DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - The officer who has led the Dawson Creek RCMP detachment in recent years through a violent drug turf war, is moving on to a new role in southeastern British Columbia.
The Southeast District RCMP has announced that Rob Hughes has been promoted and commissioned to the rank of Inspector and selected as the new Officer-in-Charge of the Cranbrook RCMP detachment.
Hughes has served as Detachment Commander in Dawson Creek, leading the city’s 31-member municipal detachment and working with community partners and RCMP support units to address crime and public safety concerns.
The promotion marks a significant change for policing leadership in Dawson Creek, where Hughes has become a familiar figure through regular interactions with local governments, community organizations and media.
While he has been appointed to the Cranbrook position, Hughes will continue working in Dawson Creek during the transition period before moving to his new post.
Mayor Praises Hughes’ Leadership
Dawson Creek Mayor Darcy Dober said Hughes arrived at a time when crime and violent incidents were a major concern in the community and credited him and the RCMP team with helping reverse that trend.
The mayor said that Dawson Creek today is not the same Dawson Creek as it was in 2023 and Hughes deserves a lot of credit for all the hard work that has gone into making that happen.
Dober said Hughes built strong relationships with city council, other levels of government and community organizations, helping create a collaborative approach to addressing crime and public safety issues.
He described Hughes as a leader who worked closely with the city while supporting frontline officers and ensuring they had the tools needed to do their jobs.
The mayor said Dawson Creek has seen significant declines in several crime categories during Hughes’ tenure and called his contribution to the community “phenomenal.”
He praised Hughes, the detachment leadership team and frontline members for changing the direction the community was headed during a challenging period marked by a violent drug turf war and several high-profile incidents.
“He’s done a phenomenal job.., for the detachment, for our community as a whole,” said Dober. “He is a phenomenal person. Him and his wife and his family.”
Dober said Hughes will be missed but deserves the opportunity to advance his career.
“I just want to thank him. It’s very much appreciated. He put the community first. He cared. He did an amazing job and we wish him the best in his next chapter of life.”
Impact Felt Across Region
Pouce Coupe Mayor Danielle Veach thanked Hughes for his service to the region.
“I’d like to thank Staff Sergeant Hughes for his years of service in the region. As both a member of the RCMP and a resident of Pouce Coupe, he has been a valued part of our community,” said Veach. “We appreciate the respectful working relationship we’ve had with the RCMP and look forward to continuing it with his successor.”
Hughes Reflects on Time in South Peace
Hughes said he is proud of what his team has accomplished alongside community and RCMP partners during his time in Dawson Creek.
“I’ve seen firsthand how willing people are to step up, look out for one another and work together to make this a safer and stronger community. I’m grateful for the solid relationships that we’ve been able to build with the City, as well as the community members,” said Hughes. This community has become very special to me, and I’ll always have a great deal of passion and respect for the people who call Dawson Creek home.”
Hughes joined the RCMP in 2004 after graduating from Depot and has served in Richmond, Langley, Surrey, Princeton and Dawson Creek throughout his policing career.
The RCMP says he has gained experience in frontline policing, property crime investigations, crime reduction initiatives, surveillance and targeted enforcement, while taking on leadership roles of increasing responsibility.
Hughes said, “I have led with the mindset that I only steer this ship. The team of people here in the detachment, both members and civilian staff are truly the ones that row the ship. Without them, the ship doesn’t move. While I’m excited for the next chapter and the opportunity ahead, leaving Dawson Creek will be bittersweet.“
Looking Forward to New Opportunity
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve the Cranbrook community and lead the dedicated employees of the Cranbrook RCMP,” he said. “My wife and I are excited to make Cranbrook our home and become part of this vibrant community.”
Southeast District Officer Shawna Baher said the appointment will provide additional leadership capacity as Cranbrook continues to grow and faces policing challenges related to addictions, mental health and associated criminal activity.
The Southeast District RCMP says it looks forward to Hughes’ continued leadership in his new role as Officer-in-Charge of the Cranbrook detachment.
“It has been a privilege to serve this community and I have been proud to call the South Peace my home for the last 3 years. Dawson Creek is a community filled with good people who care deeply about where they live, and that has been one of the things I have appreciated most about being here,” said Hughes.
This story will updated throughout the day.