New Honorary Lieutenant Colonel for 4 CRPG
March 28, 2025 - Capt Keun Kang, Public Affairs Officer, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group
On Jan. 26, the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) held a ceremony in Chilliwack, B.C., to mark the change of Honorary Lieutenant‑Colonel (HLCol) appointment.
The event was held in the presence of candidates from the Canadian Ranger Patrol Leadership Course, organized by 4 CRPG.
This ceremony served as an opportunity to bid farewell to the beloved outgoing Honorary Lieutenant‑Colonel, Major‑General (Retired) Ed Fitch, and provide a warm welcome to the incoming Honorary Lieutenant‑Colonel Lieutenant‑Colonel (Retired) Adele Donaldson.
HLCol Fitch, who had served as 4 CRPG's Honorary Lieutenant‑Colonel for the past six years, has provided much guidance and affection towards the Canadian Rangers. In his farewell address, HLCol Fitch expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside the Canadian Rangers, praising their professional skills and the remarkable adventures they shared.
“You never know what specialties and skills these Canadian Rangers bring,” he often remarked, a recognition to unique backgrounds that make 4 CRPG truly diverse.
HLCol Fitch also extended his appreciation to the 4 CRPG Command Team and expressed his confidence in his successor, HLCol Donaldson. HLCol Fitch and HLCol Donaldson professionally collaborated during Op PODIUM in support of 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Closing his speech, HLCol Fitch affirmed he will remain a friend of the Canadian Rangers for the rest of his days.
Following HLCol Fitch’s speech, HLCol Donaldson gave her inaugural speech. With a distinguished career spanning both military and civilian life, HLCol Donaldson is ready for her new chapter in life and expressed enthusiasm for her new role.
Caption
Outgoing 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Honorary Lieutenant‑Colonel Major‑General (Retired) Ed Fitch (left) and incoming Honorary Lieutenant‑Colonel Lieutenant‑Colonel (Retired) Adele Donaldson.
Photos by Capt Keun Kang, Public Affairs Officer, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group
Caption
Outgoing 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) Honorary Lieutenant‑Colonel Major‑General (Retired) Ed Fitch addresses 4 CRPG for the final time on Jan. 26.
She opened her speech by expressing her deep respect for the Canadian Rangers. HLCol Donaldson said she developed great admiration for the Canadian Rangers while working with 1 CRPG during her time as Base Commander and Assistant Chief of Staff Support with Joint Task Force North in Yellowknife, N.W.T. HLCol Donaldson sees her new role as an opportunity to support 4 CRPG in providing a military presence in remote areas of Canada while benefiting their communities.
For HLCol Donaldson, this role also marks a meaningful return to her roots. Although she finished her military career with the Air Force, she expressed excitement about reconnecting with her “first love,” the Army.
Inspired by HLCol Fitch’s encouragement, HLCol Donaldson is eager to contribute in an honorary and advisory capacity, drawing from her extensive military and civilian experience. She aims deepen her understanding of 4 CRPG and the Canadian Rangers, promote their welfare and foster stronger ties between the Canadian Rangers and the broader public. Additionally, she wishes to elevate 4 CRPG’s profile and public awareness, both locally and nationally.
HLCol Donaldson concluded by expressing her pride in joining 4 CRPG and thanked all 4 CRPG members, underscoring her pride in being Canadian.
HLCol Fitch, thank you for everything that you’ve done for us over the past six years. And HLCol Donaldson, welcome aboard. We look forward to an inspiring adventure together.