Millbrook losing popular RCMP officer

A last-ditch effort to keep a popular RCMP officer in Millbrook First Nation, N.S., has failed.

The Millbrook Grassroots Elder Committee met with the commanding officer for the RCMP in Nova Scotia, Alphonse MacNeil, and MP Scott Armstrong Wednesday.

The group asked the RCMP to let Const. Darren Sylvester remain in the area instead of transferring him to Indian Brook as planned. The Mi'kmaq officer was scheduled to leave Millbrook this week.

After the meeting, the RCMP agreed to leave Sylvester in place for a few more months to help a new officer get to know the community.

Compromise decision

Daniel Paul, a member of the elder committee, said the decision was a compromise.

"We worked it out — let's put it that way. We're a bit disappointed. We thought we could have Darren for a while longer, but things move on," Paul said.

"I like the commitment made by the deputy commissioner to the effect that there will be a transition period."

Blanche Mousseau, another elder, said Wednesday that the Mi'kmaq officer had made major contributions to Millbrook in his five years stationed there. That included starting a youth group against drugs and spending much of his free time building bonds between the youth and elders of Millbrook.

"We were very impressed by what he has done with the youth" she said. "He has re-established the link between youth and the elders."

Mousseau said she was afraid the youth group would fall apart without Sylvester's guiding hand.

'Passion and commitment'

"He takes them moose hunting. He's guided them with respect and pride," she said. "He has the passion and commitment and no one has stepped up to replace him."

Sylvester took a phlegmatic approach to the changes in his work situation.

"I'm pretty easy going. I can work pretty well anywhere. I'm excited about staying here for the extension and I'm also excited about starting in a new place and starting some new work somewhere else," he told CBC News.

"But either way, I'm just happy that I'm working and I'm able to do my job and they enjoy what I'm doing."

Sylvester's successor hasn't been hired yet. The elder committee is hoping the constable chosen is aboriginal.