WEYBURN - On the heels of the resignation of Weyburn police chief Jamie Blunden on Aug. 10, the Weyburn Police Commission accepted his resignation as effective immediately, and appointed deputy chief Brent VanDeSype as the interim police chief.
In a statement issued through the City, the commission acknowledged the resignation as effective immediately.
“Chief Blunden has served the Weyburn community for the past four years, and the City commends his dedication and contributions during his tenure. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Weyburn Police Service through various challenges and changes,” said the statement.
Deputy Chief VanDeSype was appointed as of Thursday to be the interim police chief.
“The City has full confidence in Deputy Chief VanDeSype’s ability to lead the Weyburn Police Service during this transition, ensuring the continued safety and well-being of our community.
“The City thanks Chief Blunden for his service and extends its best wishes when he assumes his new role as police chief in the City of Estevan,” said the board’s statement.
The decision came swiftly after Chief Blunden made blistering comments about the Weyburn Police Commission, saying his poor relationship with them was a large reason why he has decided to move on to a new position.
Blunden was highly critical of some of the decisions made by the police board, such as reducing the amount of police presence on the street in order to save costs.
“You have to be fiscally responsible, but you have to be responsible to the community as well,” said Blunden in an interview.
“I’ve come to the point where the values that I have and the values that they have are not aligned, and I made the decision to go to a place that has a board that actually trusts in their chief and allows them to do the job,” he said.
