Prince George, B.C.- Members of the media, friends, co-workers and family,   celebrated the career of RCMP Constable Gary Godwin on the weekend.

Constable Godwin, known for his handle bar moustache, and straight up dealing with media, is retiring from his post as media liaison for the Prince George Detachment.

Although the Constable moving into the position is well suited for the role, it was clear Saturday evening that Lesley Smith will have big boots to fill.

Godwin has been in Prince George for 26 years, and in the RCMP for 36. Although he has the smarts and the ability to have climbed the ranks, he opted instead to   give his family a stable up bringing in one community rather than move from one town to another chasing career advancement.

Respected by the media for always being available to handle a request for information even if it had nothing to do with the local detachment, Godwin was also respected by his fellow members.

A certified sharpshooter, he was on the Emergency Response Team which was in Gustafson Lake during the 31 day stand off which took place there in 1995.

He has been a key player in developing CrimeStoppers, the P.A.R.T.Y. program, and in the D.A.R.T. program.  

He has been an advocate for improving the flow of information between the detachment and media, and has developed strong professional  and personal relationships with the members of the media he has worked with since moving in to that post in 2004.

Although Constable Godwin has plans to be available to the local detachment as a “reservist” able to fill in the media liaison position when needed, he will be missed by so many of us who have come to rely on him to  either provide us with information, or  connect us with the right people.