The Editor,
My wife and I came to Richmond in 1997 and we have loved living in the Steveston/Westwind community since then.
We have had the privilege of serving the community in various public safety capacities.
Over the years, I have had the honour of working in Richmond as a paramedic, chief and, for the last several years, as the officer in charge of the South Fraser District, which included Richmond/YVR.
After 24 years of emergency medical services (EMS) in B.C., I find myself moving onto another adventure.
I have accepted a position on the other coast in New Brunswick with their provincial EMS service. The decision to leave Richmond was not an easy one for us.
Over the years, I have been proud to be a part of the many legacy achievements that have started in Richmond.
When I think back, I have worked on many firsts that have started here. Unfortunately I have also had many tragic events to remember.
What I am most proud of are those incredible responders in this city.
Richmond has, by far, the best police, fire, coast guard, military, and paramedic members!
I have presented internationally on responder interoperability and I often brag about "how good we have it here."
The list is long for those that I must thank. I know that I will miss someone and, for that, I apologize.
Many thanks our local and provincial leaders for their support and guidance.
Many thanks to Chief John McGowan and all of the members of Richmond Fire Rescue, Superintendent Renny Nesset and the members of the Richmond RCMP, Captain Brian Wooton and the Coast Guard staff at Sea Island and all of the incredible reservists at the 12th Service Battalion for your dedication and service to this community.
Thank you to the many city staff that help to keep Richmond a beautiful and safe place.
Thank you to all of the staff at ECOMM 911. To Craig Jones and the rest of the staff at the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, thank you for your support and friendship.
Thank you to my friends in the local media including all of the staff at the Richmond News.
And, of course, a huge thank you to my friends and colleagues with the BCAS here in Richmond.
It has been an honour and pleasure to serve with each and every one of you.
Also, thank you to my three amazing children who have had to share their dad with this community.
As well as a huge thank you to my parents who came and made Richmond their home. My family is what gives me all of my strength and for that I am truly thankful.
I would be remiss if I did not thank my amazing wife and my best friend, Cpl. Dustine Rodier, for her love and support.
She has put up with many a middle-of-the-night telephone call and my leaving the family all of the sudden for incidents.
She has supported me even on those many "days off " when I was busy at some event in the community. She has stood by me in the worst of times, as well as the best ... and, for that, I thank her immensely.
I am also very proud of her incredible accomplishments as a police officer in this community.
Our times here have been incredible and we will miss everything about this amazing community.
Richmond will forever be in our hearts, thoughts, and memories. Thank you all.
Pascal Rodier Richmond
