A veteran member of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) has announced his retirement after 22 years of service.
Sgt. Craig Brid has decided to move on, saying that the time was right. Bird, whose final day of service was July 26, came to the EPS after spending 10 years working for the Regina Rifles.
He was still enjoying his work as a member of the EPS.
“In the last little while, circumstances have changed … and it just culminated. I thought it was the right time to leave, and I made the decision,” he said.
Bird was sworn-in as a sergeant in September 2015. Prior to that, he had spent some time as an acting sergeant.
A lot of great things have happened during his tenure, meeting people and engaging the community. He remembers being part of the EPS bicycle unit, riding around the community and interacting with the public. He was the liaison officer for Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur, and was part of bike rodeos and other events.
Bird said he’s going to remain in Estevan. He’ll take time off to relax and get back in a normal routine.
“Doing shift work for 22 years plays a little bit of havoc on you. It will be nice to get on a regular schedule, and not have to worry about working nights.”
He’ll spend time on his family’s farm outside of the city, and Bird said he will continue to be active with the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and the No. 2901 Estevan Army Cadets, where he is the commanding officer.
He’ll focus on getting the cadets up and running in the fall.
“There’s all kind of things to work on and go on, so there’s not going to be too much boredom,” said Bird.
Last year he also helped launch the Southeast Military Museum, which is located at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch and at his farm. The museum features artifacts from his personal collection of military items, as well as some from other collectors.
Bird said he met a lot of good people during his time with the EPS and in the community, and has been proud to be involved with different events and functions.
The move leaves the EPS with four sergeants - three who are in charge of the respective patrol units, and one for the specialized units. A decision hasn't been made on Bird's replacement.
