of her goals.

Although she's new to the Northwest Territories, Schimanke does have some familiarity with the region.

Originally from Edmonton, Schimanke started her career as a newspaper journalist and was later convinced by some RCMP members to join the organization.

"I saw it as something I always wanted to do," she said.

She joined at the age of 30 and has been with the RCMP for 17 years.

Her first postings were in British Columbia, including Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson and Prince George. Having been in Fort Nelson, Schimanke said she was happy to come to Fort Liard.

With three constables and herself, the detachment is now up to strength. There were only two officers working most of the summer with some relief help so it's good to be up to strength to better serve the community, Schimanke said.

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