A former local RCMP sergeant is eager to push for what he says is a much-needed change within the agency as he settles into his new role as Director of the Manitoba branch for the National Police Federation.

Bobby Baker is no longer heading up the Pembina Valley RCMP detachment after being elected the first-ever director of the recently created member association.

The son of an RCMP officer, Baker grew up in Manitoba and the Yukon and has lived and worked in several rural and fly-in detachments throughout is own 23+ year career with the force. In addition, Baker spent half of his service as a plain-clothes officer working in divisions like cold cases, homicide, and major crimes. He also spent some time advocating within the agency's previous labour system.

"I was elected to the position to represent our officers, and I think that I personally have a perspective that our officers have in different types of policing throughout Manitoba," said Baker.

As Canada's national police force moves to a unionized and "modern" work environment, Baker says having representation at this level will be a game-changer for the nearly 150-year-old establishment and its members.

"In having a collective contract and defined conditions of employment, it's going to make significant positive changes," he noted.

Aside from the labour perspective, Baker also hopes to raise the profile of the RCMP by telling the stories of everyday officers who serve locally, nationally and internationally.

"And we know that Canadians (have an appreciation) already, and that the RCMP is supported by communities," he said. A recent survey indicates 77 percent of Canadians are satisfied with the RCMP's contribution to keeping them safe.

"For myself, I love the RCMP, I love policing and I love the communities that I've had the chance to work in," added Baker, who spent the last stint of his policing career based in Carman.

"Carman was fantastic, and all of the communities in the Pembina Valley are so supportive of us," he added.