Estevan police Chief Paul Ladouceur is lauding the abilities of the three new sergeants for the Estevan Police Service (EPS).
Craig Bird, Evan Handley and Tyler McMillen were officially promoted from constable to sergeant during the Sept. 8 meeting of the Estevan Board of Police Commissioners. Ladouceur spoke on the qualifications of each officer, and presented them with their sergeant’s badge.
Bird was the most senior of the three officers promoted, as he has been with the EPS for 18 years; the last 4 1/2 years were spent as an acting sergeant.
“If there’s someone that’s the ideal definition of an ideal police officer, (it’s Craig); his name should be in the dictionary,” said Ladouceur. “I’ve never seen someone so involved in the community, and so involved with youth in the community as I have with Craig.”
Handley, who joined the EPS in 2003, most recently worked in the criminal investigation division. Ladouceur recalled that shortly after he arrived in Estevan, there was a homicide in the city – the first in Estevan since 2008. Handley’s investigative skills were evident at that time.
“I have full faith in Evan leading as a supervisor within this organization,” said Ladouceur.
McMillen has worked in several different capacities since joining the EPS in 2001, and had been an acting sergeant for about 18 months. When Ladouceur arrived in Estevan in April 2014, he received frequent praise for McMillen’s abilities.
“It was evident early on how involved Tyler is in this community, and how well-respected he is in this community, and I think that’s very, very important, not only in a city our size, but in any city when it comes to policing,” said Ladouceur.
Ladouceur said the promotion ceremony was a proud moment for him, the EPS and the community. It’s rare to have three officers promoted to the rank of sergeant simultaneously, especially in a city the size of Estevan.
“As we move forward, one of the most important things we need to look at is our leadership and supervision within the organization, and I can tell you that the three people standing before you today certainly exemplify what it is to be a leader and a supervisor,” said Ladouceur.
Ladouceur also paid tribute to the officers’ families. Without the support at home, there’s no way the members can do their jobs, so their promotion is also a celebration for the family members.
A total of seven EPS officers applied for the three vacant sergeants’ posts.
