Maple Ridge RCMP Superintendent Adam Gander is leaving after 15 months as the officer in charge of the detachment.
On Monday, April 13, he announced his retirement in an open letter to the community.
“In March 2001, I graduated from the RCMP’s training facility (Depot) and started my first shift as a police officer here at the Ridge Meadows RCMP detachment. I would have never guessed then, as that new officer, that 25 years later I would be the Officer in Charge of this detachment,” he said.
”It’s been an amazing experience, but all things must change.”
Ridge Meadows was split into the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows detachments on April 1, and he thanked both cities, as well as the Katzie First Nation.
“It was a very hard decision to make this change as I have had such great experiences and worked with some truly exceptional people who really care about this community. I was very fortunate to spend 18 years policing here in Maple Ridge (with a stint in the middle of seven years at the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team).”
“Finally, to all the members and city staff at the detachment: I recognize the many sacrifices you make, from missing birthday parties to getting woken up in the middle of the night to being called in for a serious investigation,” said Gander. “You picked policing as a calling, not just a career, and I can say after 25 years you are making a difference.”
Mayor Dan Ruimy offered thanks for Gander’s service on behalf of city council.
“His leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public safety have made a lasting impact on our community,” said the statement. “From his early days as a new officer at the detachment to serving as Officer in Charge, he has demonstrated integrity and compassion. His collaborative approach has been instrumental in advancing many initiatives to strengthen the safety and well-being of our community.
“As Adam begins his well-earned retirement, we wish him and his family all the best.”
The hiring process to name the new Officer in Charge is already underway, and Gander said “I am confident the new OIC will continue the long tradition of working closely with the community. They have to, because I still live here and will be watching! In the interim, our more than capable senior leadership team here will be overseeing the detachment’s operations.”
Gander replaced Supt. Wendy Mehat in January 2025, as she ended a four-year posting to serve with the BC RCMP’s Surrey Provincial Operations Support Team, with a promotion to chief superintendent.