Facing new challenges
Former Kentville police chief recognized for service as he battles MS
As he and his family face his battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) head-on, former Kentville police chief Mark Mander says it feels tremendous to be recognized for his many years of service.
Mander was recognized for nearly 25 years of service and dedication to the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association (NSCPA) at the association’s recent fall conference in Pictou. Mander, a past-president of the association, says it was an excellent organization to volunteer for and work with over the years.
He enjoyed being able to work with the leaders of the other police services, their communities and the government as part of the NSCPA. And, he adds, it was “an excellent honour” to get to work with the members of the Kentville Police Service in his day-to-day work life. He described the Kentville officers as very talented people who are dedicated to their community.
Mander said he could speak only glowingly about the individuals, committees and organizations he worked with in the community during his time with the Kentville Police Service. There’s a certain community spirit that shines through during the thick and thin, he says, such as when people rallied together over the issues of substance abuse and mental health.
“You look at organizations such as Chrysalis House and our court system and our Crown prosecutors who I worked with over the years,” Mander said. “It’s a tremendous system that has one focus, and that’s to deliver a service to the community.”
Mander said he’s holding his own in his battle with MS. He’s had to give up policing but said he’s still getting around.
“Unfortunately, I can’t work, but I appreciate the opportunity I did have when I was working,” Mander said. “The MS is one of those new challenges and I’ll face that headon with my family.”
It’s often the case that MS patients look well on the outside but struggle on the inside. It’s tiring, he says, and MS patients don’t know what path the disease is going to take.
“It’s the uncertainty of the disease,” Mander said. “You have to sort of go with the flow and whatever challenge comes, then you deal with it.” Former Kentville Police Chief Mark Mander, centre, with new Kentville Police Chief Julia Cecchetto and retired Kentville Police Chief Brian MacLean at the fall conference of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association in Pictou. Mander was recognized for his service and dedication to the NSCPA.