News release
Inspector Terry Gillespie named the new Officer in Charge of West Shore RCMP
November 13, 2025
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West Shore, British Columbia
From: West Shore RCMP
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West Shore RCMP is welcoming a new Officer in Charge following the retirement of Superintendent Todd Preston in August 2025.
Terry Gillespie, who is currently serving as the Operations Support Officer at the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment, has been named for promotion to Superintendent in Charge of West Shore RCMP. Terry Gillespie brings nearly two decades of RCMP service and extensive leadership experience across British Columbia to his new role as Officer in Charge of the West Shore RCMP.
Since joining the RCMP in 2006, Inspector Gillespie has served in a range of communities and command positions, including Detachment Commander in Haida Gwaii and Smithers, District Advisory NCO for the Kitimat-Stikine region, Officer in Charge of the Terrace Detachment, and Operations Support Officer in Nanaimo.
He has led detachments facing some of the province’s highest crime rates. He has been successful in improving morale, staffing levels, and community trust through collaborative leadership and engagement with municipal governments and Indigenous communities. His leadership has driven operational improvements and innovative programs enhancing officer safety and public confidence.
Inspector Gillespie holds a Diploma in Business Administration and has completed advanced studies in Police Leadership and Management at Dalhousie University, along with executive development programs through the RCMP.
“I’m truly honoured and excited to join the West Shore RCMP and to serve these vibrant and growing communities,” said Inspector Gillespie. “I look forward to working closely with our dedicated officers and staff, municipal and Indigenous leaders, as well as our community partners to continue delivering safe, responsive, and community-focused policing. I also want to thank Inspector Stephen Rose for his outstanding leadership as interim Officer in Charge and for ensuring the West Shore communities remained safe and well served during the transition.”
Inspector Gillespie will join West Shore RCMP in the new year.
Contacts
Media Relations Officer
West Shore RCMP
westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
250-474-2264