ESTEVAN — One of the Estevan RCMP's most-tenured members is moving onto his next opportunity.
Cpl. Craig Park has accepted a new job with the RCMP's Major Crimes Unit South in Regina. He has been working with the Estevan detachment since 2016, and said he really enjoyed his time in the community.
"I've certainly seen some changes in the seven years that I've been here, with the activity in the oilfield, and the ups and downs of the city," said Park.
It was the first time that Park has worked with a partner municipal agency, and he praised the relationship with the Estevan Police Service.
"It's certainly nice to see how other police forces do things and experience that. I have no complaints with my seven years here. It's been lots of challenges, lots of different things that we've done in the past seven years, and it's been good," he said.
Park has also been serving as the acting detachment commander for Estevan, with Sgt. Steven Ross currently on leave.
Replacing Park will be Cpl. Srdjen Bunjevac, who started on Monday. Park said he would remain for a couple of weeks in Estevan to help Bunjevic with his transition.
The Estevan RCMP has been working with members of the Carnduff RCMP for several months, which has increased the area of responsibility for both detachments. It's meant a learning curve with the two police stations, as now RCMP members for both detachments have been covering an area from west of Estevan to the Manitoba border.
Park said the arrangement was necessary due to some lack of manpower. The Estevan RCMP currently has a sergeant, a corporal and three constables. Another officer is scheduled to arrive, and he hopes others can come in to replace members who have transferred out.
"I know we've had a few people question why there are Carnduff members responding when a call is from Estevan, so that would be why. We're trying to fill the holes here where we can with our resources and help each other out, and so far it's been good."
He doubts this will be a permanent measure, and it will return to normal when the lack of officers is resolved.
