News release
History made with new grads
March 11, 2026
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Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP
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The Kelowna RCMP is proud to announce the first group of trained Auxiliary RCMP volunteers will be hitting the street this month after they officially graduated last night. This group is making history as they are the first in British Columbia to graduate and be activated under the RCMP’s newly designed Auxiliary program.
A total of 14 Auxiliary volunteers received months of training and are ready to be deployed at the Tier 1 level, while their training for Tiers 2 and 3 will continue.
Tier 1 Auxiliary volunteers are a valuable asset to the RCMP aimed at strengthening community and police partnerships in addition to performing non-enforcement community policing and crime prevention activities such as:
- Safety talks and education activities (Business “Knock&Talks”),
- Participate in Watch programs such as Speed Watch,
- Offer non-enforcement support to police operations,
- Attend community and special events,
- Participate in public ceremonies,
- Assist in searching for a missing person.
“Today marks an exciting milestone for the City of Kelowna and the Kelowna RCMP as we officially launch the Tier 1 Auxiliary Program with our first group of trained auxiliaries,” said Superintendent Chris Goebel, Officer in Charge of the Kelowna RCMP detachment. “These dedicated volunteers have committed their time, skills, and energy to support community safety, and we are incredibly proud to welcome them into this important role. As part of their continued development, this group will progress through ongoing training toward Tier 3. Their commitment strengthens our partnership with the people of Kelowna and supports our shared goal of building a safer community."
“The Auxiliary Program was one of the seven recommendations that came forward from the Mayor’s Task Force on Crime Reduction, and Council and I are pleased to see this important step taken to strengthen community policing and support the work of the RCMP,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “I want to congratulate this first group of volunteers for stepping forward to serve their community. Public safety is a top priority for Council, and the auxiliary program will enhance crime prevention efforts while helping build stronger connections between residents and local law enforcement.”
To become an Auxiliary volunteer, a person must first attend a recruiting information session, then submit an application. Following that process, applicants will be interviewed, put through fitness testing, and then receive training both in the classroom and in the field.
Ethan Laferdy has a full-time job as an RCMP dispatcher and is one of the graduating volunteers who is committed to public safety and giving back to the city he calls home; “I joined the Auxiliary Program to become closer to our community and gain further knowledge in law enforcement. Protecting our community isn't just my job, it's my calling, whether behind the radio as a Dispatcher or on the street."
What is the RCMP Auxiliary Program?
The Auxiliary Program was introduced in 1963 to enhance community policing and crime prevention initiatives. Auxiliaries give their time to help keep our communities safe, and the RCMP values these volunteers greatly and considers them a vital part of the organization.
Learn more about becoming an RCMP Auxiliary volunteer visit Auxiliary Program | Royal Canadian Mounted Police or email e_kelowna_auxiliary@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.