The Staff Sergeant for Steinbach RCMP has announced plans to retire.
Harold Laninga has served as a police officer for 36 years. April 23, 2012, was his first day as Staff Sergeant in Steinbach. Laninga has announced that December 30th of this year will be his last day as a police officer.
"It saddens me greatly to see a great man like him go," says Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk. "He has led his team impeccably well."
Funk says Laninga is so easy to work with and has always put Steinbach first.
"We've just appreciated his integrity and just his commitment to policing in our community, making our community safe," adds Funk.
The Steinbach Mayor says Laninga has been "absolutely incredible" in how he leads crime prevention in our city.
Funk refers to Laninga as more than just an RCMP Staff Sergeant, he describes him as a fun loving, caring friend who invests in his friendships and in those who are close to him.
Meanwhile, Steinbach Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra says he too was saddened to hear the news of Laninga's retirement.
"He has been fantastic to work with," adds Zwaagstra. "He has a true heart for the community, and he has been the best Staff Sergeant that I've ever worked with."
Zwaagstra is the council representative on the RCMP Advisory Group. He says Laninga cares about Steinbach and has always been very responsive to any concerns coming from council and the RCMP Advisory Group.
"There is absolutely no doubt that he wants the best for the city," adds Zwaagstra. "He has been instrumental in getting extra support for our city, in getting extra resources here and I know that he has been a strong advocate for the best interests of our city."
Similar to what the mayor said, Zwaagstra refers to Laninga as a man of integrity.
"He does what he says, and he says what he means," notes Zwaagstra. "Harold is a friend, he is active in our community, and I look forward to continuing to know him on a personal level even after his retirement."
Laninga's wife Debbie is retiring nine days earlier, on December 21st. But the two are not leaving Steinbach. The couple will continue to call Steinbach their home, into retirement. Funk says that just further shows the commitment their Staff Sergeant has to Steinbach, a community he has fallen in love with, even though he did not grow up here.
"I think it says a lot for the community, but it also says a lot for the type of people that Harold and Debbie are," adds Funk. "They are just wonderful community people; they are involved, and they will continue to be involved in their retirement."
RCMP are now working on finding a replacement for Laninga from outside the Steinbach detachment. Funk says the city does not play much of a role in this process, noting City Council will work with whoever is appointed.
"Anyone who comes will have big shoes to fill, " says Funk.
Zwaagstra adds Laninga will be hard to replace. He says his number one desire is that the next Staff Sergeant has a similar commitment to Steinbach and is willing to take the time to understand the "uniqueness of our city."