Staff Sergeant Robert Hughes to Leave Dawson Creek RCMP, Leaving Behind a Stronger Community Policing Partnership

Dawson Creek, BC — The City of Dawson Creek is recognizing the leadership and partnership of Staff Sergeant Robert Hughes as he prepares to leave the Dawson Creek RCMP Detachment for a promotion in another community later this fall.

Over the past several years, Dawson Creek has faced significant challenges related to crime and public safety. During that time, the relationship between the City, the RCMP and the broader community has grown stronger, and Staff Sergeant Hughes has played an important role in building that relationship.

“Rob has been an incredible partner to the City and to our community,” said Mayor Darcy Dober. “We have faced some very difficult challenges together, and he has consistently brought a collaborative approach to policing in Dawson Creek. He has been willing to listen, bring people together, advocate for the resources our community needs and, most importantly, be present in our community.”

The response to crime in Dawson Creek has involved much more than policing alone. Residents, businesses, community organizations, local governments and police have increasingly worked together to address crime and improve public safety.

Over the past several years, that work has included:

Strengthening community policing: Supporting and working alongside Citizens on Patrol, Rural Crime Watch, Crime Stoppers and other community-based crime prevention efforts.

Building regional partnerships: Working with neighbouring RCMP detachments, the Peace River Regional District and other regional partners to address crime that does not stop at municipal boundaries.

Bringing specialized resources to Dawson Creek: Working with provincial and RCMP specialized units, including Major Crime, General Investigation Section, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, the Uniformed Gang Enforcement Team, and Emergency Response teams when circumstances required additional resources.

Targeting prolific offenders: Supporting coordinated crime-reduction efforts focused on repeat and high-risk offenders and property crime.

Advocating for additional resources: Working with local governments and regional partners to identify gaps and advocate for the policing resources needed in the Peace Region.

Keeping communication open: Maintaining regular dialogue with Council, City Staff, community organizations, volunteers, businesses and residents about emerging concerns and policing priorities.

While crime remains an ongoing community issue, Dawson Creek has also seen meaningful improvements in a number of crime categories in recent years, particularly in property crime and violent crime. “This isn't a story about crime being solved,” said Mayor Dober. “It is a story about a community that has learned how to respond together. We have seen residents step up, businesses work with police, community organizations contribute, and the City and RCMP develop a much stronger working relationship. Staff Sergeant Hughes has been an important part of that progress.”

“It has been a privilege to serve this community and I have been proud to call the South Peace my home for the last 3 years”, said Staff Sergeant Robert Hughes. “Dawson Creek is a community filled with good people who care deeply about where they live, and that has been one of the things I have appreciated most about being here.”

“I have led with the mindset that I only steer this ship. The team of people here in the detachment, both members and civilian staff are truly the ones that row the ship. Without them, the ship doesn’t move. While I’m excited for the next chapter and the opportunity ahead, leaving Dawson Creek will be bittersweet. I’ve seen firsthand how willing people are to step up, look out for one another and work together to make this a safer and stronger community. I’m grateful for the solid relationships that we’ve been able to build with the City, as well as the community members. This community has become very special to me, and I’ll always have a great deal of passion and respect for the people who call Dawson Creek home.” 

The City also recognizes that the good work will continue.

Staff Sergeant Hughes will remain in Dawson Creek until later this fall, when he will take on his new assignment. Sergeant Shawn Peddle will serve as the interim detachment commander following Hughes's departure.

“We are very fortunate that the strong relationship we've built with the Dawson Creek RCMP will continue,” said Mayor Dober. “We welcome Sergeant Peddle into the interim role and look forward to continuing the work we've started together.”

The City of Dawson Creek thanks Staff Sergeant Hughes for his service to the community and congratulates him on his promotion.

“Rob leaves Dawson Creek with our sincere thanks and best wishes to him and his family. He has helped build something that will last beyond his time here: a stronger connection between the RCMP, the City and the community we all serve.”

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Media Contact:
Communications Department
communications@dawsoncreek.ca