Nova Scotia RCMP formally welcome new commanding officer

DARTMOUTH, N.S. — Nova Scotia RCMP held a change-of-command ceremony Wednesday to welcome Assistant Commissioner Dennis Daley as their new commanding officer.

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme presided over the Dartmouth ceremony, officially passing the reins of H Division from the outgoing commanding officer John Ferguson to Daley.

Daley, a 35-year officer, began his career in New Minas in 1989 and went on to serve in New Brunswick from 1995 to 2007 before returning to Nova Scotia in 2009 upon promotion to Inspector with the Halifax district. Another promotion, this time to superintendent in charge of administration and personnel, followed in 2013, and four years later, Daley was sent to national headquarters in Ottawa with the rank of chief superintendent, advancing to assistant commissioner in 2019.

“I’m privileged and profoundly humbled to lead the Nova Scotia RCMP,” Daley said in a news release. “I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our many partners and community leaders to enhance safety, build trust and make a positive difference in the lives of Nova Scotians.”

Daley said his priorities include addressing gender-based violence, mental health and organized crime.

He will also focus on community policing, strengthening relationships with stakeholders and residents, and implementing strategies to improve community safety and well-being.