First, we are excited to share the news that the CPCA Executive has appointed RCMP "E" Division Chaplain David Field as our new CPCA Registrar. David's appointment as a new Executive Officer is immediate, and his duties as Registrar will commence upon the transfer of equipment and supplies/records from our previous Registrar, Hillar Alkok. David will work closely with President Bruce Ewanyshyn and Secretary/Treasurer Phil Sovdi fulfilling all functions of the Registrar including distribution of notices regarding annual membership dues, receiving and issuing membership renewals/cards, receiving membership applications and upon approval from the Executive providing New Member Packages, maintaining accurate and secure membership records, maintaining accurate credentialing records of members, issuing certificates when members complete training courses such as webinars and online courses, and much more.
By way of introduction, David Field served 36 years in law enforcement: 6 years with the Halifax Police and 30 years with the RCMP where he retired in 2011 at the Rank of Staff Sergeant Major overseeing operations in Mission, BC. Through the PAOC, David pastored a small church in Chilliwack, BC until 2021. In 2022, he was ordained through the Christian Ministers Association and began service as a RCMP chaplain in October 2023 with the Mission RCMP detachment. David first showed interest in the CPCA and our training in 2023, and was approved as an Affiliate Member. After commencing chaplaincy duties with the RCMP, David reapplied and was granted Full Membership with the CPCA. David brings a wealth of communications skills to the CPCA Executive and he is known for providing attention to detail in a timely fashion. David will work under the direction of Hillar Alkok until fluid in his duties. Once again, our gratitude to Hillar Alkok for his year of service as our CPCA Registrar. Congratulations Dave, and welcome to our CPCA Leadership Team.
***CPCA Members: please note that there will be no change to the email for our new Registrar. Continue to use the email Registrar@the-cpca.ca which will be transferred to Chaplain David Field***
Second, we are excited to share the news that the CPCA Executive has appointed a Regional Director to oversee our new CPCA - ATL Region. We welcome RCMP "H" Division Chaplain Dave Sutherland to our CPCA Leadership Team and our growing list of CPCA Regional Directors. With Regions established in BC, SK, MB, ON, and now the Atlantic area, Dave becomes our 5th Regional Director since our membership approved Constitution changes at our AGM in Winnipeg on October 19, 2023. Regional Directors are responsible for reaching out and connecting with police chaplains in their area, providing support and encouragement, organizing an annual in-person training/personal development day, promoting chaplaincy in surrounding police agencies, and accepting direction from the CPCA President and Executive. Dave caught the eye of the CPCA Leadership Team for his actions post 2023 ATS when he reached out to chaplains in the Atlantic area inquiring whether there exists a desire to establish local connection and training. Dave is excited about the idea of building strong peer support within the Atlantic region.
By way of introduction, Dave Sutherland served as an officer with the military police and retired as a military chaplain. For the past six years, Dave has been serving the RCMP detachments in Nova Scotia, building relationships and supporting the police officers. Chaplain Dave also supports the Fire Service Association of NS by serving on their Critical Incident Stress Management team. Although Dave is only a two year member of the CPCA, he has already achieved his CPCA Basic Credentials for which I had the pleasure of awarding him with his certificate at the ATS banquet in Winnipeg on Oct 19, 2023. Dave has already asked me for CPCA letterhead which he intends to use to reach out to different police agencies in the Atlantic provinces to make them aware of both the benefits of chaplaincy and the role of the CPCA in providing training, support and credentialling. Thank you Dave for your willingness as a visionary and servant to join the CPCA Leadership Team; welcome!
***CPCA Members: we still have some provinces that need a Regional Director. If you have a desire to support and connect chaplains within your province, a desire to see chaplaincy expand to other police agencies, and a willingness to organize an annual one day training event, please contact me at bewanyshyn91@gmail.com and let's start a dialogue.
Best regards,
Chaplain/Constable Bruce Ewanyshyn
CPCA President
ICPC Director of Region 1