Episode 1

Episode 1: RCMP Divisional Sergeant Major Seb Lavoie (Ret).

Published on: 2nd February, 2022

Sebastien Lavoie was a police officer with the RCMP for over 20 years. Born and raised in Quebec, Seb spent a few years in the Canadian Armed Forces, pre-9/11, before joining the national police force.

Seb's career revolved around the Mounties' specialized and elite units: first as an in flight safety officer (air marshal) before moving on to be a full time member of the BC Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team (ERT) both as a breacher and later as a team leader. He retired in 2021 as the Divisional Sergeant Major for “E” Division (British Columbia), the RCMP’s largest division.

We covered a lot of ground in our discussion, but the focus was always on the teams: selection, training, decision-making, leadership – and his experiences in the courtroom. In this episode we invite listeners to take a peek behind the curtain, and get an insider's perspective on how ERT operates in BC.

Seb was a devoted police officer. He was committed to his craft and the maintenance of not only his high personal standards, but also elevating the standards of the officers that worked around him.

Today he brings that same pursuit of excellence to consulting. He is the CEO of Raven Strategic Inc., which provides leadership and performance training as well as security related services. He remains active in the fitness and BJJ communities. He is working on a book with a former Canadian SOF operator. 

You can find Seb on Instagram @slavccmdr

Under Reserve thanks Seb his time, and his service. 

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About the Podcast

Under Reserve
Life on the bench, at the bar, and on the beat.
Under Reserve is a show about law and law enforcement. Vancouver lawyer Dan Coles sits down with the individuals who shape and enforce the law domestically and abroad. From judges and lawyers, to police officers, politicians and soldiers - Under Reserve explores the stories behind extraordinary people who took an oath of service and who uphold the rule of law.

Learn more at www.underreserve.ca or Instragram @underreservepodcast

About your host

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Dan Coles

I am a trial lawyer and partner at mid-sized law firm in downtown Vancouver, B.C.

I am an advocate for freedom of the press and other media. I regularly appear in court as counsel for national and international news organizations. I assist journalists in obtaining access to court exhibits and I oppose publication bans, sealing orders, and in camera court proceedings. I obtain and resist injunctions.