Outgoing commander lauded for restoring ties

By: Nicole Kleinsteuber

Col. Dave Cochrane thanks community for commemorating the battle of Vimy Ridge at Sunday's service in Memorial Park. Photo By: Nicole Kleinsteuber

He brought the community and the air base together in a time of darkness and now he’s moving on.

Col. Dave Cochrane, the man credited with restoring relations with the community after Russell Williams was convicted, has been transferred.

“I’m sorry to see him go.  He’s a great supporter of the community and a great friend of mine.  We’ll work hard at building a new relationship with the new colonel,” said Quinte West Mayor John Williams.

Cochrane finishes his command in early August and will pass the torch to Colonel Sean Friday.

Cochrane took on his role as the head of Canada’s largest air base in February 2010.

The promotion came after the former commander Russell Williams was convicted of two murders, two sexual assaults and dozens of fetish break-ins.

Williams said Cochrane was the right person at the right time.

“After last February we went through a rebuilding, making sure both the community knew how important the wing was. The colonel reached out and had a good relationship with the community,” said Williams.

“A lot of people forgot what happened and moved on because of him,” said Quinte West Councillor Doug Whitney.

Cochrane is described by local officials as a man who represented the base at every local event and fundraiser.

“He’s got a great personality, fit perfect to provide the leadership and direction that we needed at that time,” said Williams.

Quinte West officials have worked diligently with Cochrane on numerous projects over the past year and are sad to see him go.

“He always makes sure the air base is involved in the community.  If he can’t make an event or fundraiser then he sends a representative from the base,” said Whitney.

Cochrane has been working with a committee to build an Afghanistan repatriation memorial in Trenton.

The memorial is dedicated to Canadian military personnel killed while serving in Afghanistan.  The project is set to be completed in 2012.

“Cochrane is a very approachable guy and I believe he will still make himself accessible if needed for the completion of the project,” said Quinte West Councillor Paul Kyte.

Cochrane has been chosen to continue on the Advanced Training List and attend the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian Defence College in Canberra next year.

Cochrane is sad to leave but admits the opportunity in Australia is a set up in his career.

“It’s good for my career progression and it also allows an opportunity for Col. Friday coming in to take command who is a very personable family man and I think he’ll work extremely well with base personnel and the community,” said Cochrane.

Before Cochrane leaves he wants the Quinte area to know how thankful he is for all the base personnel and community for their tremendous support.

“I was amazed by the support from the community.  We went through some challenging circumstances and I must say I have very fond memories of my time here in command.  My family and I will never forget our time here at 8 Wing Trenton,” said Cochrane.

Cochrane describes the rally of the troops as a pivotal moment in his career.

“We saw thousands of people coming in the gates to 8 Wing CFB Trenton and it was very moving.  I believe that was a strong turning point for the military members and me by seeing the strong support that existed with our local community.  It came at a crucial time and it set us up for success as we move forward,” said Cochrane.