With 14 years of service, Chestermere’s newest senior police member is a welcomed addition to the local municipal RCMP team. He joined the Chestermere “K” Division in February of this year.
Sgt. Mark Wielgosz began his career as a Constable in the RCMP in 2000 with the Quesnel, BC detachment.
Since then he has experienced 6 transfers across Alberta and B.C. including places like Prince George, Lloydminster and High Level.
Sgt. Wielgosz takes on the title of Operations Supervisor or “Operations NCO”. This position is a newly created role within the detachment given the increase of police positions over recent years planned increases to keep pace with the growth of Chestermere. The position is akin to a deputy police chief or deputy director.
This position was of interest to Sgt. Wielgosz given the unique policing environment of Chestermere, the challenges of a growing population and partnership with a number of surrounding police services.
“The creation of this position was timely as it coincided with a planned transfer and desire to relocate back to the Calgary area,” said Sgt. Wielgosz.
As second in charge and the member responsible for overall supervision, his duties will include things like initial command during critical incidents; coordination of operations during special events or disaster management; quality assurance and supervision of complex or high risk investigations; investigation of public complaints, discipline matters, and incident review after critical incidents; a well he will be responsible for detachment command in the absence of the unit commander.
“After six transfers in fourteen years my spouse and I are looking forward to remaining in the area with our three children for the foreseeable future,” said Wielgosz, “I look forward to working with our emergency services team to fulfill my commitment to ensure our detachment continues to provide an effective, responsive, and professional service to the residents of our city.”
S/Sgt. Glenn Henry says he is thrilled to have the new members help, “My role will change with the addition of Sgt. Wielgosz who will now be in charge of the day to day business which allows me to concentrate on other things. He is a great help and a wonderful addition to our team.”
Sgt. Wielgosz has enjoyed getting to know the community and his presence can often be seen around the city, including monitoring areas such as school and playground zones to watch drivers and act as a reminder to slow down and use caution, especially during busy times in the morning and after school.
With respect to school zone safety, Sgt. Wielgosz’s comments that our children are our most valuable resource. “It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure we keep them safe whether it be through enforcement on the part of the police, or increased awareness by our motorists,” he goes on to add that at present, Chestermere enjoys safe streets with injury collisions all but nonexistent. “This is certainly a trend we would like to see continue,” states the new Sergeant.
Staff and student crossing guards at Rainbow Creek Elementary welcome the additional RCMP presence around the school in the mornings. “Anytime we can highlight school zone safety and remind drivers to slow down is welcomed,” said a Rainbow Creek staff member while helping out the crossing guards, “Sometimes it can get pretty busy here and when drivers are in a hurry you see some crazy things.”
Sgt. Wielgosz’s Tips for School Zone Safety: Be familiar with where our school zones are, watch your speed, remain cognizant of pedestrians particularly in school zones and at cross walks, and respect the laws concerning school busses when they stop to pick up our children.
The Chestermere detachment began in 2005 with 8 members, and has now grown to 17 members in 2015 with the addition of the new Sergeant
