Alberta RCMP are announcing a new officer in charge of the Wood Buffalo detachment.

Superintendent Mark Hancock is taking over for Lorna Dicks who had led the division since December 2016.

In a statement, the Mounties note Dicks ‘fulfilled her position at the Detachment and continues onwards at another posting.’

As for Hancock, he has 29 years of experience in his career including serving as the RMWB’s Inspector in charge of Operations and Investigative Services from 2015 to 2017.

“I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to come back to Fort McMurray as the [Officer in Charge],” he added. “This means a great deal to me, as I enjoyed my previous time here.”

Hancock says his first priorities include crime reduction and continued efforts to promote and develop strong ties between the RCMP and all the communities in the RMWB.

“I look forward to representing the RCMP and provide the best police service possible to the people of this region.”