RCMP NL hosts Change of Command Ceremony officially marking new leadership

November 26, 2024
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

News release

Images

Assistant Commissioner Patrick (Pat) Cahill
RCMP officers dressed in red serge are inside a gymnasium with people seated around them. Two officers are passing a flag.
RCMP officers dressed in red serge are inside a gymnasium with people seated around them. Two officers are passing a flag.
A group of RCMP officers dressed in red serge stand in two lines inside a gymnasium.

Today, a Change of Command Ceremony took place at RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador Headquarters marking the change in leadership from Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Ebert to recently appointed Assistant Commissioner Patrick (Pat) Cahill, now the 21st Commanding Officer of RCMP B Division (Newfoundland and Labrador). RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme attended the ceremony, along with other special guests and employees of RCMP NL.

"I'm very pleased to be here in Newfoundland and Labrador to officially mark Assistant Commissioner Cahill's appointment as Commanding Officer," said Commissioner Duheme. "He brings extensive experience and local working knowledge of the province and its people, and he is well prepared to lead the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Assistant Commissioner Ebert for her contributions in this role. I wish her all the best in her posting as Assistant Commissioner, Operational Policing Services, Contract and Indigenous Policing, in Ottawa."

Assistant Commissioner Cahill assumed his duties in Newfoundland and Labrador on August 5, 2024, serving previously as the Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations for the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador. See the Biography for Assistant Commissioner Cahill below.

"Of all of my roles within the RCMP, being the Commanding Officer here at home brings me the most pride." said Assistant Commissioner Cahill. "Our police officers and employees are dedicated to public safety and serve our communities with excellence. I look forward to continuing to work with them to deliver quality policing services to each of our 41 detachments throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Change of Command Ceremony, which is rooted in military tradition, signifies the passing of authority and leadership of RCMP NL. The Ceremony included a symbolic exchange of B Division's Ensign from Assistant Commissioner Ebert to Assistant Commissioner Cahill, as well as the signing of the transfer of command parchment.

About RCMP NL

Through an agreement between Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, RCMP NL provides provincial and Indigenous policing services, with 41 detachments and additional specialized units, covering a service area of 80 per cent of the province's landmass. RCMP NL services more than 600 communities, including 3 First Nations Reserves, plus a number of unincorporated areas and localities throughout the province. In addition, the RCMP provides federal policing resources to address priorities including national security and organized crime throughout the entire province.

–30–

Contact information

Strategic Communications and Media Relations Unit
RCMP NL
rcmp.nl.media-medias.tnl.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Backgrounder

Biography: Assistant Commissioner Patrick (Pat) Cahill

Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill assumed the leadership of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Newfoundland and Labrador (RCMP NL) as Commanding Officer in August, 2024.

Assistant Commissioner Cahill was born and raised in St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. He joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1992 and upon completion of training at Depot in Saskatchewan, was posted to Thompson, Manitoba. He performed general duties there, including Rural and Municipal Policing, and also served in the General Investigation Section.

In 1999, he participated in a United Nations Mission where he was assigned to the Central Criminal Investigation Unit in Kosovo investigating War Crimes. In 2001, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal in charge of Wabowden, Manitoba Detachment. In 2003, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in charge of Gillam, Manitoba Detachment. And in 2005, he was promoted to the Staff Sergeant rank as a District Advisory Non-Commissioned Officer for Manitoba North District. He transferred to the Placentia Whitbourne District in Newfoundland and Labrador as District Commander in 2007. During the course of his duties, he has had numerous relief assignments throughout the North West Territories and Nunavut.
In 2008, Assistant Commissioner Cahill received his National Certification as a Critical Incident Commander. In 2011, he was commissioned to the rank of Inspector as the District Policing Officer of Labrador. In 2015, he transferred to St. John's, Newfoundland as the Officer in Charge of Major Crimes. Then, in 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Superintendent as the Administration and Personnel Officer for RCMP NL, followed by his promotion to Chief Superintendent as the Criminal Operations Officer for RCMP NL in 2022.

As a graduate from St. Francis Xavier University, he holds a Business Administration Degree, along with a Diploma of Management, from Cornell University. He has been awarded the Order of Merit, Queen's Jubilee Medal, Canadian Peace Keeping Medal, United Nations Mission in Kosovo Medal, and the Long Service Medal.

Assistant Commissioner Cahill has been married for over 35 years and has three daughters and three grandchildren. He resides in the community of Flatrock and enjoys spending time with his family and participating in outdoor activities.

Top of page
Date modified: