Ten years ago, the Revelstoke Review announced the arrival of a new face with great potential, coming to town to make a lasting impression. With 16 years of diverse policing experience in several communities across Canada, Kurt Grabinsky walked through the doors of Revelstoke RCMP Detachment wearing a new hat, as Revelstoke’s Chief of Police.
Asked by a Revelstoke Review reporter at that time what brought him to a career in law enforcement, Grabinsky replied, “I wanted an active career where helping people was the goal. This is one of those areas I thought I could lend a hand.”
After 27 years of working with communities to keep people safe — and being awarded high honours doing so, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012, the Order of Merit of Police Forces in 2019, and the RCMP Long Service medal in 2022 — Grabinsky has achieved exactly what he set out to do.
“I’ve spent 27 years negotiating and mediating problems, whether it’s de-escalating life-threatening situations or working on community safety issues. The focus is always on developing trust and building relationships.”
When the Review spoke with Grabinsky in 2013, his enthusiasm and eagerness to take on a more challenging role stood out, and the husband and father of three spoke of the learning curve that comes with a new job. The same applies with his most recent shift. “A lot of people think police officers are like robots, but we’re human beings, we engage in the community, and we have a vested interest in the community. For me, I just love that human aspect. Whether in policing or real estate, I work with people, not stats or quotas.”
Kurt is very appreciative of the RCMP family that he leaves, and grateful for the new team that he joins at Century 21 Executives Realty Ltd. “They are a wonderful group of people, who are knowledgeable and caring. I am confident that my skills will be a great addition to helping meet the community’s needs.”
Many newly retired police officers move away from their last posting, but Grabinsky and his family love Revelstoke. “Real estate is a way my family and I can stay in town and continue to do the things we love – biking, skiing, and enjoying the lakes and mountain trails.”
Heading into March with a new career and a bright future, Grabinsky is excited for the opportunities that await. As the community commends him for more than 25 years of service, Grabinsky wants people to know that he’s staying involved and still working towards Revelstoke’s well-being. “I’ve spent most of my career as a leader, and now in real estate it’s my role to help guide people in the right direction as they make one of the biggest purchases of their life.”
“I want to see Revelstoke do well, progressing where necessary but honouring its roots and traditions. Whether people are buying or selling, it’s my job to help them in an ethical and respectful way, ensuring that they’re educated and confident in their decision.” Kurt is excited to share his love of Revelstoke with locals and newcomers, and he “hopes to help them find a home or business that lets them enjoy Revelstoke as much as my family and I do.”
Future clients, neighbours, and friends are encouraged to contact Kurt by phone at 250-837-8993 or by email at kurt.grabinsky@century21.com