Canada’s top Mountie says Newfoundland and Labrador is in good hands with one of their own at the helm.

Pat Cahill, a born and bred townie, formally took over the reins for this province yesterday during the Change of Command ceremony at RCMP headquarters in St. John’s.

Cahill, whose late father was an RNC officer, was officially appointed Assistant Commissioner for B Division back in September.

National RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme credited Cahill for already guiding the force through some tough calls.

“During his first months as commanding officer, the province experienced a number of challenging moments,” he noted. “Three people charged with first-degree murder for a homicide in Bay Roberts, shots fired between motorists on Random Island, tragic fires leading to loss of life, yet in all these difficult times the RCMP has consistently responded with professionalism and compassion.”

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme presides over the NL Change of Command ceremony at RCMP headquarters in St. John’s. Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill takes the reins from Jennifer Ebert. pic.twitter.com/9xhWP43UCU

— VOCM News (@VOCMNEWS) November 26, 2024

Cahill, meanwhile, said he was proud for the occasion, but also the resilience of the province’s uniformed and civilian members.

“As the commanding officer for the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador, being born and raised in this beautiful province, I stand before you today with an incredible sense of pride and honour,” he said. “I want to thank our members and employees, as they have worked through some difficult and challenging times over the last few years. But I am confident and can say that we have weathered the storm.”

Cahill is not the first Newfoundlander to assume the post.

Ches Parsons, who grew up in Curling on the west coast, served as commanding officer from 2018 until 2021.