The Carlyle Detachment of the RCMP welcomed a new Staff Sergeant last week.
Tom Vanderzwan has been working as an RCMP member for the last 24.5 years, with a majority of his time spent in Saskatchewan though he's originally from Alberta.
Vanderzwan first entered the force in 1989, his brother had joined 11 years prior and encouraged Vanderzwan to join.
"It was a good place to go, an interesting job, and he convinced me to do the same thing," Vanderzwan explained.
Having been stationed in Eston, Pelly, Tisdale, Kerrobert, Melville, and Provost before calling Carlyle home he has had much experience.
Throughout his years he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the RCMP and is glad to have been stationed in Carlyle. Most of his time has been consumed with organization since arriving, both of his house and his office.
"I've been catching up on a lot of paperwork and getting the office in order, my own office."
Vanderzwan comes to Carlyle with his wife, Wanda, and his youngest son Nathaniel.
"So far everybody I've talked to are very friendly and it seems like a very welcoming community."
His other three boys live in Vancouver and Saskatoon, with one waiting to hear back from the RCMP Depot regarding his application as he hopes to follow in his father's footsteps.
Vanderzwan is looking forward to meeting people in the community, though his position of Staff Sergeant is more administrative he very much enjoys getting to know and visit with people in the community.
"I had more fun as a constable," Vanderzwan explained. "As a constable you get out more and meet people. This is more administrative and I miss that aspect of it I miss the contact with the people."
Overall Vanderzwan is looking forward to serving Carlyle and the surrounding area.
"It's been an enjoyable career so far and I'm looking forward to continuing that way."
