Welcome to the special Centennial Edition of the Wood Buffalo RCMP Community Policing Newsletter.

The dynamics of policing in our region is deeply rooted in history and tradition, and over the years has undergone many changes and evolved into what we are familiar with today - The Policing Services of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

The year 2013 marks the celebration of the RCMP Centennial in Fort McMurray, as the first permanent detachment was established here in 1913. To commemorate this historic milestone we’ve organized and

participated in numerous events and projects, which not only celebrated our past, but also emphasized the future of policing in Wood Buffalo.

Our exciting year began with the Centennial Crest competition with the winning entry unveiled at the official launch of Centennial festivities in January. As the year progressed we took part in a variety of community activities including safety initiatives and sporting events. In August we held our rededication ceremony of the policing headquarters building and we were honoured to have a local wood-working artist create

the masterpiece on which the detachment buffalo head now resides.

The major culminating events took place in late September with the Freedom of the City Parade and the Victim Services Regimental Ball, at which a commemorative oil painting was unveiled. The work of local artist Kelvin Sawatsky, this original piece of art was created just for the occasion and is a beautiful blend of policing and community partnership.

Looking to the future we will no doubt see continued growth both in capacity and partnerships. The new South Policing Facility will be open by the end of this year or early 2014. The final centennial event will allow us to highlight our successes and achievements both internally and externally with the first-ever Wood Buffalo RCMP Officer-in-Charge Awards. These awards, scheduled for later this fall, will recognize selflessness and exemplary service provided to the community by police officers, civilian employees and members of the general public.

The Wood Buffalo RCMP would like to thank everyone who participated in the centennial celebrations. The overwhelming support from our partners has been truly remarkable and is reflective of our outstanding community relationships.

OCTOBeR 2013, VOLuMe #4 ISSue #10CENtENNial EditioN

Wood Buffalo Community Policing Newsletter“Special Centennial Edition”

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FREEdoM oF thE City PaRadE

the Freedom of the City Parade was one of the big events among the Wood Buffalo RCMP Centennial Celebrations for 2013.

Attended by many residents, the parade was held in the downtown area surrounding City Hall on September 21st. The parade was a large scale event where hundreds of peace officers from the RCMP and their law enforcement partners marched in their traditional dress uniforms. In addition to the sea of red the parade also featured several police vehicles, both old and new, and even included the fly-by of an RCMP helicopter.

This historic event was momentous as it was the first official Freedom of the City Parade. The Freedom of the City grants the privilege for all time for a specific military/police unit the right to march through the city bearing arms and with drums beating and colours flying. In the case of the RCMP, the colours are represented by the Guidon, which in itself is a very significant and symbolic piece of policing history that rarely leaves its home at RCMP National Headquarters in Ottawa.

This tradition of granting the right to Freedom of the City to a military unit goes back more than three centuries and is a highly valued

recognition; as such this was an opportunity to witness history in the making. Throughout history there has been a strong aversion to the war-like appearance of large bodies of armed troops in city streets disturbing the peace and appearing to be a threat to the ancient civic rights of the cities citizens.

During the winter months, military troops would camp outside the walls of the city. While the soldiers might visit the city’s taverns and businesses during the day, they would return to their camp at sunset. As time passed over the winter, the soldiers would continue interaction with the citizens thereby gaining their trust and the potential for being conferred with freedom

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Troops march past previous detachment location, now the home of the Chef’s Table by Mitchell’s

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FREEdoM oF thE City PaRadE contd

of the city. This privilege was particularly prevalent if they had defended the city from an attacking enemy or performed some other worthy deed. Although the dynamics of protecting a city have changed somewhat over time, the concepts remain the same and are maintained today with the policing authority of the jurisdiction.

September 21st truly signified a great milestone as this honour was bestowed on the Wood Buffalo RCMP and their partners by her worship, Mayor Melissa Blake. Several other dignitaries were also in attendance for this historic occasion. RCMP ‘K’ Division Commanding Officer, Deputy Commission Dale McGowan and Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Colonel (Ret’d) Donald ethell, all joined the Mayor and Wood Buffalo RCMP Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent Bob Couture at the table for the signing of the Freedom of the City Proclamation. The multi-faceted ceremony included

speeches and presentations and was culminated with the Freedom of the City March Past.

The tradition of granting freedom of the city is a prized honour for it recognizes over time the honourable record of the military unit, and demonstrates the affection and esteem with which it is held by the community and the trust the citizens has with the unit to protect its democratic institution and safety. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police although deemed a policing organization today is deeply rooted in military history as it originated as a Calvary unit within the Canadian Military. The history of the RCMP, through traditions and heritage continues as one of the longer serving Regiments in Canada.

Dignitaries signing the proclamation for freedom of the city

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thE GuidoN oF thE Royal CaNadiaN MouNtEd PoliCE

the RCMP Guidon represents history and tradition for the Force and carries great symbolic significance. in order to fully appreciate the Guidon, and what it represents, we must be aware of the importance of flags and their development.

Militarily, the use of flags was first documented in China approximately 3000 years ago. It was here that the flag developed its value as a symbol of authority and power which then spread westward. On the battlefield, flags were carried into battle, usually by the unit commander, and used to mark unit position and for identification. It also gave members of the unit a rallying point to the commander during the confusion of battle, and facilitated for tactical and strategic decision-making thereby enhancing combat effectiveness.

During the Crusades, unique flags had denoted infantry and

cavalry units and with the advent of heraldry, rules and protocols were established as to the designs of these flags. A Guidon is one of three types of regimental "colours" that can be bestowed upon a

military unit by the sovereign. Colours are rectangular flags designating infantry. Guidons are smaller, tailed flags representing Dragoons, or light cavalry. Standards are square and denote heavy horse cavalry. These must be earned and can only be carried after they are consecrated in a special religious service.

These unit or regimental flags create an "esprit de corps" within the members of the regiment. They create an intrinsic sense of identity, invoke pride and honour and serve to remind one of the regiment's achievements. The names of battles and campaigns were emblazoned upon them, becoming memorials for heroic acts performed by the regiment and also served to honour the memory of the fallen. Due to its significant symbolic importance and tactical value, it was not uncommon Continued on page 5

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thE GuidoN oF thE Royal CaNadiaN MouNtEd PoliCE contd

for members of a regiment to commit imminent acts of self-sacrifice in defense of the flag and prevent its capture.

The RCMP were granted colours by King George V with designation as a Dragoon, therefore the colours became a Guidon. The Guidon was consecrated at the RCMP chapel on April 13, 1935 and presented by the Governor General of Canada, The earl of Bessborough. The Guidon displayed two Royal Cyphers of King George V as well as 4 theatre honours for actions in those places, North West Canada 1885 (During the 2nd Riel Rebellion), South Africa 1900-02 (During the ‘Boer War’), France and Flanders 1918 (in the twilight of WWI) and Siberia 1918-19 (for actions in support of the Anti-Communist forces).

On September 21, 1957, Queen elizabeth II bestowed an Honourary Distinction in recognition for services by members of the Force with the Canadian Provost Corps during WWII. A scroll was presented to RCMP Commissioner Nicholson and the Badge of the Canadian Provost Corps was affixed to the Guidon by the Minister of National Defence, Hon. George Pearkes, V.C. This was the last time the Guidon was paraded in a joint Army/RCMP ceremony.

On July 4, 1973 as part of the RCMP centennial, a new Guidon was consecrated at the Chapel at Depot and presented by Queen elizabeth II. The design changed with the current Regimental Badge replacing the original RCMP badge, the singular Royal Cypher

of 'eIIR' replacing 'GVR' and the Force's current and predecessor monograms, NWMP, RNWMP, RCMP in that order. The Honourary Distinction was omitted however a scroll containing the names of Force members serving in military units was provided. The old Guidon was retired and resides in the Chapel at Depot while the current Guidon is on display in National Headquarters in Ottawa. Whenever it leaves Ottawa, the Guidon must be escorted by a regular member at all times until it returns to its place of prominence in Ottawa. The Guidon is an integral part of our identity which enriches and solidifies the Force's unique status with the membership. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifice that the members and their families make every day in serving our country.

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City CENtRE MCMuRRay halF MaRathoNCElEBRatiNG 100 yEaRs oF PoliCiNG aNd CoMMuNity PaRtNERshiP

the inaugural City Centre McMurray half Marathon in celebration of 100 years of policing and community partnership, took place on september 15, 2013, and was deemed a tremendous success both for organizers and participants as the community took to the streets of downtown Fort McMurray to race in the sold-out event.

Over 600 participants took part in various races including a Half Marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and 3 km road races as well as a Kids Fun Run. The routing of the races took participants on a path through the downtown core, starting and finishing at MacDonald Island. Following the races, runners could share in their race-day triumphs with family and friends at the community BBQ and a free performance by Juno award winners Sloan.

As part of the milestone year of Centennial celebrations, local

Mounties and other Wood Buffalo RCMP detachment staff not only laced up their runners but some their marching boots. Monty, the RCMP Safety Bear, was part of the

Red Serge contingent cheering the runners while displaying a few police cars, both old and new.

The City Centre McMurray Half Marathon was organized by a committee containing representatives from City Centre McMurray, The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the Wood Buffalo RCMP, and MacDonald Island Park. Their hard work was part of the driving force behind the successes of the event, in addition to all the support from volunteers, community partners and local businesses.

The widely successful first year has set a strong precedent for what will become an annual event in the urban core of Fort McMurray with the goals of increasing capacity and offering a full marathon to runners in 2014.

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thE RCMP MasCot: ‘MoNty’ is BoRNCommunity-based policing involves many different aspects and was directly complemented by the introduction of police mascots many years ago.

The presence of mascots at public events contributes to rapport building through youth interactions and positive public perception. It is rumored that the RCMP Safety Bear Mascot got his start in the Wood Buffalo area.

In the early 1980’s the local RCMP partnered with Suncor energy for the creation of a police mascot. Suncor energy generously purchased the mascot as well as the bicycle that was eventually presented to six-year-old Jason Calder who was selected as the

winner of a RCMP Mascot Naming Contest. ‘Monty’ was the winning entry as picked by now retired S/Sgt. Peter Forster. In addition to receiving a bicycle the winner was also given a tour and escorted to meet ‘Monty’ who arrived via RCMP helicopter for his swearing-in ceremony.

‘Monty’ who was initially created and introduced to assist in teaching safety to youngsters in Fort McMurray as part of the Traffic Watch program, was official sworn-in as a member of the local detachment by RCMP Insp. Hap Armstrong on June 8th, 1984. The swearing-in ceremony took place behind the hospital in front of witnesses from Dr. K.A. Clark and Father J.A. Turcotte schools.

The ever-popular ‘Monty’ is now seen in various forms across the nation and accompanies RCMP members to many youth and family-oriented activities. The Wood Buffalo Detachment continues to enjoy the privilege to have their very own ‘Monty’ who has been spotted all over the vast policing jurisdiction.

Original entry form used to name the RCMP Mascot

Monty arrives in Fort McMurray via helicopter for his swearing-in ceremony

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on september 20th, local auxiliary Constables were recognized in light of the 50 year anniversary of the program nation-wide and 35 years in alberta.

In celebration of this milestone Auxiliary Constables and their families were invited to a small ceremony at the Timberlea Detachment in Fort McMurray. each Auxiliary Constable was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Officer in Charge, and a set of personalized, 50 year anniversary, commemorative coins.

In 1963, the RCMP began its Auxiliary Constable Program to enhance community policing and crime prevention initiatives. This program allows the opportunity for citizens to participate in law

enforcement on an organized basis, and to contribute to safe homes and safe communities in a very meaningful way.

As with Regular Members, an Auxiliary Constable must first qualify for the position, and then undergo

comprehensive training. They must then volunteer a minimum number of hours per year of their time, although many give much more than that. Many of these men and women already have full-time jobs and families, giving up their holidays and weekends for this program. They receive no benefits, other than the pride gleaned from making a difference in our communities. They truly are the ultimate volunteers and we owe them a debt of gratitude.

Today, there are more than 2,000 Auxiliary Constables across Canada. There are currently ten Auxiliary Constables who regularly serve along-side the members of the Wood Buffalo Detachment, and the recruiting efforts for this program remain on-going. Anyone interested in joining can visit the RCMP website for more information http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps-spcca/auxil-eng.htm, or contact their local detachment for more details.

CElEBRatiNG 50 yEaRs - auxiliaRy CoNstaBlEs RECoGNizEd

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PoliCE doG sERviCEs at thE oPEN housE

Family and friends of Wood Buffalo RCMP members and staff, both past and present, were invited to an open house at the Police headquarters in timberlea on september 20th.

Attendees were taken on a detachment tour that included a stop with various specialized units such as the Forensic Identification Lab and a Police Dog Services demonstration.

German Shepherds are the dogs of choice in the RCMP due to their overall temperament for the profiles which General Duty Service dogs are utilized for. Like any other regular member our police dogs and their handlers

undergo intensive training and need to re-qualify on an annual basis in Criminal Apprehension, Tracking, Narcotics/Bomb Detection, Small Article Search, and Alley Searches. All of the Wood Buffalo Police Dogs are also trained in the ability to carry out gun searches, field/evidence searches, and building searches. The Wood Buffalo Detachment Police Services Dogs (PSD ‘Diago’ and PSD ‘Case’), like all others in the RCMP, where named by Canadian youth through the ‘Name the Puppy Contests.’

The Wood Buffalo Detachment is also very privileged to have another type of police dog among their ranks. PSD ‘Keg’ and his handler specialize in drug interdiction

working primarily with the Traffic Services unit. PSD ‘Keg’ is often engaged in organized checkstops as well as random vehicle stops in a targeted approach to disrupting drug activity in our region.

Given the experience of the Wood Buffalo Police Dog Services unit, additional members of the detachment have had the opportunity to take part in the Quarrie/Imprinting process whereby these police officers raise a police puppy with the intent of becoming full-fledged handlers. The pre-training phase entails the dogs to be socialized with strangers, crowds and other animals, as well as becoming familiarized with various environments that police dogs may encounter in the course of duty. By carrying out these exercises, police puppies have a much greater chance of successfully completing their full time training, which is usually by the time they reach 12-18 months of age. Assigned a regimental number upon completion of training, these four-legged police officers have been a part of Canada’s police force since 1935.

Police Dog Services on Parade

Historical Police Dog Services Police Dog Services Demonstration

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WoMEN iN thE RCMP – hiGhliGhts oF loCal PioNEERsthe journey of women in the force began as early as 1892 when they were first employed as jail matrons in various parts of Canada.

In the early 1900s, women filled positions as lab and fingerprint technicians. Since then women have become a greater presence in what has historically been deemed a male-dominated field.

The Royal Commission on the Status of Women recommended the employment of women in a more direct policing capacity in 1971. That same year women began serving as special constables and civilian members.

In 1974, then RCMP Commissioner M. J. Nadon announced that the RCMP would begin accepting applications from women for regular policing duties in areas and positions previously reserved for males. Later that year the first troop of 32 female regular members (Troop 17) arrived at the RCMP Training Academy in Regina (‘Depot’ Division) to commence training. Troop 17 graduated from

training on March 3, 1975, and were deployed to various areas of the country, including Cst. Betty Cheesman who was the first female regular member in Fort McMurray.

Not long after the first all-female troop received their marching orders, a local Fort McMurray woman became a regular member

of the RCMP. Cst. Shirley Couture graduated from training in 1976 where she was reportedly part of the first co-ed troop made-up of 16 men and 16 women.

Members of the Community Policing unit had the privilege of meeting up with one of the first women in the RCMP to hear about her past and her service with the national police force. S/Cst. Ida Ladouceur was born and raised in Fort Chipewpan and always had a positive relationship with RCMP members in the area who eventually encouraged her to join. S/Cst. Ladouceur graduated from training at 20 years of age in 1980, and was part of the Aboriginal Special Constable program. This program was the right fit because it promised her to be posted close to home. She had very strong roots to her community and family so joining as

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WoMEN iN thE RCMP – hiGhliGhts oF loCal PioNEERs contda regular member and being posted far away was not a consideration.

S/Cst. Ladouceur was posted to Fort McMurray for 4 years where she mainly policed rural areas, including Chipewyan Lakes, Fort McKay and Janvier. At the time these areas were not accessible by road so she and other members were flown in by helicopter. Following her deployment to Fort McMurray, she also did a 2 year stint in Boyle. Her position as a S/Cst. allowed her to connect well with the aboriginal communities because she spoke their language.

During her time in Janvier she met her husband of 27 years and eventually established herself permanently in the community. S/Cst. Ladouceur took a leave of absence from the RCMP to raise her family and although she had every intention of returning she never did. Despite her many fond memories and positive experiences she never returned to full duty but did volunteer as an Auxiliary Constable.

S/Cst. Ladouceur and Cst. Couture, as well as the many others who joined the ranks at the on-set of women in the RCMP are pioneers in the tapestry of modern policing.

The mid-nineteen seventies and early eighties marked a significant turning point for women in the RCMP and since then many more milestones have been achieved including the appointment of the first female Commissioner in 2006. Today the Wood Buffalo Detachment has over 200 police officer positions, 30% of which are occupied by women.

S/Cst. Ida Ladouceur in 2013 with Csts. McGrattan and Lytwenko

S/Cst. Ida Ladouceur circa 1980

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viCtiM sERviCEs REGiMENtal Ball

the 2013 RCMP Regimental Ball was held on september 21st at the sawridge inn and Conference Center.

The Ball is an event that the Fort McMurray Victim Services unit organizes every two years and is a major fundraiser in support of the unit.

The Victim Services unit provides victims of crime and trauma with high quality support, information and appropriate referrals. The

primary goal of this service is to minimize any crisis and to facilitate the victim’s return to stability and an improved quality of life. The Fort McMurray Victim Services unit is an integral part of everyday policing for the Wood Buffalo RCMP, and often works together with front line members to ensure victims get the help they need.

This year’s sold-out Ball didn’t disappoint as it was in celebration of the Wood Buffalo RCMP Centennial:

100 years of policing and community partnership, as well as 25 years of Victim Services. Among the 650 attendees were many members of the RCMP dressed in their traditional Red Serge, dignitaries from the region and beyond, as well as other prominent representatives from the community.

Guests dined on a gourmet meal and enjoyed entertainment provided by local musicians – Friends of Jack. Some other highlights of the evening include a Silent and Live auction where local business have donated a variety of prizes such as memberships for recreational centers, travel packages, sports memorabilia, among many other great items.

The 2013 Fort McMurray Victim Services Regimental Ball is not only a part of RCMP history and heritage but all those attending had the opportunity to be a part of history in the making as we celebrate over 100 years of policing within the region.

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thE oRiGiNs oF REGiMENtal diNNERs

the history of Regimental dinners (now more commonly referred to Regimental Balls) have been a part of long-standing tradition for the RCMP and dates back to the 1800's.

The first Sergeant’s messes which are social clubs where members of a troop or regiment entertained themselves and their friends were first established in the British Army in 1822. The customs and traditions associated with these events were passed on to the Canadian Military and later on to the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) which is today known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The first NWMP Sergeants’ messes were established as early as 1873 and began popping up in various locations throughout the policing jurisdictions. By the late 1880s all the NWMP divisions had large enough messes to organize formal annual dinners and balls. These annual balls and dinners were very important for social factor and boosting morale during times of

hardship and were usually organized around Christmas and New Year’s.

Regimental Balls and Dinners continued on throughout history with some of the customs and practices varying over time. However, as with anything related to military or policing organizations there are always certain protocols that are adhered to and that remains a fact today with Regimental Balls taking place throughout the year all over

A prime example of this is the

setting of a Remembrance table and the subsequent ceremony to our fallen comrades that usual takes place during the formal part of the evening. This table occupies a place of dignity and honour and is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are missing from our ranks. This ceremony as well as numerous others including Toasts and Blessings is all a part of the tradition of Regimental Balls and Dinners.