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Change

Originally posted: May 30, 2024

Change is hard, but it’s also good. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and hopefully into that optimal performance zone. It definitely brings opportunities to learn and grow.

We had more changes in the Employee Wellness Unit, recently. If you haven’t seen Becky Swan’s smiling face around the department, that’s because back in April, Becky took a new opportunity with West Vancouver Police Department to develop their Wellness Unit.

During her 14 years with the VPD, here are some of the things Becky accomplished:

  • Started as a fitness coordinator in Training and Recruiting
  • Implemented onsite rehabilitation services
  • Obtained position reclassification to athletic therapist
  • Instrumental having volunteers assist with POPAT practices; volunteers are often VPD employees (JG, CSP, TA, civilians)
  • Recommended using the COPAT for the new CSP program and it was implemented
  • Taught standard first aid and CPR C to members as a part of the increment program
  • Advocated for position to be transferred from Training and Recruiting to HR due to the growth of wellness services that fell under the position
  • Advocated for new in-house positions such as fitness coordinator and physiotherapist
  • Received a $50,000 grant from the Vancouver Police Foundation for athlete strength and conditioning platform to enhance strength and conditioning services
  • Advocated and was approved for an additional athletic therapy position
  • Instrumental in advocating, obtaining, and implementing in-house external contract therapy services
  • Built the team from one position to the Physical Health and Performance Management Team, with fulltime fitness coordinator, two athletic therapists
  • Worked with various student placements from Sheridan College, UBC, SFU, Douglas College, and University of Waterloo
  • Worked on external committees to support initiatives for physical and mental health
  • Presented at an International Association of Women in policing conference
  • Presented at International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conferences

We miss you already, Becky and we are happy we will still be connected to you through West Van Police Wellness.

Fortunately, we have Fitness Coordinator Amanda McRae, another hard-working team member, as the interim acting supervisor of Physical Health and Performance Team. Thanks, Amanda!