Sandra Conlin
RCMP Assistant Commissioner (Retired)
A/Commr. (ret.) Sandra Conlin joined the RCMP in October 1976 and during her 37-year career, she achieved a broad base of experience, progressing through the ranks from Special Constable to Assistant Commissioner. Sandra served in many positions during her career with a breadth of experience in operational policing and criminal intelligence as the Director General of Criminal Intelligence Service Canada and the Assistant Commissioner of RCMP Criminal Intelligence. She also served as the RCMP’s Ethics Advisor.
Her leadership skills, strategic insights and planning skills, incredible work ethic and impeccable character helped drive change in the way the Criminal Intelligence Advisory Group, made up of representatives from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, shared criminal intelligence on organized crime.
Upon retirement, Sandra joined the RCMP Veterans’ Association, Ottawa Division, and in 2016, she was elected as a Director. In 2018, she was elected as Vice-President, a position she still holds today.
In 2017, Sandra was appointed as Governor, Commissionaires Ottawa. She is also a volunteer for the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society, Ottawa Chapter.
Sandra is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Commemorative Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal, the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts Award, the Order of Merit (Officer) OOM and RCMP 35-year Long-Service Medal.
Brendan Heffernan
RCMP Chief Superintendent (Retired)
Brendan joined the RCMP in 1990 after serving with the Canadian Forces where he was engaged as a Military Policeman. His early RCMP service began in British Columbia working in detachments as a uniformed member as well as a plain clothes investigator in the Major Crime Section before moving to the RCMP Ceremonies Branch in Ottawa as a member of the Musical Ride.
After a time in the Public Affairs Directorate, he spent five years as an “O” (Ontario) Division Protective and Support Services Analyst focusing on major organized crime, national security and protective policing files. As the Acting Officer in Charge of “O” Division VIP Protective Services Brendan was responsible for close protection duties for all visiting Internationally Protected Persons.
He was subsequently transferred back to HQ Ottawa to assume duties as the Federal Security Coordinator for the 2010 Winter Olympic/Paralympic Games and later the Director, Major Events. In this position, Brendan was responsible for overseeing security measures for all national major events hosted by the government of Canada. This included the 2010 Winter Olympics/Paralympics and the 2010 G8 & G20 World Leaders’ Summits.
Brendan completed the last three years of his 27-year RCMP career as the Registrar and Director General, Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). CCRTIS maintains the national repository of fingerprint and criminal record information and is mandated to provide direct operational support to the Canadian law enforcement, criminal justice and public security communities, and international partners such as the FBI and Interpol. Brendan navigated CCRTIS through a complete business modernization effort that saw the shift from manual labour-intensive processes to technology-driven platforms creating significant economic and service level efficiencies.
Since retiring as a Regular Member in 2017, Brendan has been appointed Chair of the National DNA Data Bank Advisory Committee (NDDB AC). The Advisory Committee’s role is also to provide the National DNA Data Bank with strategic guidance and direction concerning scientific advancements, matters of law, legislative changes, privacy issues and ethical practices.
Brendan is very much a people person and a proud member of the RCMP Veterans Association. He has a strong community engagement background having been a member of several local service organizations. He’s also been involved as a youth leader and coach through sports associations and the Scouting movement.
Al McCambridge
RCMP Corps Sergeant Major (Retired)
Al McCambridge had a distinguished career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) spanning over four decades, culminating in his role as Corps Sergeant Major before his retirement.
Al’s journey with the RCMP began in 1981 when he was sworn in at Depot Division in Saskatchewan. His career path was influenced by his family background, as he grew up in a military-oriented household with his father serving in the Navy and his mother working for the admiral’s office. This upbringing instilled in him a strong interest in both policing and working at sea.
Before joining the RCMP, Al started his career in the military, specifically with the Navy’s sea-cadet program, where he worked in submarines. However, he eventually decided to pursue a career with the RCMP, believing it would allow him more time at home with his family while still offering the opportunity for meaningful service.
Throughout his RCMP career, his assignments took him across Canada, including general duties in the north G Division, and even abroad. His postings included Stonewall and The Pas in Manitoba; Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories; Kandahar, Afghanistan; and finally, Ottawa, where he resides today.
One of the most notable aspects of his career was his involvement in international missions. He served in Afghanistan as part of Canada’s contribution to the conflict there. This experience contributed to his broader understanding of the RCMP’s role in international peacekeeping and security operations. He also accumulated more than 30 years as a crisis negotiator that included international hostage negotiations.
In his later career, Al rose to the position of Corps Sergeant Major, one of the highest non-commissioned ranks in the RCMP. In this role, he was responsible for upholding and promoting the force’s traditions and standards.
Throughout his career, Al demonstrated a deep commitment to the RCMP’s values and a passion for its history and traditions. His journey from a young officer in Manitoba to the Corps Sergeant Major in Ottawa exemplifies the diverse opportunities and challenges that a career in the RCMP can offer.
Even after his retirement, he has remained engaged with the RCMP community. As well as being a member of the RCMP Foundation Board of Directors, he maintains a presence on social media where he continues to share insights and information related to the RCMP.
Al McCambridge’s career with the RCMP is a testament to the force’s role in Canadian law enforcement, its involvement in international missions, and its rich traditions. His journey from a sea cadet to the Corps Sergeant Major of the RCMP illustrates the potential for growth and leadership within the organization, as well as the diverse experiences it can offer to those who serve.