The Quarterly Spring 2026

EvolvingInvestigative

What supports your well-being and helps you feel supported and fulfilled in your life after service? Share your experiences by completing our research survey. You can participate whether you feel like you are thriving or not.

LEARN MORE AND PARTICIPATE

atlasveterans.ca/thriving-study-rcmp

Thriving after service: The prevalence and predictors of flourishing among military and RCMP Veterans

Principal Investigators: André Lauzon, PhD and Adelina Gregory

Royal Ottawa Health Care Group REB#0215, Version 1, September 12, 2024

atlasveterans.ca

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The Quarterly (ISSN:1714-7034) is published by the Quarterly Business Trust every winter, spring, summer and fall. The opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the RCMP or the RCMP Veterans’ Association. Cover design and contents are copyrighted and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Publication Mail Agreement Number 40041830.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

C/Supt. Al Rivard (Rtd.) CHAIRPERSON

Insp. Tom Abernethy (Rtd.) TREASURER

Supt. Lucie Dubois (Rtd.)

Cpl. Ralph Mahar (Rtd.)

EDITORIAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Jennifer LeJeune CHAIRPERSON

Insp. Tom Abernethy (Rtd.) MEMBER

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Tanya Baglole EDITOR

Mark Gaillard FORCE HISTORIAN

EDITORIAL STAFF

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ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Adriann Kennedy B DIVISION

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Robert Cyrenne D DIVISION DEPOT DIVISION

Doug Koski E DIVISION

Mandy Maier F DIVISION

Julie Plourde G DIVISION

Brianna LeBlanc H DIVISION NHQ DIVISION

Jennifer LeJeune J DIVISION

Fraser Logan K DIVISION

Scott Ferris L DIVISION M DIVISION

Jean Turner O DIVISION

Sgt. George Henrie V DIVISION

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Royal Canadian Mounted Police Gendarmerie royale du Canada

RCMP Veterans’ Association Association des vétérans de la GRC

Chair From the

WWELCOME to the Spring 2026 issue of the Quarterly. As usual, the magazine’s staff are doing a great job seeking out stories past and present that demonstrate the professionalism and caring of our members towards the people they serve, be it the general public or helping colleagues.

The Quarterly is not the only source of stories about our members. I see the same dedication by our division associate editors and RCMPVA division newsletters.

There are also thought-provoking stories on social media sites managed by former members of the Force.

I want to thank all the people who actively promoted the Quarterly. In particular, thank you to Commr. Mike Duheme for his broadcast promoting and encouraging members to subscribe to the magazine. The CSM and Warrants group have been faithful supporters of our magazine too.

I also want to thank Karen Cook, National Police Federation Director, Communications

and Zak Fairbrother, National Police Federation Manager, Communications, for promoting the Quarterly through the national news bulletins.

We will prepare advance information packages (magazine cover and table of contents) for our upcoming issues to be distributed to our partners in the Force, the NPF, and the RCMP Veterans’ Association to advance to our subscribers and to promote to new clientele.

As Depot Division is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, we will provide each recruit a complimentary copy of our spring issue with the option to subscribe once they become a serving member.

Again, thank you for supporting the Quarterly and please recommend the magazine to serving, former members, and friends so that we can carry on the legacy.

Al Rivard Chair, the Quarterly Board of Trustees

Who we serve

All veterans, military, RCMP, and their families.

À qui s’adressent nos services

Tous les vétérans, les militaires, les membres de la GRC et leur famille.

What we do Ce que nous faisons

• Review and address complaints

• Provide information and referrals

• Advocate for fairness

Where you can go for help

Submit a complaint online: ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca

Call: 1-877-330-4343

• examiner les plaintes et y répondre

• fournir des renseignements/références

• promouvoir l’équité

Pour obtenir de l’aide

Présenter une plainte en ligne : ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca

Téléphonez : 1-877-330-4343

@veteransombudsman / @ombudsmanveterans

@vetsombudsman / @ombudveterans

@veteransombudsmancanada / @ombudsmanveteranscanada

FROM THE EDITOR

TANYA BAGLOLE Editor, the Quarterly thequarterlyeditor@gmail.com

WWELCOME to the Spring 2026 issue of the Quarterly magazine. I trust everyone made it through a long cold winter unscathed. In this issue, we delve deep into the Codiac RCMP’s Vulnerable Persons Unit in New Brunswick. As policing demands grow in volume and complexity, the Codiac Regional RCMP has restructured its investigative services to ensure focus, consistency, and accountability—particularly in cases involving vulnerable persons.

We also have an insightful feature on the Canadian Police College, and the evolving training programs offered that reflect emerging trends, modern investigative techniques, and current operational realities. There is an engaging feature that details the legacy of friendship that endures today with the Friends of the Mounted Police Heritage Centre. Jennifer LeJeune speaks with president Bob Smart and how that organization has evolved to keep the story of the Mounted Police alive.

In our Then & Now feature, Insp. R. Keith Sherwood discusses his 34-year career with the RCMP, and the instrumental role he played in showcasing the RCMP at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo and other tattoos carried out around the world.

RCMP historian Mark Gaillard looks back into the story of how the “Royal” title was given to the Force. It’s a decade-long tale of initiative, insubordination, hurt feelings, political delay, constitutional meddling, a law enforcement scandal, and bureaucratic inertia.

Finally, we explore how judo is bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community in British Columbia. I’m sure you’ll find this to be a good read.

A reminder that the Quarterly has gone digital for three issues now. However, we still need our faithful readers to register to receive their online issue. Please visit https://membership. rcmpva.org/rcmpva-quarterly/ to do so.

You can also contact us via email at thequarterly@rcmp-grc.gc.ca for assistance.

As always, we welcome your operational news, historical retrospectives, photos (minimum 300 dpi as JPEGs), birth and marriage announcements, and more. While we can’t print every submission, each is read and considered.

Maintiens le droit.

Evolving Investigative Policing

in New Brunswick: Vulnerable Persons Unit

Inside the Codiac RCMP’s

By Jennifer LeJeune

As policing demands grow in volume and complexity, the Codiac Regional RCMP has restructured its investigative services to ensure focus, consistency, and accountability—particularly in cases involving vulnerable persons.

Asthe Greater Moncton region in southeastern New Brunswick continues to grow, so too does the complexity and volume of policing demands. For the Codiac Regional RCMP—responsible for policing three municipalities in New Brunswick’s largest urban area—keeping pace with that growth has required creative solutions and careful examination of how investigative work is structured and resourced, particularly in cases involving the most vulnerable members of the communities they serve.

A Data-Informed Look Inward

In 2024, Codiac commissioned an independent external review of its organizational structure and policing effectiveness. The intent was twofold: to establish an objective benchmark for how the detachment was performing, and to provide clear, evidence-based accountability to the Codiac Regional Policing Authority, the Police Oversight Board, and the three municipal councils—Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe.

For Supt. Benoit Jolette, Officer in Charge of the Codiac Regional RCMP, the review was not about uncovering unknown problems, but about validating what frontline experience and internal data had long suggested.

“As the region grew, the demands on our members grew with it,” he explained. “What we needed was a clear, external assessment to

ensure our structure matched the realities of the work being asked of us.”

The review examined everything from calls for service and population growth to investigative workloads and solvability rates. One of its most significant findings was that solvability for serious person crimes—such as sexual assaults and domestic violence—was lower than expected within a 12-month period. Not because of a lack of effort or commitment, but because investigators were carrying a broad mix of files, often shifting between vastly different types of investigations in a single day.

From Generalist to Focused Investigative Teams

At the same time, the external review’s findings were reinforced through extensive community consultations. Residents, elected officials, and community partners shared their perspectives on public safety priorities — ranging from property crime and social disorder to traffic enforcement. While those priorities varied by the community, they collectively underscored the growing complexity of policing in a rapidly changing region.

Taken together, the data and consultations pointed to a common conclusion: investigative services needed greater focus and specialization.

Rather than dispersing new capacity across the existing structure, Codiac leadership made

a deliberate decision to reorganize investigative services into four specialized teams, each with a clearly defined mandate:

• The Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU)

• The Crime Reduction Unit— Priority Offender

• The Crime Reduction Unit—Property Crime

• The General Investigation Section (GIS)

This reorganization was accompanied by a full rebranding of investigative services, including clearer mandates, standardized operating procedures, and defined ownership of file types. The goal was alignment—ensuring that investigators, training, and resources matched the nature of the files being investigated.

The mandate of the Vulnerable Persons Unit

Within this new structure, the Vulnerable Persons Unit was established to focus exclusively on files involving gender-based

violence, intimate partner violence, sexual offences, and missing persons.

“These cases have a lot in common from an investigative standpoint,” Supt. Jolette said. “They require a victim-centred, traumainformed approach, specialized training, and strong partnerships outside of policing.”

Under the previous model, investigators might handle a sexual assault in the morning, a fraud file in the afternoon, and a domestic violence occurrence later the same day. While members worked diligently under that system, the constant shifting limited the opportunity to develop deep expertise in trauma-informed investigations.

The VPU changes that model. Staffed by eight constables, two corporals, and a sergeant, the unit’s investigators focus exclusively on vulnerable persons files, allowing them to build experience, consistency, and specialized skills over time.

A team photo of the Vulnerable Persons Unit.

A Different Experience for Survivors

For survivors coming forward after a sexual assault or domestic violence incident, the most noticeable difference will be continuity. Rather than retelling their story to multiple investigators, survivors are supported by members whose sole responsibility is to handle these types of cases.

“Introducing yourself as a member of the Vulnerable Persons Unit sends an important message,” Supt. Jolette noted. “It shows that this work is a priority and that the person they’re speaking with has the training and experience to guide them through the process.”

That approach is supported by dedicated training, including specialized sexual assault investigator courses and trauma-informed practices. It also allows investigators the time required to engage meaningfully with survivors—recognizing the courage it takes to come forward and ensuring investigations proceed at a pace that balances thoroughness with sensitivity.

Policing Through Partnership

Central to the VPU’s mandate is close collaboration with victim services and community partners. Organizations such as the Centre Boreal, the Jade Centre, the Courage Centre, and the Forensic Examiner Nurse Program play a crucial role in supporting survivors and enabling effective investigations.

“These partnerships aren’t optional—they’re essential,” Supt. Jolette said. “There are parts of this work that policing can’t do alone.”

Some files originate not through 911 calls, but through social workers, health professionals, and community organizations. The VPU’s structure allows for stronger, more consistent relationships with these partners,

ensuring coordinated responses and reducing duplication of effort.

Measuring Success Over Time

Because the VPU is newly operational, its success will be measured over time. Key performance indicators will focus on solvability rates for serious person crimes and the timely laying of charges within a 12-month period. Equally important, though less quantified, is the development of investigator expertise and consistency.

Looking Ahead

The Vulnerable Persons Unit is one element of a broader evolution in how the Codiac Regional RCMP organizes investigative policing. As capacity has grown and expectations have changed, the detachment has taken deliberate steps to align its structure with the realities of modern policing. That evolution is also reflected in Codiac’s physical infrastructure. In the coming months, the detachment is scheduled to move into a new facility designed to better support modern policing operations. While the building itself is not the story, it represents the same forward-looking approach—creating environments, systems, and structures that better support both members and the communities they serve.

For residents in Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe, the message is a simple one: policing must continue to evolve alongside the communities it serves. By aligning people, training, and investigative focus, Codiac is working to ensure its services remain responsive, accountable, and equipped to meet today’s challenges—particularly for those who need support the most.

Celebrating

50 years of excellence

The Canadian Police College’s Golden

By Canadian Police College Communications

Enabling Police Professionals through Innovative Training and Education since 1976

50 Years Strong!

THIS YEAR, the Canadian Police College (CPC) will celebrate a significant milestone, its 50th anniversary, honoring half a century of leadership in specialized and advanced police training. Since its opening on Nov. 10, 1976, the CPC has played a pivotal role in shaping law enforcement in Canada and internationally, supporting agencies throughout as they respond to the evolving landscape of crime and public safety.

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND SERVICE

Since its establishment, the CPC has been dedicated to addressing the complex challenges posed by national and international organized crime. Over the decades, the College has continually adapted its programs to meet the evolving needs of the law enforcement community. This commitment continues, as evidenced by the breadth of its curriculum, which now includes:

• Explosives Training

• Forensic Identification

• Indigenous Policing

• Leadership

• Polygraph and Interviewing

• Investigative Techniques

• Technological Crime

By expanding its offerings, the CPC ensures that both Canadian and international law enforcement professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to serve their communities with integrity and effectiveness.

COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

The CPC’s mission extends beyond training. It is about building the next generation of police leaders, investigators, and civilian support staff. Through continuous enhancement and innovation, the College delivers an unparalleled learning experience, fostering professional growth and collaboration across agencies and jurisdictions.

The CPC’s faculty also includes distinguished subject matter resources who bring real-world experience and insight to every program. This expertise, combined with a focus on practical application, positions the CPC as a unique hub for networking, knowledge exchange, and professional development.

LOOKING AHEAD: HONORING THE PAST, SHAPING THE FUTURE

As we approach this golden anniversary, the CPC community is both proud of its legacy and energized for the future. Throughout 2026, we will commemorate five decades of achievement, resilience, and partnership. This celebration is not only a reflection on the past but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence in law enforcement training.

We invite you to join us in celebrating this significant milestone. Visit our website at https://cpc-ccp.gc.ca/index-eng.htm to explore our legacy, our courses and connect with our vibrant community.

Friendship: A of Legacy

Keeping the Story of the Mounted Police Alive

By Jennifer LeJeune

The president of the RCMP Veterans’ Association, Bob Byers, laid a brick with troopmate Lois Dudgeon on Sept. 25, 2025., both of whom were in the first-ever co-ed troop. (L–R): S/M Stephen Archibald; veteran Lois Dudgeon; Regina Division President Ron Plomp; veteran Lynn Spring; RCMPVA president Bob Byers; veteran Gord Soroka.

WhenBob Smart was a young instructor at Depot Div., he used to take his children through the old Centennial Museum – a smaller, humbler version of what would one day become the RCMP Heritage Centre. Back then, the museum’s gift shop, known as The Scarlet and Gold, was run almost entirely by volunteers.

“I’d bring my kids in, and we’d always stop at the shop,” he recalls. “The people who worked there – members, spouses, supporters – were just good role models. They gave back to the organization. You could tell they believed in what they were doing.”

Decades later, that same spirit still guides Bob and the organization he now leads – The Friends of the Mounted Police Heritage Centre.

Formed in 1988, the Friends began with a simple idea and a shared love for RCMP history. It was Malcolm Wake, then manager of the RCMP Museum, who first suggested forming a group of supporters to help raise funds and awareness. At the time, the museum operated on a shoestring budget. Wake’s proposal –to create a volunteer organization called “The Friends of the RCMP Museum” – struck a chord with a few key people, including veterans Ivan Thue and Ken Campbell. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become a decades-long partnership dedicated to preserving and promoting the story of the Force.

Today, the Friends are an international organization of more than 1,300 members – a mix of retired and serving members, employees, and civilians united by one goal: keeping the story of the Mounted Police alive.

For Bob Smart, that story is both personal and collective. A retired member who joined the RCMP in 1974, Bob served across the country – from Quebec and Manitoba to Depot Div., where he retired in 2010 as a Training Officer.

“When you’re serving, the RCMP is your priority,” he says. “When you retire, your priorities shift – family comes first.

Photo by Bob Smart

FROM FRIENDSHIP TO LEGACY

The Friends’ impact is visible across the Heritage Centre grounds – in the exhibits, on the parade square, and along the Princess Royal Walk. They’ve contributed more than $3 million to the Centre and supported everything from horse care to vehicle restorations. The group helped restore two seven-pound field guns that now stand guard beside the RCMP Cenotaph and funded the refurbishment of historic vehicles like the 1957 Meteor and the iconic RCMP Camaro.

But beyond the dollar figures, their true contribution lies in connection –between the past and present, between the RCMP and the people it serves.

Each summer, volunteers – many of them retired members – can be found driving the Heritage Centre’s “people movers” on the guided tours led by a Heritage Centre staff member. The Centre receives visitors from around the world. “Our role affords us the opportunity to interact with those taking the tours by sharing stories and answering questions. People are curious. They’ll ask about your experiences, what the RCMP was like. You meet people from every corner of the world who have an interest in the Force,” says Bob.

THE PILLARS OF THE FORCE: A LIVING TRIBUTE

One of the most meaningful initiatives to emerge from the Friends in recent years is The Pillars of the Force – a project that has redefined how the RCMP community honours its own.

The idea began as a fundraiser but quickly evolved into something deeper – a way to celebrate and preserve individual stories of service. On the east side of the Heritage Centre stand 21 stone pillars, each bearing the engraved nameplates of RCMP members and employees, both serving and retired. Along the Princess Royal

Walk, engraved bricks honour family members, community supporters, and friends of the Force.

“It’s twofold,” Bob explains. “It’s a fundraiser, yes, but it’s also a way to celebrate each person’s contribution. Everyone’s service is valued, and no one is forgotten.”

The initiative is deeply inclusive. Alongside the names of members and employees are those of fallen officers, and adjacent, a separate pillar for police service dogs, and soon, the chaplains who have long supported the RCMP community. “We’re trying to be as inclusive as possible,” Bob says. “Everyone who plays a part in the story of the Mounted Police deserves to be recognized.”

Each name tells its own story, captured forever in the Virtual Pillars online archive. Together, these personal accounts form a collective history – a living portrait of the Force through the eyes of those who served it.

“When you think about it,” says Bob, “each of us is the author of our own story. And all those stories together represent the contemporary story of the Mounted Police. That’s what the Pillars are about – celebrating service and preserving connection.”

THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERS

Behind every initiative are volunteers –the quiet force that keeps the organization running. Bob is quick to name one in particular: Lynda Neuman, a dedicated volunteer who has spent several years managing the Pillars program. “She’s incredible,” he says. “She knows every detail, every name, and every story. When people call the Friends, they’re usually talking to Lynda. She’s organized, committed, and she keeps us going.”

That dedication reflects the broader culture of the Friends – a mix of veterans, civilians, and supporters who see value in preserving the RCMP’s story for future

“WE DON’T YET KNOW THE FULL PATH FORWARD, BUT FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT WILL ALWAYS BE PART OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM MODEL.”

A view from the south of The Princess Royal Walk.

Photo courtesy of Bob Smart

generations. Membership is open to anyone who believes in the mission, whether they’ve worn the uniform or not.

“One of our most valued members and a former board member for more than 20 years wasn’t with the RCMP,” Bob adds. “He worked for the provincial government, joined the Veterans’ Association as an associate member, and later joined the Friends. It shows that anyone who believes in what the RCMP stands for – service to others, community, integrity – can be part of this.”

LOOKING AHEAD

As the RCMP Heritage Centre moves toward national museum status, the Friends’ role remains vital. “It’s a bit unpredictable,” Bob admits. “We don’t yet know the full path forward, but fundraising and community support will always be part of the national museum model. That means we’ll continue to be relevant – maybe even more so.”

For an organization built on friendship and storytelling, the future feels like a natural extension of its past. The Friends will continue to preserve history, celebrate service, and invite new generations to share their own stories.

Bob sees it as a shared responsibility – one that extends beyond the walls of the museum.

“The story of the Mounted Police is important to all of us,” he says. “If you don’t know who we are, visit our website. Learn about the Pillars of the Force. Stake your claim. Get into our history books. Every name, every story matters.”

KEEPING THE STORY ALIVE

For Bob Smart, the story always comes back to the people – the men and women, the families, and the communities that make up the Force.

At Depot, he still runs into people he’s known for decades. They talk about old postings, shared experiences, and the people they trained with. Some have names etched into the Pillars; others plan to add theirs. It’s a living, growing tribute – a reminder that the RCMP’s history isn’t just in artifacts or exhibits, but in the lives of those who’ve lived it.

As Bob reflects on his journey — from a young officer wandering the museum gift shop with his children to serving as president of the Friends of the Mounted Police Heritage Centre — one thing remains constant: the stories of the RCMP aren’t confined to glass displays; they live in the people who carry them forward. For Bob, preserving those stories isn’t just about honouring the past – it’s about keeping the human side of the Force alive for generations to come. “Every story is important,” he says. “That’s what the Friends are really about – keeping those stories alive.”

The brick mural for the RCMP Veterans' Association. Photo courtesy of Friends of the Mounted Police Heritage Centre

A view from the north of The Princess Royal Walk. Photo courtesy of Bob Smart

T T Royal Title

By Mark Gaillard, RCMP Historian Commr. A.B. Perry

TTTHE STORY OF HOW the “Royal” title was given to the Force is a decade-long tale of initiative, insubordination, hurt feelings, political delay, constitutional meddling, a law enforcement scandal, and bureaucratic inertia.

The right to use the title “Royal” is a muchcoveted honour. It signifies that the service of a regiment or organization so honoured has been of such an outstanding nature as to deserve the direct patronage and recognition of the Crown. Only regiments with the prefix “Royal” have the right to wear the colour blue on the facings, collars, and cuffs of their dress tunics.

The question of obtaining royal recognition for the North-West Mounted Police was first raised in London, England, in July 1897 by Supt. Aylesworth Bowen (A.B.) Perry. Perry was the officer in charge of the 24-man Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) detachment participating in the Canadian Contingent celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

On the day marking the 60th year of the Queen’s reign, the NWMP had the honour of providing a mounted escort to Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid and Lady Laurier in the Colonial Procession through the streets of London. This first appearance of the NWMP on the streets of London made a great impression on the British public, with the enthusiastic press coverage coining the nickname “Mounties.”

While in London, Perry boldly suggested to Laurier that the Force would be honoured to have the title “Royal” bestowed on it. He even drew up a historical outline of the Force’s achievements.

The Prime Minister sent Perry’s material to Fred White, the Comptroller (Deputy Minister) and told him he would discuss

the matter on his return to Ottawa. In the meantime, White forwarded the proposal to Commr. Lawrence Herchmer in Regina, asking for his opinion. To his surprise, Herchmer declined to make any comment.

Commr. Herchmer regarded Perry’s actions as both presumptuous and insubordinate, and that he had acted without first consulting his superior officer. But there was more to it. There were bad feelings about how the Diamond Jubilee contingent had been organized. Originally, Herchmer was to lead it, but at the last minute, Laurier replaced him with Perry.

Herchmer’s pride was hurt. He lost his temper and wrote angry and insubordinate letters to his superiors in Ottawa, demanding justice. As for Perry, he considered him as a political schemer who used intrigue to supplant him. There were rumours in the press that he was going to resign. It was at this point that Gilbert John ElliotMurray-Kynynmound, Lord Minto entered the picture. Appointed as Governor General of Canada in 1898, he had once been offered to be Commissioner of the NWMP but had turned it down, enabling the appointment of Herchmer instead. From his military and service in western Canada during 1885, Minto was a life-long admirer and supporter of the NWMP.

Minto’s views contrasted with those of Prime Minister Laurier on a number of important issues. Minto was an advocate of imperial unity, Canadian participation in the South African War, and the distribution of royal favours as a means of strengthening the prestige of the Crown in Canada.

Many English Canadians sympathized with Minto, but they resented the highhanded way he seemed to promote them without the advice of his ministers. As a result, Minto was accused of unconstitutional interference in politics, and there was a public controversy over his viceregal duties.

Meanwhile, in 1900, A.B. Perry became Commissioner, succeeding Herchmer who was forced to pension following a disagreement over his service in South Africa. In 1901, Perry tried again to obtain the title of “Royal” by taking advantage of the visit of the future King George V to western Canada. The Force provided the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall with mounted escorts, carriages, horses, bodyguards and other services.

Following the Royal Couple’s departure, Perry received a letter from the Duke’s private secretary expressing gratitude for the admirable way in which the Force had carried out its duties. He also got a letter from Sir Wilfrid Laurier, congratulating him on a job well done. With all the acclaim, Perry thought it was a good time to approach the Prime Minister again. Perry wrote to Fred White in Ottawa, urging him to approach Laurier. But White, knowing Laurier’s opposition to imperial ties, replied that it would do no good.

There the matter rested until September 1903, when Perry had been surprised to receive a note from White asking for a copy of his historical outline. It seems that White knew that the Governor General had decided to take matters into his own hands. Lord Minto would later claim that he had consulted with Laurier. Whether that was true or not, on Oct. 23, 1903, Minto officially wrote to Lord Lyttleton, the Colonial Secretary in London, requesting that King Edward VII be asked to grant the title “Royal” to the NWMP.

A month later, Minto received a dispatch from Downing Street that His Majesty had acceded to his recommendation. Minto forwarded the dispatch to the Privy Council Office in Ottawa in order that the award be made official in the Canada Gazette.

To his astonishment, weeks passed and the announcement failed to appear. He found out that Laurier had had the announcement “pigeon-holed.” Minto complained to London that the delay was a “gross injustice to a very distinguished corps.” Whenever

1897 NWMP contingent at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

he brought the matter up, Laurier was polite and put him off with excuses of one kind and another. At one point he explained his inaction to Minto by saying that some difficulties had arisen with the Force.

That difficulty was the Cashel Case scandal. An American outlaw named Ernest Cashel had brutally murdered a rancher near Red Deer and was sentenced to be hanged in the E Div. guardroom in Calgary on Dec. 15, 1903.

Five days before the execution, Ernest’s brother John had been given permission to visit him, and, during the visit, the three constables on guard duty left them alone. John passed two revolvers to his brother who later in the evening, in a scene reminiscent of many Western movies, forced the three guards to unlock the cell door and escaped into the night. Ernest Cashel was eventually recaptured and hanged, but only after a frustrating and at times foolish search that brought ridicule upon the Force.

Commr. Perry described the affair as a “stain thrown upon the reputation of the North-West Mounted Police.” It was certainly not an opportune time to announce the Royal honour for outstanding service.

with the head of the Empire.” Minto was angry that the King’s approval had been shelved for such “monstrous” reasons, and he told London that he would speak very strongly to Laurier on the necessity of making the announcement public in connection with the upcoming Coronation Honours.

There is no record of any subsequent communication between the Governor General and the Prime Minister. However, on June 24, 1904, the announcement finally appeared in the Canada Gazette

Members of the Force were first notified of the change by a General Order dated June 30, 1904:

Sir:-

I am directed to inform you that the Coronation Honours published today contain the following:-

“His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to confer the title of ‘Royal’ on the N.W.M. Police.”

“Signed” Fred White COMPTROLLER

Months passed and still nothing happened.

The real reason for the delay, he told the Colonial Secretary in May 1904, was that “he [Laurier] dare not accept the title “Royal” for his own corps because the people who influence him object to an indication of a close connection

Commr. Perry immediately set about to make the changes in badges and uniforms. However, the Department of Justice warned Perry not to use the new title on legal documents until the necessary legislative amendments were made by Parliament to the Mounted Police Act.

On Jan. 31, 1907, “An Act respecting the Royal Northwest Mounted Police” came into force. Section 3 read: The Royal Northwest Mounted Police Force, as constituted by the Governor in Council, shall continue to be a police force duly constituted for the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta and for the Northwest Territories and the Yukon Territory, and shall be known as the Royal Northwest Mounted Police.”

Stan Horrall, “1904 and All That,” RCMP Quarterly, Vol. 56, No. 2 (Spring 1991), p.15

1897 NWMP contingent at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Supt A.B. Perry is in the centre (light coloured tunic) with the standing members.

THEN

&NOW

By S/Sgt. Ted Sisk (Rtd.)

IN THIS QUESTION AND ANSWER, Insp. R. Keith Sherwood (Rtd.) MOM, discusses his 34-year career in the Force, including his crucial involvement with having the RCMP perform at the Royal Noval Scotia International Tattoo, creating a world-class dismounted cavalry drill display that made Canada proud.

WHEN AND WHERE DID YOU JOIN THE RCMP?

I was sworn in as a member of the RCMP on July 4, 1972 at Fairmont Barracks in Vancouver, B.C. I had never aspired to join the RCMP, nor ever considered it as a possible career choice until one fateful afternoon in October 1971.

On a whim, I called the RCMP and spoke briefly to a corporal in recruiting. He told me to come over to Fairmont and he would provide me with a recruiting package. The only stipulation was I had to get there by 3:30 p.m. because he would be heading home by that time. I picked up the package, completed it, and on my 19th birthday in February 1972, I was offered engagement in the RCMP. Five months later, I was in Regina and I never looked back.

WHERE DID YOUR CAREER IN THE FORCE TAKE YOU?

Graduating with Troop 9 in 1973, I left Depot brimming with confidence and ambition. I served 18 years in Alberta and 16 years in Nova

Scotia. In April 2006, I retired at the rank of inspector as the Officer in Charge of Economic Crime, having served a total of 34 years.

In 1992, on the 125th anniversary of Confederation, I found myself leading RCMP troops in parades throughout Nova Scotia, which is indeed ironic. On my final Depot assessment, my drill instructor, Cpl. Duncan Will, noted that I “ lacked the necessary military bearing to wear the uniform to advantage.” He also informed me that I was a freak of nature as I was 6’ tall. Cpl. Will, while possessing a commanding presence, was 5’8”.

That year, I also attended the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (RNSIT) with my daughter Allison for the first time. I was puzzled at the end of show marking Canada’s 125th anniversary that the RCMP was not involved. I spoke to a friend who happened to be an Aide de Camp to the Lt. Governor of Nova Scotia. He said he would introduce me to a Canadian Armed Forces contact who worked as a liaison officer with the Tattoo. Shortly thereafter, I

met Col. lan Fraser (Rtd.), the Tattoo’s producer and director. He became a vital supporter of my efforts and without him, we would never have travelled overseas.

The 50th anniversary of D-Day was the theme of the 1994 Tattoo. With the support of my Commanding Officer, I was able to assemble a group of 12 members to participate in the production. After the 1994 production, the RCMP was represented by 12 members which eventually grew to a troop of 24.

In 1998, on the 125th anniversary of the RCMP, I obtained the assistance of S/M Bob Gallup from J Div. with the troop for the Tattoo. This included pipe and drum bands and would be the first time that they would wear the RCMP tartan, which had been dedicated by Princess Anne. Through Bob, I met S/M Debbie Reitenbach, whom Bob described as the best drill technician he knew. In 1999, I was able to obtain her valuable assistance. It was then that “I” became “we” and we created something special.

Through the good auspices of Col. Fraser, we travelled to Scotland, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands at different times from 2000 to 2006, in addition to performing at the Tattoo each year. The troop now consisted of members recruited from across Canada. We had created a world-class dismounted cavalry drill display complete with lances and pennons. Something to be proud of.

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER?

I think the highlight of my career took place during a final parade of the Tattoo

I hope some day that a member will be in the audience listening to the music and the drill cadence, keeping time. Perhaps that person will

experience the joy of changing “I” to “we” as I did.

just before I retired in April 2006. I had always aspired to be the Tattoo parade commander but remembering Cpl. Will’s frank assessment, it was probably best that I had never been presented with the opportunity.

During the show’s intermission, Bob approached me and asked if I wanted to be the parade commander. It didn’t seem remotely possible because I now needed a wheelchair for

Cst. R. Keith Sherwood in August 1972. / Insp. R. Keith Sherwood (Rtd.) in 2025.

mobility due to the progression of the multiple sclerosis I had been diagnosed with in 1996. Bob assured me that it had all been arranged and that he would be by my side. So, there I was commanding the final parade thanks to Bob, Debbie, and my Tattoo friends. I will never forget that moment.

Following my retirement, under the guidance of Bob and Debbie, the troop continued to perform in Canada and internationally, inviting guest officers and/or drill instructors to assist them. Bob retired in 2008 and Debbie in 2014. In 2013, Cpl. Trevor Baldwin from B Div. came aboard and continued with the troop until its final performance in 2017.

Bob, Debbie and all the troop members over the years turned my dream into something very special that represented Canada and the RCMP with pride. Debbie and I still keep in touch. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2018. He was the very definition and embodiment of a Sgt Major - a commanding presence, coupled

with a mischievous sense of humour. He was our close friend and my good right arm.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SPECIAL MILESTONES?

On April 4, 2003, at Rideau Hall, I was invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (MOM) by Her Excellency, Madame Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. I was nominated for this award by a Member of Parliament who cited my work with the Tattoo, international Tattoos, and with the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign. The Force provided us with tremendous support over the years but times and budgets change. I hope some day that a member will be in the audience listening to the music and the drill cadence, keeping time. Perhaps that person will experience the joy of changing “I” to “we” as I did.

He is seated in the first row, third from the right.

Insp. R. Keith Sherwood (Rtd.) with his wife Louise of 51 years in 2025. She was with him on every overseas trip, awarded the Second Man pin, and was an auxiliary member of the RCMP Veterans’ Association Nova Scotia. Louise supported her husband throughout his time in the Force.

BEYOND THE BADGE:

How judo is bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community

Cst. Tyson Perry as an instructor at a judo club.

In

many ways, policing and martial arts share the same principles: discipline, personal growth, respect, and service to others.

For Cst. Tyson Perry, a 14-year member of the RCMP, these values come together both in uniform and on the judo mats as athlete, volunteer and mentor.

By establishing a judo club at his workplace and volunteering in his local community, Cst. Perry has created a space where community members, youth, and colleagues can connect through sport, mentorship, and shared learning.

His work demonstrates how law enforcement can go beyond the badge by utilizing martial arts to strengthen trust, build relationships, and inspire resilience and confidence within the community.

THE ART THAT SPARKED IT ALL

respect to your opponent. Then, you can start calculating the next moves, the times you fall and get up to continue; this is similar to the Depot training and frontline policing. Like the two activities, you must mentally prepare yourself, and overtime things become easier because you have done it before.”

“JUDO IS ABOUT MUTUAL BENEFIT AND THAT TRANSLATES INTO SOCIETY AND BY INSTILLING GOOD VALUES AROUND YOU, YOU ARE ALLOWING SOCIETY TO BENEFIT AND THAT IS WHY I ALWAYS SAY JUDO IS LIFE.”

As a member of a generational RCMP family and a descendant of former RCMP Commr. Aylesworth Bowen Perry, Cst. Perry grew up alongside the stories and legacy of policing in his family. His father, a karate instructor, understood the realities of law enforcement, and he encouraged his son to study judo from a young age. That early passion eventually led Perry to train abroad in Japan where he earned his black belt and judo instructor certification.

“Judo is a metaphor for life,” says Cst. Perry, recalling how the sport shaped his mindset that he needed to succeed during his RCMP application process and Depot training, drawing parallels between judo and policing.

“Courtesy and respect are a big factor in judo. Before a match, you must bow in

In judo, every student learns foundational techniques such as the Ogoshi (hip throw), Harai Goshi (sweeping hip throw), and Osoto Gari (leg sweep). But what differentiates fighters is how they demonstrate and add their own style to these movements. Cst. Perry notes that frontline policing reflects this same balance: officers receive similar training, but how they apply those techniques depends on the unique needs of each situation and the individual(s) they encounter.

“Judo is ideal for policing training, the foundation of judo is to learn how to break falls and avoid injuries,” he explains. “In policing, you are walking into a call, unaware of what is to occur next, judo is your reaction to their action, you want to come out of every situation safe and unharmed.”

LIVING JUDO’S STRONGEST VALUES

Guided by the principles of Jita Kyoei (mutual aid and benefit) and Seiryoku Zenyo (maximum

at the club, but most importantly in the selfdefense workshops he teaches on and off site.

With a strong presence in the judo community, Cst. Perry and the Green Timbers Judo Club’s outreach also extend to the BC RCMP’s recruitment efforts, connecting recruiters and club members with young judo athletes interested in learning about a career in policing. His most notable and recent experience was arranging RCMP Red Serge ceremonial members to take part in the winning ceremonies at the

the International Police Judo Exchange.

With judo being the taught defensive tactical system of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police since 1888. Perry will lead the Canadian Police Judo Team to train with the various Japanese police department judo teams, studying the origins of police judo, learning training methods first-hand used, and exploring how martial arts, especially in judo, can be used to manage real-world situations safely and effectively.

Through the Green Timbers Judo Club and his decades of community involvement, Cst. Perry has redefined what it means to serve.

“Judo is about mutual benefit and that translates into society and by instilling good values around you, you are allowing society to benefit and that is why I always say judo is life.”

B B DIVISION

Headquarters — St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

RIGOLET RCMP MEMBERS ORGANIZE

SUCCESSFUL 1ST ANNUAL RCMP BALL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

Rigolet RCMP members organized the first annual ball hockey tournament in December 2025, including Cst. Junior Pinksen and Cst. Ed Power. The RCMP team wore the RCMP 150th Anniversary hockey jerseys. Everyone had a great time! The tournament trophy was an RCMP custom stick.

Rigolet is a small isolated Inuit community on the Labrador coast with several hundred citizens.

BURIN PENINSULA RCMP RECOVERS SIDE- BY-SIDE STOLEN IN BREAK-IN, WOMAN ARRESTED

Burin Peninsula RCMP arrested a 47-year-old woman on Jan. 15, 2026, for trespass at night, break and enter, and theft of an off-road vehicle from a residence in Burin. The woman is also facing additional criminal charges including failing to comply with a release order and probation order.

At approximately 8:48 p.m. on Jan. 15, police received a call from a resident on Winterland Road, reporting that their off-road vehicle had just been stolen. The homeowner heard a loud banging noise and went outside to investigate, where they discovered damage to their shed and their 2024 Can-Am side-by-side missing.

While responding to the area, officers received a separate report of an unknown woman in a resident’s hot tub. Officers attended the second location and arrested the woman, 47, for trespassing.

The stolen off-road vehicle was located in the immediate area and seized.

Evidence connecting the woman to the off-road vehicle theft was recovered during a search following her arrest.

She was held in police custody and was expected to appear in Grand Bank Provincial Court on Jan. 16 to answer to Criminal Code charges of:

• Break and enter to commit an indictable offence,

• Theft of other motor vehicle,

• Trespass at night,

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000,

• Resist or obstruct a police officer,

• Failure to comply with a condition of a release order,

• Failure to comply with a probation order.

RCMP TRAFFIC SERVICES EAST ARRESTS IMPAIRED DRIVER CROSSING ON THE BELL ISLAND FERRY

A vehicle operator traveling on the Bell Island ferry was charged with failing to comply with a demand as part of an impaired operation investigation by RCMP Traffic Services East at the end of December.

On Dec. 31, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., an off-duty RCMP officer aboard the Bell Island ferry observed a man they believed to be impaired who had driven his vehicle onto the vessel. That officer reported the suspected impaired driver, and police prepared to meet him at the landing on Bell Island.

The driver — a 35-year-old Torbay man — was intercepted by an officer with RCMP Traffic Services East at the terminal. He showed signs of impairment and police provided a demand for a breath sample. The driver refused to provide a sample and was charged with failure or refusal to comply with a demand.

At the time of his arrest, police also located a radar detection device in his vehicle, and he was charged under the Highway Traffic Act for care and control of a vehicle equipped with a radar detector.

The man’s vehicle was seized and impounded, and his driver’s licence was suspended. He was released to appear in St. John’s Provincial Court in February 2026.

C DIVISION

Headquarters — Montreal, Quebec

DRONES AND FREIGHT CARS: A JOINT OPERATION AT THE BORDER

At the end of September, the Valleyfield Detachment teamed up with Transport Canada and rail company CSX for a joint operation to inspect 22 freight cars and two locomotives bound for the United States. According to Transport Canada, the Dundee rail corridor sees the highest number of incidents at the border. Its easy access and steady flow of rail traffic make it a hotspot for smuggling and irregular crossings.

During the operations, several issues were identified, including broken seals and signs of concealment. Twelve detachment members took part, in addition

to our drone operators, who assisted with searches and tested equipment in preparation for future interventions.

This initiative highlights our team’s leadership and the importance of collaboration between public and private partners in strengthening border security.

Many thanks to the whole team for their dedication and flexibility in fulfilling our diverse mandates—from monitoring the land border and the St. Lawrence River, to overseeing the Port of Valleyfield, the airport and cross-border trains. The team’s professionalism, commitment and adaptability truly make a difference.

By Insp. Martin Labrecque, Valleyfield Detachment

EXCELLENT WORK BY AFID INVESTIGATORS

At the end of 2023, O Div. transferred an investigative file to the Airport Federal Investigations Detachment (AFID) concerning multiple fraudulent applications for Canadian passports. AFID investigators quickly determined that a male suspect from the Montreal-area was connected to these fraudulent applications.

In the months that followed, our members executed a search warrant at the man’s home and arrested him. During the search, investigators seized several items and documents related to the numerous fraudulent applications submitted to Passport Canada. AFID’s investigation, in collaboration with our partners at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), led to 11 charges under the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

On Sept. 30, at the Montreal courthouse, Judge Nguyen of the Court of Quebec sentenced the man to 32 months in prison for the offences committed. He will be deported from Canada by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the end of his sentence.

Congratulations to Cst. Firas CheikhBandar, Cpl. Simon-Pierre Sauvé and Sergeant Éric Paradis for their work on this case.

By Insp. Richard Zaour, AFID

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED FOR CANNABIS ERADICATION SEASON

In 2025, the CFSEU’s Cannabis Strategy Team and the SQ’s Accès-Cannabis unit carried out 10 detection and eradication missions under Project Ciseaux. The season ended with the eradication of 6,968 illegal outdoor cannabis plants in the border regions of Estrie and Montérégie. The estimated value of the seized plants is approximately $1.2 million on the illicit market. In total, 31 arrests and 52 searches were conducted, with support from several Division and SQ members. Scouting from our Air Services helicopter made it possible to detect most of these illicit crops ahead of time. Criminals continue to exploit personal medical production certificates to hide and mask clandestine production, distribution and, above all, exports to international markets, including Europe. Illegal cannabis remains highly profitable for criminal organizations.

MAJOR SEIZURES IN SOREL AND GRENVILLE-SUR-LA-ROUGE

On Sept. 17, after plants had been detected, a major cannabis seizure took place in Sorel, Montérégie: 1,223 illicit plants were seized from a field and behind a residence. A search also resulted in the seizure of 20 kg of bulk dried cannabis, 3 kg of hashish, 200 g of cocaine, around 100 pills, an air

gun, brass knuckles, $2,000 in cash and a stolen motorcycle. Two suspects were arrested at the scene and will face charges of production and sale of illegal cannabis.

On Sept. 25, another eradication led to two arrests and a search of a residence in Grenvillesur-la-Rouge, in the Laurentians. Investigators seized 223 cannabis plants, over 2 kg of bulk dried cannabis and 619 contraband cigarettes.

Many thanks to all members who took part in these eradication missions, with a special mention to Air Services. Their expertise and collaboration are invaluable to this project’s success.

By Sgt. Danny Paradis, Cannabis Strategy Team

A GOLDEN CASE FOR THE MONEY LAUNDERING INVESTIGATIVE TEAM

At the end of October, members of the Money Laundering Investigative Team (MLIT) were asked by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to take part in a rather extraordinary seizure.

Two Turkish travellers bound for Istanbul, Turkey, were stopped by our CBSA colleagues carrying seven gold bars weighing a total of 10 kilos! Along with the gold, $114,000 in cash was seized.

The bars were sent to a specialized firm, which confirmed that they were real gold made from melted jewelry. Market value? A whopping $894,000. The investigation is ongoing.

Now that’s what we call a big catch!

By Sgt. Jonathan Ouellet, MLIT

MAJOR BUST BY THE CANNABIS STRATEGY TEAM

On Dec. 3, the CFSEU’s Cannabis Strategy Team carried out an operation targeting illicit cannabis cultivation, resulting in an astonishing seizure of 2,349 plants under a production authorization revoked by Health Canada.

Officers also seized 6 kg of ground cannabis ready to roll, 17 kg of dried buds and a bag of shredded residue commonly known as “shake.” In addition, two high-value trimmers and cannabis-contaminated items indicating trafficking, such as scales, plastic transport bags, a vacuum sealer, a grinder and a price/quantity list were seized.

A man of Vietnamese origin with no legal status in Canada was arrested at the scene, and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers extradited him a few days later. These activities are believed to be linked to Asian organized crime (AOC), historically known for large-scale illicit cannabis production, distribution and nationwide export. No charges have been laid yet, but the investigation is ongoing.

Many thanks to all members who took part in this operation, as well as our invaluable partners at Hydro-Québec, the Sûreté du Québec, Health Canada and the CBSA for their assistance during the investigation and operation.

By Sgt. Danny Paradis, Cannabis Strategy Team

D

D DIVISION

Headquarters — Winnipeg, Manitoba

BRANDON RCMP INVESTIGATION UNCOVERS OVER $150K IN STOLEN PROPERTY

On Nov. 3, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Brandon RCMP received a report that a number of items were stolen from a property just outside of Brandon.

The victim advised police that between the evening of Oct. 31, 2025, and the morning of Nov. 1, 2025, various pieces of construction equipment were stolen from an area off Provincial Road 270 and Highway 1, north of Brandon.

Equipment, including a skid steer and cargo trailer, were missing along with numerous other items.

The investigation led officers to a residential property near PR 270 and Road 87 West where they located the stolen skid steer. A male and female on the property were arrested without incident.

Brandon RCMP along with Manitoba RCMP Police Dog Services later searched the entire property and located multiple stolen items. This included a snowmobile, utility trailer, boat and boat trailer, various construction signs, and a golf cart.

Officers believe the value of the recovered items total approximately $150,000 and were stolen from property in and around the Brandon/Westman area as far back as 2021.

The two people arrested at the scene, a man, 45, and a woman, 42, both from RM of NorthCypress-Langford have been charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 x 11; They have been remanded into custody. Officers are working to return property back to their original owners. The investigation continues.

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE RCMP LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSION AFTER FISHERS FAIL TO RETURN HOME

On Jan. 9, at about 7:50 p.m., Portage la Prairie RCMP launched a search and rescue mission after three individuals who went fishing on Lake Manitoba near Saint Ambroise had texted a family member requesting help getting home.

Officers were told the fishers – ranging in age from nine to 60 – had travelled several kilometres out onto the lake on an enclosed Bombardier. Portage la Prairie RCMP headed to the area and began searching on snowmobiles for the next three hours. A family member also assisted RCMP in the search.

During this time, a second text was received by a family member asking for help.

This initial search – which also included the use of drones – was unsuccessful, prompting a call to the Royal Canadian Air Force for assistance. A Hercules operated by the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron was subsequently deployed.

At 4:25 a.m., the missing individuals were spotted about five kilometres off the shoreline on Lake Manitoba.

Portage la Prairie officers and a family member drove their snowmobiles to the location and found the three individuals, who didn’t have firewood and were running low on fuel. The three individuals were okay and did not need medical attention. They were returned safely by RCMP to shore.

FOUR SUSPECTS FROM CHEMAWAWIN CREE NATION FACE A COMBINED 42 CHARGES AFTER MULTIPLE INCIDENTS

On Jan. 15, just after 9:35 p.m., Chemawawin RCMP responded to the first of several incidents over the next two days that resulted in four adult suspects facing a combined 42 charges. The first incident involved a fight between one suspect and two other people at a home in the community. Officers arriving at the residence minutes later were not able to locate any of the involved parties. Soon after, though, other calls for service began to occur – including three incidents that prompted criminal charges:

• On Jan. 15, just after 11 p.m., RCMP received a report of a 27-year-old male being stabbed in the leg by an individual. The male was treated for his injuries at the local nursing station and released. The same suspect involved in the initial disturbance call 90 minutes earlier was identified;

• On Jan. 16, at 7:45 p.m., RCMP received a report that several males – including the suspect from the initial incident –threatened a 22-year-old female inside her home with a knife. The victim suffered minor physical injuries; and

• On Jan. 17, at 4:30 a.m., RCMP responded to a call that a suspect was trying to break into a home. A physical altercation involving several people occurred outside of the home and spilled onto the roadway. One person was taken to hospital as a

result. A person living at the residence said the same group had shown up the night before, armed with knives and a BB gun.

On the afternoon of Jan. 17, Chemawawin RCMP and First Nation Safety Officers located and arrested two suspects. Two other suspects were arrested by RCMP performing a traffic stop.

A 20-year-old male faces charges of:

• Forcible confinement;

• Assault with weapon x2;

• Assault x2;

• Aggravated assault;

• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;

• Break and enter;

• Possession of break-in instruments; and

• Failure to comply with a probation order x6;

A 31-year-old male faces charges of:

• Forcible confinement;

• Assault x2;

• Aggravated assault;

• Assault with a weapon;

• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose x2;

• Possession of break-in instruments;

• Break and enter; and

• Failure to comply with a probation order x3.

A 23-year-old female faces charges of:

• Forcible confinement;

• Assault x2;

• Aggravated assault;

• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;

• Break and enter; and

• Possession of break-in instruments.

A 24-year-old male faces charges of:

• Forcible confinement;

• Assault x2;

• Aggravated assault;

• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;

• Break and enter;

• Possession of break-in instruments; and

• Breach of recognizance. The investigation continues.

Depot

DEPOT DIVISION

Headquarters — Regina, Saskatchewan

A FAMILY AFFAIR

On Nov. 10, 2025, as Cst. Mahlon Head, Reg. No. 71401, was graduating from Depot as part of Troop 6, he was presented his badge by his 91-year-old grandfather, A/Commr. Bob Head (Rtd)., Reg. No., 18465, (O.806), as well as his father, Supt. Tim Head (Rtd.), Reg. No. 36298, (O.2023), both of whom were immaculately turned out in review order.

The three generations of the deservedly proud Head clan are pictured on the steps of the Drill Hall. It is interesting to note the 52936-span in regimental numbers and the 72-year span of service for the Head family, from 1953-2025.

Cst. Mahlon Head continues

A 3D PRINTED ARM THAT TRAINS CADETS

The Police Defensive Tactics (PDT) unit has been delivering the Basic Trauma Equipment Course (BTEC) to cadets since March 2025. This course teaches essential skills for responding to trauma situations. It covers a range of lifesaving measures that police officers may use, as they are oftentimes first on scene. These include Rapid Trauma Patient Assessment, Basic Airway Management, and more.

For the wound packing and pressure dressing portion of BTEC, training props with wounds are used. An idea was discussed to use a 3D printer to create a realistic prop. A prototype silicon forearm with wounds was created at Depot by the Learning Technology and Creative Services Unit. Following the successful creation of this prototype, more have since been produced.

Having an actual “arm” for this part of the course has made it much more realistic for the cadets. Hands-on experience helps build muscle memory when learning new skills. This prop “arm” provides a way to practice emergency care that is closer to real-life scenarios.

FROM VISITOR TO CADET

Meet Cst. Cole Hamm, a recent graduate from the RCMP Academy.

From a young age, Cst. Hamm wanted a job where he could help others, serve his community and make a difference in people’s lives. His father’s career as a police officer shaped his admiration for the profession. Before arriving to the RCMP Academy, he completed the Public Safety Certificate Program at Assiniboine College and worked briefly as a community cadet at Brandon Police Service in Manitoba.

Assiniboine’s eight-month Public Safety certificate program prepares students for a career in public safety agencies. This program also prepares graduates who want to pursue policing roles within municipal and First Nation police services in Manitoba, or with other police services across Canada, including the RCMP. The course helps build strong resumes and has

a focus on community engagement. Students obtain over 200 hours of volunteer time, and all become mentors with Big Brother Big Sisters.

The program also connects students with recruiters from as many policing agencies as possible. As part of the course, the students visit the RCMP Academy. Acting Sgt. Alice Potter, Brandon Police Service, Secondment Instructor for Public Safety Assiniboine College shared, “Visiting Depot is the best opportunity to see a training academy in action – watching drill (my students learn drill as well) is a highlight. The visit helps students see what day-to-day life at Depot would be like!”

It was a little over a year ago that Cst. Hamm visited Depot with his college classmates. This tour inspired him and he felt a calling to apply for the RCMP – he returned home and started the application process right away. As part of the college program, students receive support and guidance when applying for jobs or further schooling.

A/Sgt. Potter won’t forget the day Cst. Hamm called to tell her he was accepted to the RCMP Academy. After calling his parents first, he made his second call to A/Sgt. Potter.

As Cst. Hamm was preparing to graduate from the RCMP Academy, A/Sgt. Potter was coordinating this year’s class visit to Depot.

A specific date was chosen so students from his former college could be present for a special occasion – Cst. Hamm’s graduation day. A/ Sgt. Potter and her students started their day with a fulsome tour and wrapped up watching the graduation badge ceremony.

Cst. Hamm shared that he would remember his training at Depot as an unforgettable experience. He learned more than he could ever imagine and a lot about teamwork, and said, “It is truly special, the camaraderie of operating as a team at all times and wanting the exact same thing – Depot was once in a lifetime.”

DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES

TROOP 29 (2024-25) began training Dec. 30, 2024 and graduated June 30, 2025.

(L-R) Seated: Cpl. T. Tremblay, Cpl. H. Lévesque, Insp. Jesse Jones, CO M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. J. Arcaro, Cpl. M. Cyr.

Second row: K. Parisien, C.M. Michaudville, A.F.S. St-Jean Savoie, A.M. Morel, V.E.E. Duquette.

Third row: H. Touiti, J.P. Carreno Pineda, É. Chaumont, S. Lepitre, K. Hadj-Tayeb, J.C. Boisvert.

Fourth row: A.M. Lirola, É.G. Charette, L.J. Gladu, S. Sadaoui, C. Cyrenne.

19

30 29

TROOP 30 (2025) began training Jan. 6, 2025 and graduated July 7, 2025.

(L-R) Seated: Cpl. R. Francis, Cpl. G. Duffy, Insp. J. Jones, C/Supt. M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl F. Courtemanche, Cpl. W. Stewart. Second row: A.R.T. Ravoajanahary, C.A. Carter, S.A. Tahir, M.Kose, S.L. Sandhu, M.R. Landry.

Third row: V.C. Auger Soumis, O. Proulx, F. Mouiha, S. Banh, D. Volkov, A. Kapoor, J.J.R Blackie.

Fourth row: A. Sallans, S.S Brar, N.M. Stewart, E.L. Henry, J.S. Nanhra, C.D. Hipditch.

DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES

20 TROOP 31 (2025) began training Jan. 13, 2025 and graduated July 14, 2025.

Fourth row: N.J. Miles, L. Genereux, S.M. Perry, J. Lajoie, B.T. Fitzsimmons, R.L. Meron, S.G. Bérubé. 32 31

(L-R) Seated: Cpl. A. Matthews, Sgt. P. Côté, Insp. J. Boutilier, CO M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. M. Mackenzie. Second row: C.A. Cole, M. Hassoun, J.J. Belter, M. Singh, L. Gervais, S.J. Macdonald-Miles.

Third row: V.S. Manhas, J.C.J. Moise, S.A. Bertram, N.D. Findlay, D.B. Heggie, J.M.L. Martin, J.A. Wardley.

Fourth row: E.R. Mackenzie, E.K.T.F. Larson, J.G. Henderson, G. Hebert, E. Dan, J. Singh.

TROOP 32 (2025) began training Jan. 20, 2025 and graduated July 21, 2025.

(L-R) Seated: Cpl. M.Lachance, Cpl. G. Duffy, Supt. J. Comeau, C/Supt. M. Lokken, Sgt. P. Côté, Cpl. S. Snowden. Second row: C. Mireault, L.W.T. Dillon, M.M. Tessier, K. Lieverse, T. Islam.

Third row: N.D. Armstrong, A.M. Gakui, D.T.R. Da Silva, S.J. Anderson, S.I.J. Gault, J.M. Tanguay.

DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES

TROOP 33 (2025) began training Jan. 27, 2025 and graduated July 28, 2025.

(L-R) Seated: Cpl. D. Birch, Cpl. A. Carmichael, Insp. J. Jones, C/Supt. M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. A. Buchanan, Cpl. A. Lawson.

Second row: D.K. Orr, M.L. Cote, V. Kamboj, S. Dey, L.D. Tatlonghari, A.E.C. Spears.

Third row: K.S. Dhaliwal, B.M. Synnott, B.W. Figoni, A.D.D. Litt, T.V.Y.J.L. Coallier, S.K. Zeisberger, K.H.W. Langille.

Fourth row: B.D. Fehr, J.J. Kuzma, S.R.A. McNish, A.A. Mehra, N. Mrden, P.S. Mander.

TROOP 34 (2025) began training Feb. 10, 2025 and graduated Aug. 11, 2025.

(L-R) Seated: Cpl. M. Mclennan, Cpl. N. Muz, Cpl. J. Green, Insp. J. Boutillier, Supt. J. Comeau, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. S. Gamache, Cpl. E. Rojas-Grenier.

Second row: V.H.L. Tsang, S.G. Gaonkar, J.D.J. Torril, D.C. Mardell, H.E. Fitzgerald, M.J. Tonner.

Third row: M.J. Lafond, P. Kansara, B.D. Phillips, G.S. Minhas, C.D. Heckbert.

Fourth row: A. Duggan, J.D. Zucchiatti, G.S. Sekhon, R.T. Jarratt, J.T.R. Armstrong, P.C. Thursby.

DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES

35 Troop 35 (2025) began training Feb. 10, 2025 and graduated Aug. 11, 2025.

(L-R) Seated: Cpl. A. Mills, Cpl. J. Green, Insp. N. Szpakowski, Supt. J. Comeau, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. D. Davies. Second row: D. Vusic, M. Néron, K. Gill, D. Coulombe, J. Kabongo, S. Kachoei, M. Fesalbon.

Third row: A. Poitras-Lavoie, G. Dhaliwal, C. Grosenick, A. George, D. Bell, E. O’Brien Mugisha.

Fourth row: J. Deep, G. Catala, C. Prudent, R. Brotherton, J. Gagnon, J. Fitzpatrick, W. Diabo.

Troop 36 (2025) began training Feb. 24, 2025 and graduated Aug. 25, 2025.

(L-R) Seated: Cpl. L. Garvie, Cpl. H. Lévesque, Insp. J. Jones, C/Supt. M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. S. Drall, Cpl. R. Gamache. Second row: K. Richardson-Watson, B. Vaillant-Allison, R. Mohammad Zahir, M. Southam, R. Suarez Lopez, A. Pearson, L. Horn. Third row: C. Shanks, L. Coers, A. Campbell, R. Joly, A. Le, Z. Zhuang.

Fourth row: R. Ciordas, T. Brady, S. McComber, N. Fedorov, N. Romain, H. Sidhu, A. Matkovic.

E DIVISION

Headquarters — Surrey, British Columbia

TWO MOTORCYCLES SPEED RIGHT BACK TO THE IMPOUND LOT AFTER RELEASE FROM SEVEN-DAY IMPOUNDS

BC Highway Patrol is serious about reducing late-season motorcycle speeding deaths on the Sea to Sky Highway, as two motorcyclists have recently learned firsthand.

On Oct. 13, 2025, a Suzuki was clocked doing 168 km/h southbound on Highway #99 near Porteau Cove, where the speed limit is 80 km/h. The 54-year-old Burnaby man told BC Highway Patrol that he had just picked his motorcycle up from a seven-day excessive speeding impound. The man’s wife had dropped him off to pick up the bike, and minutes later, she came to pick him up again.

The very next day, in the very same location, a BMW was clocked at 143 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. The 40-year-old Vancouver man had ridden straight from picking his bike up from a seven-day impound. He was issued another excessive speeding ticket and yet another impound.

“A second excessive speeding offence means a 30-day impound, plus you pay for the extra storage costs, plus extra insurance costs and escalating high-risk driver premiums,” says Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “You can see how BC Highway Patrol is using enforcement to educate people about speeding consequences.”

The total costs of the impounds will easily exceed $3,000 but will still be nowhere near the consequences of a high-speed motorcycle collision.

BURNABY RCMP SEIZES TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF SUNGLASSES DURING UNRELATED SEARCH WARRANT

On Nov. 17, 2025, while executing a search warrant on a residence in an unrelated ongoing investigation, Burnaby RCMP’s Investigative Support Team (IST) located and seized tens of thousands of dollars worth of stolen sunglasses and other eyewear.

Eight boxes with more than 100 items, many with store tags still attached, were seized as stolen property from the residence. Some tags allowed police to track the items as stolen from several businesses throughout the Lower Mainland.

Police also located approximately 5 grams of a powdered drug, believed to be fentanyl, mixed in with the eyewear.

“Criminals are going to criminal,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj with the Burnaby RCMP. “When investigating crime, police often discover other crimes being committed by the same individuals.”

Police are working hard to return as many items as possible to the rightful businesses.

The actual value of the eyewear is unknown; however, one item was listed at $1,140 and numerous others were tagged at several hundred dollars.

“What’s also concerning is if they were selling these items on the side, some unsuspecting victim could have unknowingly been contaminated by illicit drugs.” Cpl. Kalanj added.

BURNABY RCMP SEIZES OVER 97 KILOS OF ILLICIT DRUGS, $70,000 CASH, ONE MAN ARRESTED

Burnaby RCMP’s Gang Enforcement Team (BGET) has seized over 97 kilograms (215 pounds) of illicit drugs and $70,000 in cash after a 6-month long drug trafficking investigation.

On Dec. 17, 2025, BGET executed a search warrant on a suspect’s residence in New Westminster. A 29-year-old man was taken into custody and now faces numerous potential charges.

Officers located and seized the following:

• 15 kg of cocaine

• 41 kg of methamphetamine

• 30 grams of fentanyl

• 41 kg of cannabis concentrate “Shatter” (some bulk, some pre-packaged)

• Over $70,000 in Canadian currency

• Illicit drug cooking materials and money counters

The seizure has a street level value of nearly $4 million.

“The production and trafficking of drugs is not a victimless crime. We see its devastating effects daily. The number of potential lives saved as a result of this seizure is immeasurable and the amount of illicit drugs taken off the street is astounding.” said Insp. Matt Toews, Burnaby RCMP’s Investigative Services Officer. “I am very proud of our Gang Enforcement Team but also know there is still a lot of work ahead before this investigation can be moved to the charge approval stage.”

The investigation is ongoing.

WEST SHORE RCMP AND LOCAL NURSE RAISE OVER $105,000 FOR COPS FOR CANCER TOUR DE ROCK

West Shore RCMP, together with Tour de Rock rider Shea MacKenzie, would like to thank the community for their generosity

in helping raise more than $105,000 in support of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock.

The funds were raised through two major efforts: the West Shore RCMP Gala Dinner, which generated $80,200, and the personal fundraising campaign of MacKenzie, a registered nurse with the detachment’s Mental Health Unit, who raised over $25,000.

MacKenzie was one of this year’s Tour de Rock riders, completing the two-week, 1,200-kilometre journey across Vancouver Island. A cancer survivor herself, MacKenzie’s dedication and strength inspired both colleagues and the community throughout the campaign.

“Watching Shea take on this challenge with such determination has been inspiring,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, Media Relations Officer and member of the Gala organizing committee. “Her strength and courage embody what community service is all about. We are grateful to everyone who stood behind her and our Gala organizers in support of such an important initiative.”

Funds raised through the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock support life-saving pediatric cancer research and programs like Camp Goodtimes, a medically supervised summer camp that offers children affected by cancer an unforgettable experience filled with fun, friendship, and hope.

The West Shore RCMP extend heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, donors, and residents who supported the Gala Dinner and MacKenzie’s campaign. The generosity of the community made this record-breaking year possible.

MOOSE ON THE LOOSE

On Oct. 27, 2025, near Clinton, B.C., a young moose found itself in a bit of jam getting trapped behind a fence. Fortunately for the moose, Clinton RCMP and the BC Conservation Officer Service responded to lend a hoof and a helping hand.

The officers worked together with calm coordination and a little patience were able to gently guide the curious moose towards freedom. The young moose eventually found the opening it need and moose-d back into the forest.

“It’s not everyday that you are called to a stuck moose. We’re glad that we were able to let this moose loose and that no one was moose-handled in the process,” said Cst. Taylor Sippel, responding RCMP officer from the BC Provincial Support Team.

15 ARRESTED IN SINGLE-DAY OPERATION TARGETING RETAIL THEFT IN RICHMOND

On Oct. 18, 2025, Richmond RCMP conducted a full day operation targeting retail theft at local businesses, resulting in the arrest of 15 suspects. Of those arrested, the majority reside in other jurisdictions. One suspect was arrested twice at different locations. Two suspects were youth. Over $5,000 in merchandise was recovered.

Criminal charges are typically recommended in such cases, with alternative measures considered for youth suspects.

This single day operation was part of the Richmond RCMP “Boost and Bust” initiative, funded in part by the Provincial Government Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program (CSTEP). The provincial funding allows for the expansion of ongoing operations which are conducted

regularly throughout the year, with enhanced operations leading into the holiday season.

Richmond RCMP Crime Analysts have identified retail theft as a continuing issue in the downtown core area of Richmond.

“Retail theft is not a victimless crime. It affects store staff, business owners, and the broader community,” said Cpl. Pierre Beauchamp, Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit. “We know that much of this activity is organized and that stolen goods—including food and health products—often end up being resold through unsafe, unregulated channels. These operations are not only illegal but create real health and safety risks to the public. We will continue to identify and disrupt those involved in this type of crime in our community.”

Richmond RCMP bike and foot patrols provide additional visible police presence in the downtown core, responding to calls, serving as a deterrent for criminal activity, and providing a sense of security for residents. Beyond enforcement, Richmond RCMP works with frequently targeted businesses to enhance crime prevention strategies, including recommendations for security improvements and environmental design modifications.

THAT’S A WRAP: COMMUNITYBUILT CHRISTMAS SLEIGH RETURNS TO STORAGE AFTER ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY SEASON

As the holiday season comes to a close, the Alert Bay RCMP sleigh has officially been wrapped up and returned to storage at the detachment until next Christmas. In mid-January, the festive sleigh was towed back by an RCMP truck, marking the end of another memorable season of community celebration, partnership and tradition.

The Christmas sleigh has become a familiar and much-loved sight in Alert Bay since its debut in 2020. The idea was first brought to

the detachment by Cst. Scott MacDonald shortly after his transfer to Alert Bay. He shared the vision with the Whe-la-la-u Area Council, who helped connect him with local Indigenous artist Wayne Alfred. The RCMP commissioned Alfred to design the sleigh, while local department store Shop Rite generously donated the building supplies.

Cst. MacDonald then spent countless volunteer hours hand-building the sleigh. Once constructed, members of the Alert Bay RCMP and staff from the Whe-la-la-u Area Council came together to paint it, turning the project into a true community collaboration.

Each year on Dec. 18, the sleigh is hitched to a police vehicle and driven to the community’s two schools for the last day before winter break, complete with Santa and candy canes. It is later featured in the annual First Responders Christmas Parade and the community Christmas Light Up, a beloved event led by the Whe-la-la-u Area Council.

Following the festivities, the sleigh remains in the town square so families can enjoy it and take holiday photos. For the first four years, it was also requested for the children’s

Community Christmas Party hosted by the ’Namgis First Nation. In early January, the sleigh is carefully transported back to the detachment, where it is stored until the following season.

“The Christmas sleigh is a wonderful example of what can happen when police, Indigenous partners and the community work together,” said Sgt. David Ribeiro, Detachment Commander of the Alert Bay RCMP. “Cst. MacDonald put an incredible amount of heart and volunteer time into bringing this vision to life, and it has become a highlight of the Christmas season for so many families. We are proud to be part of something that brings people together year after year.”

The Alert Bay RCMP would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Harry Alfred, owner of Bak’was Marine Transportation, for generously lending his trailer every year since 2020 to help transport the sleigh safely to and from the detachment.

As the lights come down and the sleigh is tucked away for the season, the Alert Bay RCMP looks forward to continuing this cherished tradition with the community again next Christmas.

F

F DIVISION

Headquarters — Regina, Saskatchewan

BATTLEFORDS RCMP RESPOND TO MORE THAN 20,000 CALLS FOR SERVICE IN 2025

As Saskatchewan’s largest RCMP detachment, Battlefords RCMP provide 24-hour policing to more than 25,000 residents. From the City of North Battleford and Town of Battleford to five First Nations communities, officers deliver both municipal and rural policing with support from specialized units and Saskatchewan RCMP resources.

“We’re getting out and getting engaged with the community, but we’re also getting back to core policing and making sure we stick to what we’re best at, which is policing and enforcement,” says Insp. Ryan How, Battlefords RCMP Detachment Commander. “When residents see Battlefords RCMP officers in the community, they can know that we’re working to effectively police the Battlefords region.”

Answering your calls

Battlefords RCMP responded to more than 20,000 calls for service last year. Additionally, the duties police officers take on go beyond the initial response. Every day, Battlefords RCMP officers may be completing additional training, carrying out court and prisoner transport duties, providing public safety education at schools and community events, and investigating ongoing files.

“RCMP officers in the Battlefords face a wide variety of calls. They know they’re going to be busy every time they get to work, and it’s something new every day,” says Insp. How. “From serious criminal investigations to community engagement, our officers are constantly adapting to meet the needs of the people we serve.”

“We live in the Battlefords area, too. Police officers genuinely care about the communities they serve and the safety and wellbeing of people who live here. It’s not just a job, it’s a commitment to making sure our neighbours feel safe and supported.”

Part of your community

In 2025, Battlefords RCMP officers formally participated in more than 60 community events and increased their presence in downtown North Battleford.

Partnering with the City of North Battleford, social agencies and local businesses, officers worked to create a healthier and safer environment by completing more that 600 foot patrols in the downtown core.

“While patrolling downtown, officers regularly meet residents facing mental health and addictions challenges. We know enforcement alone isn’t the answer here, arresting and charging is not going to be the solution to this,” says Insp. How.

“With a compassionate lens, RCMP officers patrolling downtown work to make sure the people who want help are getting access to the services they need.”

Community engagement remained a priority throughout the year. From teddy bear

clinics to bike rodeos, to school presentations and pow wows, officers worked hard to strengthen connections with residents of all ages in 2025. In December, officers also organized a “Cram the Cruiser” food drive that collected more that 4,200 lbs of food and $3,500 in cash donations for the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre.

“We’re proud of the progress we made in 2025, and we’re committed to building on that momentum this year,” says Insp. How. “Strong partnerships and connections make safer communities possible.”

Strengthening collaboration with First Nations partners

Battlefords RCMP First Nations Community Policing Services have continued to build key partnerships with local First Nations, and these relationships have produced results that contribute to public safety in the area.

“The communities we work in each have their own unique policing needs, and our role is to listen, learn, and collaborate in ways that respect those differences,” says Insp. How. “Ongoing consultation is key to building approaches that work for each community.”

In October 2025, Sweetgrass First Nation Security Team played a crucial role in the arrest of wanted person. After being informed of the warrants by Battlefords RCMP, security officers saw the individual entering a residence, confirmed their identity, and immediately notified Battlefords RCMP.

Working alongside police, security officers maintained surveillance of the suspect and set up roadblocks, allowing officers to focus on containing the scene until the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team arrived and arrested the wanted person.

“This arrest is a clear example of what we can do when we work together,” says Insp. How. “Quick action and strong

communication played a major role in taking a wanted person out of the community. This shows just how important these relationships are to protecting people and creating safer environments.”

Combatting property crime

Battlefords RCMP launched targeted property crime prevention night patrols in September 2025.

During the night, police officers on foot and on bicycles – in uniform and civilian clothes – patrolled the Town of Battleford and the City of North Battleford to target and deter property crimes.

Night patrols target several aspects of property crimes, including thefts of items in yards, break and enters and vehicle thefts.

“We know from the reports we receive that property crime is a concern in certain areas,” says Insp. How. “With these targeted night patrols, we want to respond to property crime calls rapidly and deter property crime before it’s committed.”

There was an 11 per cent decrease in property offences in the last quarter of 2025, compared to 2024 reports. Over the last five years, Battlefords RCMP has seen a 12 per cent decrease in property offences, with break and enters decreasing 21 per cent since 2023.

The Battlefords RCMP property crime prevention police night patrols were developed in collaboration with the North Battleford Municipal Community Safety Officers and Battlefords Citizens on Patrol.

Working alongside specialized units

At Battlefords RCMP Detachment, frontline officers work with specialized units, hosted by the Detachment, and draw on resources from across the Saskatchewan RCMP to respond to high-risk situations and complement everyday police work in the region.

RCMP officers with the Serious Crimes Unit (SCU), Police Dog Services (PDS), Forensic Identification Section (FIS) and Battlefords RCMP Municipal General Investigation Section (GIS) are all based in the Battlefords. These experienced officers lead complex investigations and provide frontline officers with specialized support.

Saskatchewan RCMP units from across the province, like the Critical Incident Response Program, which includes the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Major Crimes Branch, which includes the Homicide Investigation Unit (HIU) and Historical Case Unit (HCU), and Underwater Recovery Team (URT), also respond to priority incidents in the Battlefords area, providing additional tactical, investigative, and technical support when needed.

The Battlefords Crime Reduction Team-Gang Task Force (CRT-GTF) and North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT), both part of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERT), provide invaluable support to detachment efforts to decrease violent crime.

In 2025, the Battlefords CRT-GTF executed 16 search warrants, seizing 612 grams of cocaine, 158 grams methamphetamine, 231 grams of fentanyl, and 246 grams of MDMA. Officers recovered nine stolen vehicles, seized 17 firearms and 21 other weapons, charged 38 individuals, and seized more than $8,600 in proceeds of crime.

In the City of North Battleford, the North Battleford CRT executed 96 warrants and seized 10 firearms, along with quantities of illegal drugs, and recovered stolen vehicles. As part of focused crime reduction strategies, the team supported frontline officers on calls and took the lead on a number of files, contributing to coordinated policing across North Battleford. In addition to

their overt enforcement of gang-related activities in the city, the CRT deployed to assist surrounding detachments with crime suppression and targeted enforcement efforts.

“Residents are safer anytime dangerous drugs, illegal weapons and wanted individuals are removed from communities,” says Insp. How.

“The CRT and CRT-GTF work closely with our frontline officers to identify, target, and dismantle the networks driving violence in the Battlefords. Their efforts in 2025 demonstrate how coordinated, proactive policing makes a real impact, and the results speak for themselves.”

WARMAN CONSTABLE TACKLES MARATHONS TO HELP DE-STRESS

Cst. Andrew Giassa participated in the 2025 Boston Marathon, placing in the top 10% of almost 30,000 runners that day! Here’s how he prepares for marathons on a daily basis, and juggles his commitment to training along with his busy role with the Warman Detachment:

“As a general duty member, a typical work day could be working either days or nights on both weekdays and weekends.

After working a night shift, I generally go to sleep at 3 a.m. or 7 a.m., and could be getting up out of bed anytime from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. I try my best to prioritize sleep, and plan for at least an eight-hour block. Sleep is so important for recovery with the stress that I put my body through.

My routine when I wake up is black coffee, and sourdough bread with honey. This fuels me for my run. My usual daily run is 15 kilometres, which can include easy runs, speed sessions, etc. I’ll plan longer runs some days anywhere between 21-32 kilometres. I generally run seven days a week, averaging over 100 kilometres per week.

After a run, I’ll have a protein shake followed by a hearty breakfast, usually consisting of eggs, cheese, guacamole, bread, and chicken.

I find my routine is so important to balance my personal life, running goals, and work. Running is such a positive part of my life, both physically and psychologically. Being in shape is so important as a police officer, given the nature of our jobs. I also find running can be such a fantastic way to help de-stress after a hard day at work. I run the majority of the time by myself; however, when I have the time, I like to get out with friends and running groups in Saskatoon, as I find the social element very enjoyable!

I’m originally from Vancouver, so I go there several times throughout the year, and tie races into those trips. I’ve done several races right here in Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina, Moose Jaw), as well as in Alberta.

This year, the Boston Marathon was my first international marathon. Truly the experience of a lifetime! My second international marathon will be taking me to Europe, where I will be racing in the Berlin Marathon with a friend. Like Boston, Berlin is a “marathon major,” and I am so incredibly excited to take in this experience!”

DETACHMENTS ACROSS THE PROVINCE “CRAM THE CRUISER”

Members and staff were out and about this December, visiting their communities to assist with “Cram the Cruiser” food and toy drives benefiting local families in need. Thousands of pounds of food and multiple cruisers full of toys were collected across Saskatchewan. Kudos to everyone who came out to represent the RCMP - connecting with locals, sorting donations, or even dressing up like Santa - it all contributes to the holiday

cheer! Check out the various results below:

• Carlyle – truckload of food collected

• Carrot River – one and a half truckloads of food, toys, and essential hygiene items and $500 collected

• Estevan – 1,000 lbs of food collected and two cruisers full of toys

• F Division Headquarters - truckload of food and toys donated from F Division employees

• Fort Qu’Appelle – 422 bags of food collected

• Hudson Bay – 137 toys and $200 collected

• Kindersley – 428 bags of food and $3,200 collected

• Melville – 354 bags of food collected

• North Battleford – 4,200 lbs of food and $3,500 collected

• Prince Albert – two truckloads of food and $902 collected

G G DIVISION

Headquarters — Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

PASSING OF A G DIV. MEMBER

It is with great sadness that G Div. announces the passing of Sgt. Warren Gauchier, Reg. No. 40758, on Oct. 13, 2025.

Sgt. Gauchier began his time in the RCMP as a Special Constable in High Level, Alta., in 1986. He later made the transition to become a regular member in 1989.

Warren’s staggering 39-year career first took him to the North when he was transferred to the Délınę detachment in 1995. He went on to work in Taloyoak, Kugluktuk, and Cambridge Bay, and was promoted to corporal during his second stint in Taloyoak.

After returning to Alberta, Warren worked in both Stony Plain and Edmonton. Like many members, he couldn’t resist the ever-present pull of the North for long and ultimately returned to G Div. for good in 2010, occupying various roles in headquarters.

His last post was that of Professional Responsibilities Coordinator, at the rank of sergeant.

His awards include the Nunavut Commissioner’s Award for Bravery, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, RCMP Long Service Medal, Northwest Territories Long Service Medal as well as the Generational and Territorial Service Insignias.

Warren was known by his colleagues for serving with distinction and quiet humility, striving to embody the core values of the RCMP each day. Warren treated his role in the RCMP as a career, not just a job. Despite a terminal

cancer diagnosis, he continued to work until the very end, truly embodying resilience and setting an example for those around him.

Although G Div. mourns his passing, we are grateful to have worked with such a strong individual who has had a lasting impact on the North.

TWO ALBERTA MEN CHARGED AFTER HAY RIVER RCMP SEIZE PROHIBITED WEAPONS

Two people are in custody as a result of a Hay River RCMP investigation that resulted in the seizure of a prohibited firearm and other weapons.

On Jan. 16 at approximately 9:23 p.m. Hay River RCMP received a report of an abandoned vehicle on Highway 1 north of the Alberta Border. Further information was received that two suspicious men wearing ski-masks had returned to the vehicle shortly after.

Officers located the vehicle driving on Highway 2 some time later and conducted a traffic stop. The licence plate attached to the vehicle was reported stolen in Alberta and both occupants, who provided false names to police, were subsequently arrested.

A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up a loaded pistol and prohibited magazine, a prohibited rifle, assorted ammunition, a quantity of unstamped cigarettes and a smoke grenade, which is a prohibited device.

A 21-year-old man of Alberta faces 20 charges, including numerous firearms offences, obstruction of a peace officer, failures to comply with release order conditions and other charges.

A 40-year-old man of Alberta, who was subject to four separate weapons prohibition

orders at the time of his arrest, faces a total of 42 charges, including numerous firearms and weapons offences, failures to comply with weapons prohibition orders, obstruction of a peace officer and other offences.

Both men have appeared in court and have been remanded into custody, next appearing in Justice of the Peace court in Yellowknife on January 20 at 9:30 a.m.

This matter is believed to be related to the illicit drug trade in Hay River and remains under investigation at this time.

This matter came about as a result of a diligent member of the public reporting suspicious activity to the RCMP, resulting in police removing dangerous weapons and individuals from the community. This incident highlights the importance of the public working hand-inhand with the police to combat illicit activity in our Northern communities. The Hay River RCMP continues to be grateful to the residents of Hay River for their partnership on this front.

MAN SENTENCED IN 2024 ARMED ROBBERIES

A man charged in relation to three armed robberies that took place in Yellowknife in 2024 has been sentenced to four years in custody.

The man was accused of robbing three businesses in the city with a knife over a short period of time in February 2024, leading to a press release seeking public assistance in locating him. He was arrested after a member of the public recognized him from media coverage.

On Dec. 19, 2025, the man was convicted and later sentenced to four years in custody. He will also be subject to probation for two years following his release and prohibited from owning firearms for life.

This sentence represents an appropriate judgement in these serious matters. The RCMP expresses its gratitude to the court as well as the members of the public and media who assisted in locating the accused.

YELLOWKNIFE RCMP CHARGE IMPAIRED DRIVER AFTER VEHICLE DRIVEN INTO HOTEL LOBBY

A person has been charged after a vehicle crashed into the lobby of a hotel on Christmas Eve.

On Dec. 24, 2025, at approximately 4:09 p.m. Yellowknife RCMP received a report that a vehicle had crashed through the lobby doors of the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife.

Officers, along with firefighters and paramedics, attended the scene to find a vehicle had entered the hotel lobby as described, striking four people in the process before coming to rest against the elevator shaft. Several people became trapped in the elevator but were later rescued by fire crews. Despite pedestrians being struck, no serious injuries were reported to police.

The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle exhibited signs of impairment and was subsequently taken into custody after failing a breath test. She was transported back to the Yellowknife detachment where she provided breath samples in excess of three times the legal limit.

The driver, a 60-year-old woman of Yellowknife, was charged with:

• Impaired operation of a conveyance, contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

• Impaired operation of a conveyance with a blood alcohol content greater than 80mg of alcohol in 100mL blood, contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the Criminal Code

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, contrary to section 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code

• (4 counts) Assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a) of the Criminal Code

• Mischief over $5,000, contrary to section 430(3) of the Criminal code She was held for a bail hearing and remanded into custody.

H H DIVISION

Headquarters — Halifax, Nova Scotia

EMPLOYEES HONOURED AT INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE AWARDS

The RCMP in Nova Scotia recognized the incredible contributions of 15 employees who use the Mi’kmaq language in service to communities across Mi’kma’ki. By embracing the Mi’kmaq language, they have helped make communities safer and inspired the growth of Mi’kmaw speakers.

RCMP- STFX PARTNERSHIP POWERS DIVERSE STUDENT RESEARCH ON POLICING, SOCIAL ISSUES

A partnership between the Antigonish County District RCMP and St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is driving innovative student research with some real-world implications for policing and public safety.

Since 2021, psychology students at StFX have worked to digitize and analyze 20 years of RCMP cell log data through a collaboration

initiated by Sgt. Warren McBeath and Dr. Margo Watt, senior research professor and professor emerita in the Department of Psychology. The project has supported multiple honours theses, provided part-time employment for students, and offered new insights into policing practices.

Abigail Jessome, completing her fourth year for a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in the Applied Forensic Psychology program at StFX, is investigating the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) – a tool

used by police officers in Nova Scotia to assess intimate partner violence risk. Her research is focused on whether the integration of dynamic risk factors, such as poor anger control, can improve the ODARA’s predictive validity.

“The topic of intimate partner violence is increasingly important,” says Jessome. “I was also drawn to the project as it included opportunities to bring research to practice and it’s extremely important to me that research I am doing is shared with the people who can benefit from it.”

Alannah Ingles, now in her first year in the Master of Social Work program at Dalhousie University, focused her StFX honours thesis on domestic violence (DV) trends in Antigonish. It compared DV-related offences – such as assault, uttering threats, and criminal harassment – before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess whether local patterns reflected national trends.

“This project was an eye-opening experience that revealed the complexities of addressing intimate partner violence within law enforcement systems,” says Ingles, adding that she’ll purse her interest through graduate studies and a career advancing best practices in preventing and responding to this violence.

Both students gained hands-on experience through their work at the Antigonish RCMP Detachment. Their access to police files and specialized training enabled them to code hundreds of cases and contribute to a growing body of evidence-based research aimed at improving police response to violence.

“Through this strong partnership that has been built between the university and the local detachment, we’ve been able to support the very important research that the students are doing,” says S/Sgt. Kim Hillier, Detachment Commander. “And as an added benefit, we’re hopefully helping to shape future police response and investigations into intimate partner and gender-based violence.”

The work has also attracted two multiyear research grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, supporting a number of students’ studies.

RCMP SEIZE LARGE QUANTITY OF DRUGS, CHARGE DARTMOUTH MAN WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING

In September, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment SCEU began an investigation into the transportation of cocaine into the Halifax region.

Officers identified the drug transporter, a 38-year-old man, of Dartmouth, and monitored his movements.

With the assistance of the Nova Scotia RCMP’s Emergency Response Team, officers stopped an eastbound Nissan Quest driven by him on Hwy. 104, Colchester County. A search of the vehicle located 40 kilograms of cocaine and approximately 10,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills in a hidden vehicle compartment. The street value of the cocaine and pills is estimated to be approximately $4,000,000.

The man has been charged with two counts of drug trafficking.

UNVEILING MONUMENT FOR NO. 2 CONSTRUCTION BATTALION ATHLETIC FACILITY

The RCMP in Nova Scotia was proud to take part in a ceremony organized by the Town of Truro to rename and unveil a monument for the new No. 2 Construction Battalion Athletic Facility in Truro.

Initially denied the chance to serve in 1914, Black Canadians and allies pressed for change. By 1916, the No.2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, the first and only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history was formed. Members served with

unrelenting courage and perseverance, yet those who returned home were met with discrimination and no recognition.

The monument and educational panels honours and pays tribute to the legacy and resiliency of the No.2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

GLEN MURRAY HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

Officers from Lunenburg District RCMP joined the local MADD Lunenburg-Queens chapter at the annual Glen Murray Hockey Tournament in Bridgewater to kick off the 2025 MADD Canada Red Ribbon Campaign.

Cst. Fancy, Vice President of MADD Lunenburg-Queens and police liaison for the chapter, took part in the ceremonial puck drop and connected with spectators promoting sober driving.

CONSTABLES REPRESENT AT RUN FOR THE CURE

Cst. Brodie Gabrek and Cst. Ryan Labelle, Halifax Regional Detachment, represented the RCMP in Nova Scotia, participating in the annual Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure. The Halifax event raised over $467,000 for Canadians impacted by breast cancer. Way to go Cst. Gabrek and Cst. Labelle!

SOUTHWEST NOVA STREET CRIME ENFORCEMENT UNIT ARRESTS FOUR MEN OPERATING AS CRIME GROUP

Following a 13-month investigation named Project Hammertime, the Southwest Nova Street Crime Enforcement Unit has arrested four people engaged in drug trafficking, arson, threats and intimidation.

TRUCK CONVOY FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS

The RCMP in Nova Scotia was honoured to take part in the Truck Convoy for Special Olympics Nova Scotia on Oct. 4, 2025, a powerful fundraising celebration of inclusion, community and support for incredible athletes.

Law enforcement agencies across the province, through the Nova Scotia Law Enforcement Torch Run (NSLETR), combined forces to escort the convoy along its route, ensuring a safe and energetic journey. The NSLETR is a passionate movement of law enforcement personnel who raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Nova Scotia through events the Truck Convoy and the Polar Plunge, while enhancing the lives of athletes not only through sport but through education, health, community and personal growth.

RCMP officers arrested four men without incident and executed search warrants at multiple locations in Church Point and one residence in Belliveau’s Cove.

During the searches, investigators seized a quantity of drugs and cash, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, electronic devices, a firearm, and financial documents.

“These individuals, through their criminal activities and intimidation tactics, behaved like they owned Clare,” says Supt. Jason Popik, District Policing Officer, Southwest Nova District RCMP. “We recognize the disruption they’ve caused to the surrounding community and are pleased to be moving forward with these charges.”

A 66-year-old man, of Church Point, was charged with multiple offences, including, Intimidation, Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine and Counselling to Commit Drug Trafficking. Breach of Release Order (two counts)

In consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the man is also facing several Fisheries Act charges.

A 55-year-old man, of Church Point, is also facing multiple charges, including Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine, Trafficking Cocaine and Unauthorized Possession of Firearm.

In addition, a 60-year-old man, of Meteghan, has been charged with Arson and Conspiracy to Commit Arson. And a 33-year-old man from Church Point has been arrested and will face one charge of Extortion.

The ongoing investigation is being supported by the Meteghan RCMP Detachment, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, the Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Forensic Accounting Management Group, Canada Revenue Agency, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia, and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.

HOLIDAY WRAP-UP

HDuring the holiday season, employees from across Nova Scotia worked hard to make the season merry and bright for all, teaming up with other emergency agencies and first responders to get the job done. From assisting with holiday parade-route safety to stuffing cruisers full of food, collecting donations, and visiting senior care homes, they were busy supporting communities in meaningful ways.

RCMP districts and detachments in communities across the province held more than 14 Stuff-A-Cruiser/Cram-A-Cruiser events, raising thousands of dollars and filling cruisers full of food and toys for those in need.

In addition to this, members from Queens District RCMP visited seniors in care homes to spread holiday cheer.

J J DIVISION

Headquarters — Fredericton, New Brunswick

A SEASON OF GIVING ACROSS THE DIVISION

Throughout the holiday season, members and employees across J Div. demonstrated the very best of modern policing – compassion, connection, and community leadership.

While police work often places members alongside people on their most difficult days, the holiday season highlighted another equally important side of policing: giving back. Detachments and teams across the division took part in a wide range of community engagement initiatives, many of them outside regular duties, to support families, children, seniors, and vulnerable community members during a time of year that can be especially challenging.

Although not every initiative is formally reported, the division’s communications team received information from 15 detachments to share publicly. Together,

those efforts raised more than $30,000 for local causes, including food banks, toy drives, Special Olympics New Brunswick, and other community support programs.

Several detachments also reported food collections totaling at least 3,100 lbs. Based on conservative food bank estimates, those donations could have helped provide holiday meals for well over 120 families – helping to ensure tables were filled and stress was eased during the season.

Beyond fundraising, many initiatives focused simply on presence, care, and connection. Those moments mattered – to the children who smiled, the seniors who felt remembered, and the communities who saw police not just as responders, but as neighbours and partners.

This collective effort reflects what modern policing looks like: enforcement when required, prevention when possible, and humanity always.

THREE INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED FOLLOWING FUEL CARD FRAUD

A 21-year-old woman from Esgenoôpetitj First Nation, a 39-year-old man from Red Bank First Nation and a 40-year-old man from Lavillette, have been arrested following a series of credit card fraud in the Neguac area.

In January 2026, members of the Neguac RCMP began an investigation into a series of credit card fraud involving Government of New Brunswick (GNB) fuel cards in the Neguac area. Over the course of the investigation, police determined that at least five different GNB fuel cards were fraudulently used to purchase fuel, with a total loss of over $6,000.

On Jan. 5, 2026, police arrested a 21-year- old woman from Esgenoôpetitj First Nation, a 39-year-old man from Red Bank First Nation and a 40-year-old man from Lavillette, without incident in a parking lot in Brantville. All three individuals were later released and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

“We encourage local businesses, especially gas stations who suspects fraudulent credit card activity to reach out to police, said Cpl. Danny Cyr with the Neguac RCMP. “Vigilance remains key in preventing further offences.”

Police believe there may be more cards in use.

NEW CHARGES LAID AGAINST FORMER RCMP MEMBER

The New Brunswick Internet Child Exploitation Unit, with the assistance and oversight of the New Brunswick Serious incident Response Team (SiRT), has laid several new charges against a former RCMP member.

On June 3, 2024, the RCMP J Div. contacted the SiRT regarding information that suggested an active RCMP member was engaged in criminal offences. The member was based in New Brunswick but had been

recently stationed out of the province. The SiRT assisted and provided oversight of the specialized operation, working with the RCMP J Div. Integrated Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) and Digital Forensic Services (DFS).

Subsequently, the RCMP member was charged by the RCMP on June 10, 2024, under Part V of the Criminal Code. The charge sets out reasonable and probable grounds to believe that between April 24-29, 2024, he did by means of telecommunication, make arrangements with a person, for the purpose of facilitating, towards a person whom he believed to be under 16 years old, the commission of an offence set out in Section 151(a) contrary to subsection 172.2(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.

On Jan. 30, 2026, a 38-year-old man from Shediac River, N.B., a former RCMP member, was additionally charged in New Brunswick Provincial Court with the following:

• Possession of child pornography

• Making child pornography

• Agreement or arrangement—sexual offence against child (under 18 years old)

• Agreement or arrangement—sexual offence against child (under 16 years old)

• Procuring—person under 18 years

• Communicating for obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 years

• Trafficking of a person under the age of 18 years

These new charges stem from an ongoing investigation and follow the analysis of evidence, as well as collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in Canada, as well as Australia, and the United States.

The man was scheduled to appear in Moncton Provincial Court on Feb. 9, 2026. He was also be facing charges laid on June 10, 2024.

RCMP INVESTIGATING 2021 DEATH AS A HOMICIDE

The New Brunswick RCMP is providing an update into the sudden death of a 33-year-old woman in Saint-Paul, N.B., from 2021, which is now being treated as a homicide.

On Oct. 27, 2021, at approximately 2:37 p.m., members of the Richibucto RCMP detachment responded to a report of a sudden death at a residence in Saint-Paul. When police arrived, they located a 33-year-old woman, later identified as Hyde Jochelman, deceased.

Between 2022 and 2024, new information and evidence pertaining to the file and the circumstances surrounding the death of Hyde Jochelman emerged through ongoing investigative work, forensic findings, collaboration with the New Brunswick Coroner’s Office, and information provided by the victim’s family.

In response, the New Brunswick RCMP has put together a special team of senior investigators dedicated to reviewing and

advancing this case. The goal of this team is to ensure all investigative avenues are thoroughly explored and that no further time is lost in the pursuit of justice for Hyde Jochelman and her loved ones.

“We understand that members of the public may have questions about why this file is now being investigated as a homicide,” says Staff Sergeant Dan Sharpe of the New Brunswick RCMP. “As new information came to light, it was our duty to act on it. Our priority is to determine the truth and to bring closure to Hyde’s family.”

On Jan. 29, 2026, members of the New Brunswick RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in Saint-Paul in connection with the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone who might have seen Hyde Jochelman, or who may have information about her movements or associates between January 2019 and October 2021 to come forward.

K DIVISION

Headquarters — Edmonton, Alberta

ALBERTA RCMP TARGETS CRIME AGAINST OIL, ELECTRICITY AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SITES

Between Nov. 24 and Dec. 5, the Alberta RCMP carried out a province-wide enforcement operation focused on priority offenders, specifically those who are known or suspected to be involved in crime against oil, electricity and critical infrastructure sites. This coordinated effort brought together specialized Alberta RCMP units, including Crime Reduction Units from all four districts, the Community Response Team, Air Services, Police Dog Services, the Emergency Response Team and local detachments. Results of the operation include:

• 14 priority offenders arrested.

• More than 40 new criminal charges laid.

• Multiple arrest warrants executed.

• Six stolen vehicles recovered.

“These operations are critical to keeping Albertans safe,” says S/Sgt. Luke Halvorson. “Offenders often move between communities to continue their crimes, and thanks to the resources available to the Alberta RCMP, we can efficiently coordinate investigations like this so that no matter where a criminal commits their crimes, we will be there to catch them.”

The Alberta RCMP tracks approximately 85,000 unique offenders across the province and ranks them based on the harm they cause to individual communities. Using a matrix developed by the Alberta RCMP Strategic Analysis and Research Unit, the Uniform Crime Severity Index, normally used to rank communities, is applied to individual offenders. This data-driven approach helps

focus enforcement efforts where they will have the greatest impact on public safety.

ALBERTA RCMP MARKS NATIONAL RIBBON SKIRT DAY

January 4 marked National Ribbon Skirt Day. On Feb. 14, 2024, the Commissioner of the RCMP approved the addition of the RCMP Ribbon Skirt as an Indigenous cultural item of honour and distinction to be worn as part of the uniform. The Ribbon Skirt offers a gender-based option of wearing cultural items in uniform for women, non-binary and Two-Spirited Indigenous members. The skirt is an initiative of the Women’s Indigenous Network (WIN), an employee-led, forcewide network for Indigenous women and two-spirited employees that provides support, mentorship and developmental opportunities to its membership as it seeks to forward issues related to recruitment,

employee retention, professional development and promotional opportunities.

The Ribbon Skirt advances and promotes culture change in the organization, both internally and externally, and builds relationships with Indigenous communities and people. The Ribbon Skirt, along with the Eagle Feather and Métis Sashwearing ambassadors, serve as powerful recruiting tools, demonstrating the values of reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Alberta RCMP members proudly wear their Ribbon Skirts at ceremonies and special events as part of their uniform. The skirt is a symbol of resilience, survival, identity and hope. The colours (yellow, red, blue, and white) represent the four directions, as well as the RCMP colours. The adjacent ribbons signify that all of us from the four directions are united rather than divided.

ALBERTA RCMP PARTICIPATES IN SIRENS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN

In January, first responders across Canada teamed up to give blood in support of Canadian Blood Services’ Sirens for Life campaign. Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP, along with other RCMP officers, personnel from Edmonton Police Service, STARS Air Ambulance, AHS Emergency Medical Services, the Canadian Armed Forces, and Edmonton Community Peace Officers, pulled up a sleeve to help.

“The Alberta RCMP is proud to participate in the Sirens for Life campaign,” said Deputy Commissioner Daroux. “As first responders, we see how critical donated blood can be in moments when life hangs in the balance. Giving blood is one of the simplest but most impactful ways we can support communities. I’m grateful to every first responder who was able to give and help save a life.”

ALBERTA RCMP IN RED DEER PROVIDE LOCAL STUDENTS HANDS- ON POLICING EXPERIENCE

Alberta RCMP in Red Deer welcomed numerous local youths in early December to provide them an up-close look at the many different roles in policing.

For over five years, Red Deer RCMP Youth and Community Action Team (YCAT) has been hosting its annual Youth Academy, which invites local high school students who may be interested in a career in policing to experience what being a police officer is all about.

In previous years, students attended the detachment for a series of information sessions with various specialized units and police officers to learn and ask questions. Two years ago, the program shifted to a hands-on, scenario-based experience, where

The Alberta RCMP, in friendly competition with other first responder agencies, is trying to make the most donations on behalf of the organization. Last year, the team brough in 365 donations; this year the Alberta RCMP is hoping to beat that.

The Sirens for Life campaign runs until the end of January and encourages teams of first responders, public safety and military personnel to give blood and raise awareness of the constant need for donations.

students are exposed to different units, roles and specialties through a day-long scenario.

Cpl. Prosser, who oversees Red Deer RCMP YCAT, said, “Hosting the Youth Academy is a highlight for our members every ear, especially since we adapted it to make it a more hands-on and immersive experience. You get to see the students work through solving a crime and figuring out who the suspect is, while meeting all of the different police officers who work together to a bring a case to a successful conclusion.”

The program takes place over two days each fall and winter. The day-long scenario exposes students from the initial dispatch of a General Duty Member to the request for assistance from units such as Forensic Identification Section and Police Dog Services. This leads to the identification and apprehension of their suspect. The students also run a police physical test as part of their day and spend time with members of the Operational Skills Maintenance Training unit to learn how to handcuff and safely arrest the suspect.

“The day is highly rewarding for both the students and our members,” says Cpl. Prosser. “It gives us a chance to interact with community youth in a relaxed and fun setting, having some laughs and getting to know some of the future leaders and police officers among us.”

ALBERTA RCMP PARTICIPATES IN “FILL THE CRUISER” FOOD DRIVE

During the month of December, the Alberta RCMP was grateful for the strength and generosity of the communities served.

Cst. Biel of Wabasca Desmarais Detachment organized a “Fill the Cruiser” food drive at the Northern Store in Wabasca Desmarais in support of the local food bank.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of community members, approximately $2,000 worth of food was donated, filling two truckloads. Bigstone Firefighters, EMS and Victim Services also came out to help make the event a huge success.

Events like this make a difference in supporting local families in need during the holiday season.

ALBERTA RCMP DONATES CHALLENGE COINS TO CHILD IN NEED

Over the holidays, units across the Alberta RCMP donated extra challenge coins for Ben, a child currently receiving treatment for cancer in Edmonton.

The response was overwhelming, with units answering the call for coins in an incredible way. Once collections were complete, over 90 coins, enough to fill three display cases, were collected. Three boards were constructed for Ben to display his coins.

When D/Commr. Trevor Daroux delivered the coins the week before Christmas, Ben was ecstatic, brightening his and his family’s holiday season during this difficult time.

L DIVISION

Headquarters — Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

PEI RCMP HONOUR MEMBERS, STAFF

PEI RCMP presented a number of awards and honours to our staff, police officers and specialized units in a ceremony at Government House in November 2025. Awards were presented for public service employees with 20+ years of service, RCMP Long Service Awards, Special Service Medals, King’s Coronation medals, a Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery, along with Commanding Officer’s Commendations for individual officers and units.

These honours recognize the countless hours of service, sacrifice and dedication of PEI RCMP staff and officers who all work to keep our communities safe. Congratulations to all, and thank you for your service.

PEI RCMP MAKE ARRESTS IN TERRORISM AND HATE CRIME CASES

In February 2025 a North Rustico, PEI, man was arrested charged with various offences, including possession of a computer for the manufacture of firearms. In August 2025, this same man was subject to a terrorism peace bond. Then in November 2025, following an investigation by RCMP Federal Policing Unit in PEI two separate terrorism charges were laid against the man. These were the first ever terrorism charges laid in Atlantic Canada by a police agency. In a separate investigation driven by several complaints concerning social media posts, a 25-year-old Island man was arrested and charged with hate crimes, and illegal possession

of a firearm. This individual breached the original conditions of their release and was re-arrested. He now faces additional charges and will appear in PEI Supreme Court.

“The nature of these crimes has not been seen in Prince Edward Island before, yet the public can be the RCMP have the capabilities to deal with them, thanks to the training and experience of our officers. The recent attacks in Australia clearly show the impacts of hate motivated crime and the promotion of hatred is a toxic, dangerous, and hurtful crime that deeply impacts our communities. Everyone can play a part in fighting against hate and terrorism by reporting it to police, or Crimestoppers,” said C/Supt. Kevin Lewis, Commanding Officer, PEI RCMP.

PEI RCMP USE HELICOPTER TO SUPPORT TRAFFIC SERVICES EFFORTS

Flight from police is not only an offence, it puts the travelling public at risk. PEI RCMP have begun using an RCMP air services helicopter to help support traffic enforcement efforts in parts of western PEI. The coordinated effort focused on preventing impaired driving and deterring dangerous flight-from-police situations—both of which pose significant risks to public safety.

With the support of the helicopter, police successfully located four drivers who fled from officers in cars, trucks and ATVs. All four were arrested for impaired driving by alcohol and flight from police. A fifth driver was stopped, did not take flight, and was arrested for impaired driving by alcohol. In one alarming case, the impaired driver had a vehicle full of young people, highlighting the severe risks associated with this behaviour.

The locations of enforcement actions were chosen based on data of the most frequent flight from police incidents. Prince County also has the highest fatal motor vehicle collision numbers per capita in PEI. With just 30% of the population, 50% of PEI’s fatal crashes in RCMP jurisdiction have occurred in Prince County over the last five years.

CONSERVATION OFFICERS CHARGED WITH SHOOTING NEAR HOMES

In late December, Queens District RCMP began an investigation on behalf of PEI Conservation into hunting activity that occurred close to a residence. The investigation resulted in charges against two Conservation Officers.

On Dec. 19, 2025, Queens District RCMP took over an investigation into reports of bird hunters shooting too close to a residence in Rustico. The incidents occurred between

Dec. 18 and 19, 2025 and was initially reported to PEI Conservation. It involved a group of four hunters goose hunting. Two hunters from the United States were charged by PEI Conservation and RCMP were requested to investigate the other two hunters who were guiding the visiting hunters.

As a result of the investigation, RCMP laid summary offence charges against two Conservation Officers under Section 19(1) (f) of the Wildlife Conservation Act for shooting at game within 200 metres of a school, church, meeting place, farm building, occupied dwelling, or livestock without permission. This section carries a $250 fine.

“An investigation of this nature is normally conducted by PEI Conservation. In the interest of investigative integrity, the RCMP were asked to complete this investigation. Engaging another agency to investigate is a normal practice in law enforcement when a conflict of interest exists,” said C/Supt. Kevin Lewis, Commanding Officer for the PEI RCMP.

PEI DIVISION OF RCMP VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION TO HOST 2026 AGM

From May 21-23, 2026, the Holman Grand Hotel will be the site for the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the RCMP Veterans’ Association. Planning is already underway for the event with a mix of business and social events being considered.

The AGM represents an opportunity for executive members from all the divisions to gather and discuss the business and activities of the Association.

Prince Edward Island is an ideal location for meetings of this kind, and the hotel is centrally located in downtown Charlottetown. PEI Division president Phil Pitts is leading the organizing committee and can be reached at peipitts@gmail.com.

M DIVISION

Headquarters — Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

YUKON RCMP RECAP: STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY SAFETY

The Yukon RCMP is highlighting measurable progress in 2025 against organized crime‑related activity, illicit drug trafficking, and related public safety risks. Through strategic enforcement led by the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and law enforcement and community‑focused initiatives, police saw notable outcomes across the territory.

In 2025, the CRU advanced investigations that targeted drug trafficking supporting broader Yukon RCMP efforts to disrupt organized crime networks:

• 41 CRU investigations led to 27 persons charged, 46 Criminal Code charges, and 29 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act charges.

• As part of their investigative efforts, CRU officers executed eight search warrants on residences/vehicles. Seizures included 30 firearms, approximately $179,475 in suspected proceeds of crime, 326 g of cocaine, 45.6 g of methamphetamine, 12.1 g of MDMA, and 456 pills/tabs.

CRU also recorded one fentanyl incident resulting in a small but significant seizure. Additionally, much of the CRU enforcement efforts through out the year focused on repeat offender management, targeted enforcement, bail and release order compliance checks, and warrant apprehensions.

In response to rising property crime in Whitehorse, Whitehorse RCMP implemented dedicated initiatives that delivered significant results:

• Fall 2024: A property crime focused initiative resulted in over 80 arrests, 47 warrants executed, 65 charges laid, and the recovery

of more than $115,000 in stolen property.

• Spring 2025: A similar initiative to the fall of 2024, Whitehorse Detachment deployed resources to a property crime focused initiative which led to 65 arrests, 25 warrants executed, and recovery of over $75,000 in stolen property. Enforcement in communities outside of Whitehorse also produced significant results. Officers seized approximately 2,300 grams of illicit drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, and pills or tablets. These efforts removed an additional four firearms from circulation and recovered $7,587 in suspected proceeds of crime, further disrupting criminal activity and enhancing public safety in these communities.

Whitehorse Detachment’s Car 867 continued to provide trauma‑informed support throughout 2025. Car 867 supported more than 500 mental‑health‑related incidents and connected individuals to appropriate local services. This integrated approach reduces risk, improves outcomes for vulnerable community members, and reinforces public safety.

“Community involvement is critical to our success. Every tip matters, whether it is to the police or anonymously through Crime Stoppers. These community contributions help us disrupt crime networks, recover stolen property, and assist our efforts to keep the communities we all live in safe,” said S/Sgt. Eric Lane, Plain Clothes Commander, Yukon RCMP.

Quick Fact

Car 867 is a mobile crisis response team established by the Yukon Government and the Yukon RCMP. It consists of a police officer and a trained mental health nurse who provide specialized mental health crisis intervention.

NHQ

NHQ DIVISION

Headquarters — Ottawa, Ontario

NATIONAL HIGH RISK CHILD SEX OFFENDER DATABASE GOES LIVE

The RCMP launched the High Risk Child Sex Offender Database, a national publicly accessible tool. This is the first of its kind in Canada. The Database contains centralized information about people who have been found guilty of a sexual offence against children and who pose a high risk of committing crimes of a sexual nature.

The Database contains information that has previously been made public by a police service or public authority. Only the offenders deemed as high risk of committing a crime of a sexual nature are included in the Database.

The RCMP relies on provincial, territorial and municipal authorities to recommend the inclusion of individuals in the Database as they have established and robust practices for determining high risk offenders in their respective jurisdictions.

Administered by the RCMP, the Database is another tool that law enforcement can use to help investigate and prevent crimes against children of a sexual nature. It also helps the public get informed and make decisions when it comes to protecting children and vulnerable individuals.

“Protecting children from sexual offenses and exploitation is a responsibility we all share and is a priority for the RCMP. The importance of centralizing public notifications of highrisk child sex offenders is two-fold: it now provides Canadians with a tool to get informed and take appropriate precautions and, it also

helps the law enforcement community share information more seamlessly on offenders amongst themselves. The RCMP is proud to have worked with Public Safety and the provinces and territories to ensure the Database provides value to communities across Canada,” said RCMP Commr. Mike Duheme.

Quick facts

• The High Risk Child Sex Offender Database Act (HRCSODA) was brought into force on Dec. 31, 2024. The HRCSODA required the RCMP Commissioner to establish a publicly accessible database of people convicted of sexual offences against children and who pose a high risk of committing crimes of a sexual nature.

• Provinces and territories are responsible for identifying and submitting offenders for inclusion in the RCMP’s Database, as well as ensuring the accuracy of the information provided.

• The Database is not affiliated or linked with the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) in any way as the NSOR is a national registration system for sex offenders convicted of designated sex offences and ordered by the courts to report annually to police. It is also only accessible to law enforcement and is governed by the Sex Offender Information Registry Act (SOIRA).

• To report an incident involving an individual in the Database that is in violation of their conditions, the public must call their police of jurisdiction.

CANADIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT SEIZED 386 KG OF FENTANYL IN CANADIAN INTEGRATED RESPONSE TO ORGANIZED CRIME-ENDORSED ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE

Twenty-one Canadian law enforcement agencies and government partners worked together to intensify their efforts to keep dangerous substances out of our communities. Over the course of five months, partners collaborated with a collective goal of disrupting illegal fentanyl production and distribution in Canada. This initiative, dubbed the National Fentanyl Sprint 2.0 (the “Sprint 2.0”) was coordinated and endorsed by the Canadian Integrated Response to Organized Crime (CIROC) and resulted in the reported seizure of a total of 386 kg of fentanyl, significant amounts of other illicit drugs and led to 8,136 reported arrests and charges.

The Sprint 2.0 ran from May 20 to Oct. 31, 2025, and mobilized law enforcement agencies across Canada to focus their enforcement efforts on fentanyl traffickers, targeting production labs, distribution networks and financial enablers. The Sprint 2.0 emphasized the importance of financial investigations, recognizing that dismantling the economic infrastructure of organized crime is a strong deterrent and the key to long-term success.

CIROC agencies conducted bail compliance checks, tracked seizures and charges, as well as shared information with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and other partners abroad.

On Dec. 2, the RCMP A/Commr. Bonnie Ferguson and the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) Deputy Director General Benoit Dubé – co-chairs of CIROC – announced the results of the Sprint 2.0.

During the Sprint 2.0, law enforcement from more than 100 agencies across Canada

reported 8,136 arrests and charges, and the seizure of large quantities of drugs and other commodities, including but not limited to:

• 386 kg of fentanyl

• 270 kg of precursor chemicals

• $13.46 million in cash

• 5,989 kg of cocaine

• 1,708 kg of methamphetamine

Several investigations launched prior to and during the Sprint 2.0 remain active.

Combatting the critical threats to public health and public safety posed by the presence of these substances in the illegal drug supply remain a high priority for Canada.

Fentanyl and its analogues are key drivers of the opioid crisis in Canada. The Sprint 2.0 was an opportunity to demonstrate the cohesion and dedication of Canada’s law enforcement agencies at all three levels of government to counter the production and distribution of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids in the country.

This effort comes on the heels of the initial sprint, which ran from Dec. 9, 2024, to Jan. 18, 2025, and in that short time, significant results were reported. With more participants, the Sprint 2.0 results show the significance of what can be achieved when law enforcement, intelligence agencies and government partners work together.

O DIVISION

Headquarters — London, Ontario

REGIONAL COMMANDERS RECOGNIZE TACTICAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR EXTRAORDINARY EFFORTS

On Oct. 20, 2025, members of Central Region’s Tactical Support Group (TSG) were presented with a unit commendation from the Regional Commander for outstanding service. A/Commr. Matt Peggs joined the Tactical Support Group in Meaford, Ont., during a semi-annual week of training to present the unit commendation plaque to Insp. Randy Schertzer on behalf of the troop.

During 2022, members of the TSG were deployed for three separate events: the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, the Papal Visit, and the COP15 Summit in Montreal. These events required members to mobilize and respond to complex and high-stakes situations, often on very short notice. Members also spent many weeks away from their homes and families, and their work through these events demonstrates an outstanding level of adaptability, resilience, and operational excellence.

“When members join “Tac Troop,” they sign a letter of commitment. In the opening paragraph,

it states that members must be available to support major operations, events, and national emergencies. In 2022, we responded to all three. It’s estimated that members of Central Region’s Tactical Support Group (TSG) spent one-fifth of that year deployed - that’s 20% of a calendar year away from home, family, and friends. This commendation is shared not only with those who deployed, but with those they left behind. While the commendation recognizes a unique year it reflects a strong tradition of dedication and teamwork that’s indicative of all TSG members, past, present and future. Thank you for your service and your commitment to keeping Canadians safe,” remarked Insp. Henry Tillo and Insp. Randy Schertzer.

CELEBRATING DEDICATION: RCMP HONOURS 68 OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES IN THE GTA

It was a proud day in Etobicoke on Nov. 14, as 68 RCMP employees—regular members, civilian members, and public service staff— were honoured for their years of dedicated service to Canadians. The room was filled with stories of commitment, resilience, and impact.

Among the highlights, 26 individuals received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a prestigious recognition for those who’ve made a meaningful difference in their communities or represented Canada with distinction abroad. The ceremony also spotlighted some truly remarkable achievements:

• Cst. Kevin Swick was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery for his courageous altruistic actions by intervening to protect an injured individual from an active shooter in Brampton, Ont.

• Csts. Maria Boadway, David Burtch, Robert Clarke, Stephen Croft, Ali Manzoor and Sheldon Shah each received a Regional Commander’s Commendation for bravery for their actions during the same active shooter incident. For their actions to stop the threat, ensuring bystander safety and aiding in a suspect’s arrest.

CELEBRATING DEDICATION:

RCMP HONOURS 33 OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES IN LONDON

It was a proud day in London on Oct.30, 2025, as 33 RCMP employees—regular members, civilian members, and public service staff—were honoured for their years of dedicated service to Canadians. The room was filled with stories of commitment, resilience, and impact. Among the highlights, 14 individuals received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a prestigious recognition for those who’ve made a meaningful difference in their communities or represented Canada with distinction abroad.

• Central Region GTA CFSEU received the Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation for their exceptional service and work during Project Camelot.

• Cpl. Christy Veenstra was presented with both the Operational Service Medal for a Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine as well as the Special Service Medal for an operation in Palestine.

The ceremony also spotlighted some truly remarkable achievements:

• S/Sgt. Shawn Devine was awarded the Commanding Officer’s Commendation for his role in solving a historical murder case. His work led to a conviction and, most importantly, brought a sense of closure to the victims’ families.

• Amie Foster, a civilian member, received the Commander’s Commendation for her tireless efforts in reshaping and deploying RCMP Ontario’s Human Resources across the province.

• A rare accomplishment, congratulations to Sgt. Bernard Martin who received his 50-year clasp!

HONOURING TRADITION AND SERVICE: RCMP REGIMENTAL BALL RAISES $60,000 FOR CHILDREN’S TREATMENT CENTRE

On Oct. 25, 2025, the Cornwall RCMP Detachment proudly hosted a Regimental Ball that united RCMP officers and community members in a celebration of heritage, service, and generosity. The evening was marked by the distinguished presence of RCMP Commr. Mike Duheme, alongside senior officers and respected leaders from across Cornwall and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry United Counties.

This formal gathering not only honoured RCMP traditions but also raised over $60,000 in support of the Children’s Treatment Centre—a vital agency committed to preventing and treating child abuse in the region. The Centre operates without government funding, relying solely on community support to deliver lifechanging services to children in need.

The event’s success was made possible by the generosity of local businesses and residents, whose contributions reflected the deep bond with the communities they serve. It was a powerful reminder of how shared values and collective action can make a lasting impact.

KINGSTON RCMP SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER AT SANTA CLAUS PARADE

On Nov. 15, the Kingston RCMP Detachment joined the community for the annual Santa Claus Parade; a beloved tradition filled with festive floats, music, and family fun.

RCMP members, staff, and their families decorated one of the RCMP’s BI boats with holiday lights and handed out candy canes and RCMP stickers to parade-goers. Adding to the excitement, Cst. Douthwright

returned as Safety Bear for the second year, delighting children and sharing important holiday safety reminders.

The event was a huge success!

Thank you to all members and families who helped make it happen.

Community events like the Santa Claus Parade are more than celebrations. They’re opportunities to build trust, share smiles, and show that we’re here for our communities not only in times of need, but in moments of joy.

TOYS FOR THE NORTH 2025

From coast to coast to coast, joy reached Northern communities once again this holiday season! 2025 marked the 15th anniversary of the RCMP’s Toys for the North program – a small initiative that has grown into a nationwide effort delivering thousands of toys each year.

This year set another record, with $698,218.38 in donations and 52,138 toys collected. Those toys travelled thousands of kilometres – by truck, by plane, and in some cases even by snowmobile – to reach children across Canada, including:

Newfoundland and Labrador: Nain, Hopedale, Natuashish, Makkovik, Postville, Rigolet, Cartwright, Black Tickle, Mary’s Harbour, St. Lewis, Port Hope Simpson, and the Charlottetown area.

Nunavut: Grise Fiord, Baker Lake, Hall Beach and Pangnirtung

Yukon: Pelly Crossing, Beaver Creek, Old Crow, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation

Northwest Territories: Fort Good Hope and Fort McPherson

Northern Ontario: Sachigo First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation (Fort Hope) and many other communities.

This year we were proud to deliver toys to the most western, northern, and eastern communities served by the RCMP in Northern Canada:

• Beaver Creek, Yukon

• Grise Fiord, Nunavut

• Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador

Thank You to Our Partners

A heartfelt thank you to:

• The Canadian Toy Association for donating thousands of toys

• Thomson Terminals for their logistical support, especially receiving, warehousing, sorting and packaging the toys

• The Canadian Armed Forces, North Star Air, Gardwine, and Thomson Terminals Ltd. for providing essential transportation And a special round of applause for all our RCMP officers on the ground, whose leadership and dedication are instrumental to the program’s success over the years.

V DIVISION

Headquarters — Iqaluit, Nunavut

RCMP BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO NUNAVUT COMMUNITIES THROUGH TOYS FOR THE NORTH CAMPAIGN

The RCMP are proud to announce the successful allotment of more than 1,300 toys to children across Nunavut as part of the annual Toys for the North campaign. This initiative, made possible through partnerships with the Canadian Toy Association, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and local community volunteers, ensures that children in remote northern communities experience the joy of the holiday season.

Each year, RCMP detachments across Canada submit requests to participate in the program. Toys are collected by the Canadian Toy Association, carefully prepared by volunteers, and flown to hub centers such as Iqaluit, on special Royal Canadian Air Force flights. Once they arrive in Iqaluit, local RCMP employees, police officers, and their families sort and wrap each gift before distributing them to the selected communities.

This year, Baker Lake, Pangnirtung, Sanirajak, and for the first time ever, Grise Fiord, have been selected to receive gifts. With the exception of Grise Fiord (whom will receive their package via the generous assistance from Canadian North Cargo), we rely on the RCMP pilot and plane to deliver the gifts into the communities.

We take note that the Frobisher Bay Touchdown Services (FBO) provided vital support by storing the gifts as they arrived in Iqaluit during the RCMP’s Change of Command ceremony, where C/Supt. Kent Pike was welcomed as the new Commanding Officer for the Nunavut RCMP.

“The RCMP is honoured to serve the people of Nunavut. We live and work alongside the communities we protect, and initiatives like Toys for the North reflect our commitment to respect, partnership, and shared responsibility for community well-being,” said C/Supt. Kent Pike.

The RCMP extends heartfelt thanks to all partners and volunteers who made this year’s campaign possible. Together, we are building stronger connections and spreading holiday cheer across Canada’s North.

RANKIN INLET MAN CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER

The Nunavut RCMP’s Major Crime Unit have charged a Rankin Inlet man with Manslaughter.

Background

On April 30, 2025, at approximately 9 a.m, the Rankin Inlet RCMP responded to a report of a sudden death in a residence on Inukshuk Ave. The Nunavut RCMP’s Major Crime Unit (MCU) took over the investigation, with the assistance of the Rankin Inlet RCMP, and

were able to determine the death suspicious and that criminality was suspected.

On Dec. 10, 2025, the Nunavut RCMP’s Major Crime Unit charged a 54-year-old man with the Manslaughter of Tony Van Eindhoven (age 55).

The man was remanded into custody, and his next court appearance was scheduled for Dec. 15, 2025, in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.

OVERDUE ICE FISHERMEN FOUND DECEASED IN KINNGAIT, NUNAVUT

On Dec. 31, 2025, at approximately 1:40 a.m, the Kinngait RCMP were notified that a father, age 70, and son, age 38, had not returned home after they went to check their fishing nets about 15 km away from the community.

Due to poor and unsafe weather conditions, searchers were unable to depart right away. As the weather improved later in the morning, a ground search was initiated.

On Dec. 31, the fishermen’s snowmobile was located about 11 km away from the community, but searchers were unable to locate the men.

On Jan. 2, 2026, at approximately, 2:00 p.m, the bodies of the fishermen were located about 5 km away from the community.

As criminality is not suspected, the RCMP will be concluding their investigation, the matter is now being investigated by the Nunavut Coroner’s Office. The Kinngait RCMP would like to thank those who assisted, our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Commissionaires exists to support veterans and their families

OUR SOCIAL MANDATE

NATIONAL POLICE FEDERATION

MORE THAN A POSTING: THE NATIONAL POLICE FEDERATION SPOTLIGHTS SERVICE IN THE NORTH

WHEN YOU HEAD TO DEPOT, the RCMP training academy, the world is your oyster — you could be posted anywhere across Canada. More than 400 RCMP members serve in Canada’s North, including Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. Policing in these remote communities comes with unique challenges and rewards, and after speaking directly with our members, the National Police Federation is proud to highlight what life is really like serving on the front lines up North. What we heard: Policing the North is unlike policing anywhere else in the country. Members often cover vast geographic areas, work in extreme weather conditions, and

serve communities accessible only by air or seasonal routes. Limited infrastructure and long response times are part of the job - but so are strong community relationships, adventure, and a deep sense of purpose.

While it’s no secret that northern postings come with financial incentives, for many members the appeal of the North goes far beyond fiscal considerations. For newer members in particular, northern service offers an opportunity to develop skills at an accelerated pace: handling files from start to finish, gaining hands-on experience, and taking on responsibilities that may take years to access in larger detachments.

Some examples? Meet Cst. Paul Baird, who is coming up on his first year in Yellowknife right out of Depot after growing up in London, Ont.

“There’s just so many things to do here, the work is fantastic, super busy all the time, so many opportunities to grow as a member. You could work any type of file, there’s a whole bunch of support units here that you can work with who always want to help teach you things,” said Cst. Baird.

One of the most persistent stereotypes about the North is that it isn’t an ideal place to raise a family. Sgt. James Charles, who has served in several northern communities, doesn’t agree.

Sgt. Charles and his family moved north when his children were very young. Today, they’ve grown up in close-knit communities where schools, recreation facilities, and neighbours are often just steps away. Community centres and school gyms host regular activities, and children play together regardless of background — building connections that are both natural and lasting. Common assumptions about northern life don’t always reflect reality. Essential foods are subsidized; seasonal daylight becomes part of the rhythm of life, and family safety is a priority. According to Sgt. Charles, northern communities offer something increasingly rare: “the freedom for kids to be kids, in environments where families feel supported and secure.”

While policing itself may share similarities across the country, members like Sgt. Charles emphasize that the North offers something more: a sense of adventure, community, and balance that stays with you long after their posting ends. Perhaps that’s why he has been serving in the north for over six years.

During the visit, we also met with members assigned to the RCMP’s relief unit—an essential yet often unseen component of northern policing. Todd DePaige, a former actor and graduate of the Vancouver Film School and now a member of the full-time relief unit in Nunavut, explained that relief members travel between detachments to fill vacancies and maintain consistent policing services.

The unit also coordinates members from “down south” who deploy north for short-term assignments, typically one month at a time. Relief members bring flexibility and stability to northern detachments, while gaining firsthand experience in a wide range of communities.

The stories shared by members highlight the diversity of RCMP service and the unique opportunities that come with northern postings. They also reinforce the importance of continued investment in staffing, relief capacity, equipment, and member wellness, ensuring those who serve in the North are supported every step of the way.

Cst. Paul Baird and his pup in Yellowknife, N.W.T.

Cpl. James Charles at the Iqaluit RCMP Detachment in Nunavut.

ServingYou

Serving You

is written by Legion command service officers. To reach a service officer, call toll-free 1-877-534-4666, or visit https://legion.ca/ support-for-veterans.

MEETING VETERANS’ CARE NEEDS AT HOME

THE

VETERANS

INDEPENDENCE

PROGRAM (VIP) from Veterans Affairs

Canada is annual, tax-free funding to help cover the cost of home care services so veterans can continue living independently. This benefit is only available to veterans residing in Canada and is meant to work in combination with other federal, provincial or municipal programs to help meet their overall care needs.

Veterans may be eligible for this program if they: qualify for a disability benefit and/or the War Veterans Allowance, receive Prisoner of War Compensation, or are eligible for, but can’t access, a priority-access bed in a long-term care facility.

This program may cover services such as grounds maintenance, housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care, and professional health and support services, and clients can choose their own providers.

VAC will first try to connect the need for VIP service to an entitled condition, meaning one that developed or was worsened by service for which a veteran already receives a VAC benefit. If the need for funding isn’t related to an entitled condition, they may be considered under the “frail” criteria, defined as a physiological condition that creates a risk of falls, injuries, illnesses or requires supervision or hospitalization. This

condition must cause prolonged impairment that has lasted, or is expected to, for at least 12 months and requires a nursing assessment by a VAC occupational therapist.

A survivor of a veteran who was receiving VIP services prior to death will continue to receive them as long as they apply as a primary caregiver and don’t discontinue the program. Once the program is cancelled, it can’t be received again.

Survivors who were primary caregivers may also be eligible for funding to help cover the cost of services such as housekeeping and grounds maintenance if they meet the following criteria:

• are low income (receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement), or

• are disabled (receive the Disability Tax Credit), and

• have a health-related need for these services, and

• currently live in Canada.

Grant rates are determined through a national review of service costs, including labour market factors. A national rate table sets the approved rates payable by geographic area.

If you, a veteran friend or family member would like assistance in connecting with VAC for VIP services, contact veteransservices@ legion.ca or call 1-877-534-4666 toll free.

BOOK REVIEW

OPERATION BETRAYED

By Helen C. Escott

Flanker Press Ltd., St. Johns, Nfld., 2025; 376 pages

OPERATION BETRAYED is a murder mystery, the fifth in a series of six Operation crime stories by Canadian author Helen C. Escott, to feature ace investigator Insp. Nick Myrna of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC). Set in the moodrich locales in and around St. John’s, the story centres around the efforts of the RNC’s Major Crimes unit, led by Insp. Myrna, to solve some high-profile cold cases that have taken considerable interest by politicians and the media.

Author Escott sets the scene early for a twisting and turning investigation by Insp. Myrna and his team, with Myrna under pressure not only to solve three horrific murders of local young women, but at the same competing for the soon-to-be vacant position of Chief of Police. Complicating this tension is that his primary competitor for the job is his long-time nemesis and police colleague, Insp. Clarence Brown. To make matters even worse, Brown has placed a young constable spy within the Major Crimes unit to try to dig up “dirt” on Insp. Myrna. This is the background Escott establishes early for the Major Crimes unit to tackle their toughest assignment yet. Three women

have been murdered, one murder of which occurs 20 years after the first two, yet all three have “too many” things in common. Could they be dealing with a serial killer? But why is there a 20-year gap, and why has one of the bodies never been found? These and a host of other perplexing questions set up Insp. Myrna and his team to struggle to find a focus for their suspicions on the culprit.

While the character of Insp. Nick Myrna is the centre of stage for this and the previous five related Operation novels, unlike the novels that precede Operation Betrayed, Escott has focused more attention on secondary characters in the story than in the past, both from within the

Major Crime unit and among the witnesses and suspects that fill out the plot. In fact, Escott’s character development is superb in this novel, with characters evolving and responding to conflict and events that nicely reveals more about the personalities, motivations and flaws of these characters that Insp. Myrna makes use of to successfully investigate this case.

The Operation series of crime thrillers have always succeeded in holding the reader’s attention, but Operation Betrayed is a major leap forward in writing by author Helen C. Escott. Her setting of the murders that push the characters, particularly Insp. Myrna, into significant challenges is enticing to the reader. The slow but steady build-up of action surrounding the plot is dynamic and engaging. And her use of subplots that involve Insp. Myrna (Chief of Police position) and some suspects (family rivalries) create layers of complexity in the narrative that leave the reader clues as to how the murders will ultimately be solved.

Operation Betrayal is a recommended read for fans of murder mysteries, and one need not stop with this novel. Escott’s Operation novels do not require that you read the previous Insp. Myrna stories to fully enjoy them, but clearly, Operation Betrayed is the best thus far.

About the Reviewer

Gibson Glavin is a retired Inspector who served for over 31 years with the RCMP. He is a public policy consultant and provincial adjudicator, and lives with his family near Edmonton, Alta.

Scarlet & Gold

NEW ALBERTAN PROVINCIAL POLICE FORCE, FIRST CHIEF IS FORMER CALGARY OFFICER

Alberta’s Conservative government has named its own provincial police force and appointed its first chief.

Sat Parhar, the former deputy Calgary police chief, will assume the helm of the new force, which Alberta plans to call the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service.

In late February, Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis announced the government plans to train about 600 Alberta sheriffs as police officers with six weeks of additional training.

Premier Danielle Smith said in July 2025 that the new service, to be based in Calgary, will not replace the RCMP entirely, though municipalities will have the option to contract the new service for their policing needs instead of the Mounties.

Premier Smith also said that by creating the force, Alberta is preparing for 2032 when Ottawa ends contract community policing as the RCMP’s existing contracts across Canada are set to expire.

The new agency would report to a civilian oversight board and not

the provincial government, despite being a Crown corporation.

The Alberta Sheriffs budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year was about $156 million.

KEIAN’S HOLIDAY WISH TOY DRIVE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Since 2021, Keian’s Holiday Wish Toy Drive has become an annual tradition for the Vancouver Division of the RCMP Veterans’ Association and their generosity continues to grow. This year a cheque for approximately $900 was presented to Langley RCMP Officer in Charge, Supt. Harm Dosange, and other members of Langley RCMP.

Keian Blundell was an honorary RCMP member who passed away at the age of six from leukemia in 2014. Keian dreamed of becoming an RCMP officer and adored the red serge uniform. Prior to his passing, he was presented with a custom red serge.

Keian also wished to bring joy to other sick children during Christmas. After his passing, the RCMP and the community carried forward his heartfelt wish by collecting gifts for children facing medical challenges. His spirit continues to inspire this initiative today. In previous years,

Surrey RCMP led and fully supported the Toy Drive. With the transition to Surrey Police Service, Langley and Burnaby RCMP will continue this meaningful tradition of giving.

The dedication and generosity of Vancouver Division veterans are sincerely appreciated. Members attending Vancouver Division Veterans’ luncheons in November and December 2025 came with cash to donate!

NEW HEALTHCARE CLINICS GEARED TO VETERANS OPENING ACROSS CANADA

New healthcare clinics aimed at helping the RCMP and military veterans are

opening their doors across the country, with the latest one in Kingston.

Echelon Wellness, privately-funded clinics, focuses on three main categories: mental health, physical health and men’s sexual health.

The clinics are opening up in communities where veterans work, live and play, so accessibility is convenient. There are locations in Bedford, N.S., Edmonton, Alta., Fredericton, N.B., Kingston and Ottawa, Ont., and St. John’s, Nfld.

Based on a 2021 census, there are 460,000 veterans across Canada, with less than a third able to access health-care services.

NOTES

Searching for retired member

Looking for retired member Michael Stewart, 77, who served in E Div. He served about 30 years in the Force, and was posted to Kelowna, Prince George and Maple Ridge, where he retired. If you have any information, please contact Dick Hawkshaw via email at raphawk@shaw.ca or Joe Scuby at jscuby@gmail.com

Call for Submissions

Looking for submissions from serving, retired and all other employee categories for the next installment of Red Coat Diaries: True Animal Stories from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Editors Aaron Sheedy, Jean Turner and Shane Morrison are looking for RCMP animal stories. See submission guidelines at https://tinyurl.com/RCDSubmission

OBITUARIES

SPRING 2026

AITKEN | Reg. No. 19472, (O.810)

Supt. James Aitken (Rtd.), 87, died Dec. 30, 2024, at Arnprior, Ont. Born March 15, 1937, at Clydebank, Scotland, he joined the Force June 5, 1956, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at H, N, A and HQ Divs., until retiring Aug. 27, 1989. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. He served as an Honorary Aide-deCamp to the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.

ALCOCK | Reg. No. 16586

S/Sgt. Rodney Vallance Alcock (Rtd.), 97, died March 20, 2025, at Parksville, B.C. Born June 26, 1927, at Vancouver, B.C., he joined the Force Dec. 21, 1948, at Port Alberni, B.C., when he was absorbed from the British Columbia Provincial Police. He served at E Div., until retiring Dec. 7, 1982. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. He previously served in the BCPP from Dec. 21, 1948 - Aug. 28, 1950. He served in the Canadian Army from Oct. 25, 1944 - Nov. 16, 1945 and was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the War Medal 1939-1945. He received a Commissioner's Commendation on July 24, 1967 at Prince Rupert, B.C., for “pursuing, apprehending and disarming an armed fugitive, after being fired upon by him at close range."

ARSENEAU | Reg. No. 29142

Sgt. Joseph Henri Patrick Arseneau (Rtd.), 77, died April 7, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born June 19, 1947, at Drummondville, Que., he joined the Force July 13, 1971, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A and HQ Divs., until retiring Sept. 15, 2006. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

ASSANCE | Reg. No. 24691

Cpl. Ivin Allan Neil Assance (Rtd.), 80, died March 19, 2025, at Wasaga Beach, Ont. Born May 27, 1944, at Tiny Township, Simcoe Co., Ont., he joined the Force April 14, 1966, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E and O Divs., until retiring June 1, 1991. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

AUSTIN | Reg. No. 18219

Insp. Peter Francis Austin (Rtd.), 90, died April 8, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Jan. 17, 1935, at St. Stephen, N.B., he joined the Force June 19, 1953, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at L and HQ Divs., until retiring June 27, 1988. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

BIELERT | Reg. No. 20327

Sgt. Harold Herbert Bielert (Rtd.), 86, died Sept. 9, 2024, at Duncan, B.C. Born March 29, 1938, at Kelowna, B.C., he joined the Force Feb. 5, 1958, at Victoria, B.C. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at K, F, D and E Divs., until retiring June 15, 1980. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. He was also awarded a Suggestion Award on May 16, 1979 for recommending the creation of an abandoned vehicle sticker to be applied to vehicles abandoned and checked by officers on patrol for the benefit of officers who later came across the same vehicle.

BOLTON | Reg. No. 21928, (O.1428)

Insp. Gary Frederick Bolton, (Rtd.), 83, died Feb. 7, 2025, at Mill Cove, N.B. Born Feb. 1, 1942, at Toronto, Ont., he joined the Force April 20, 1961, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at J, Depot, G, K and HQ Divs., until retiring April 25, 1996. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

BOUCHER | Reg. No. C/3474

C/M Joseph Jean-Claude Boucher, 84, died Dec. 17, 2024, at Quebec City, Que. Born April 1, 1940, at Quebec City, Que., he joined the Force May 27, 1985, at Quebec City, Que. He served at C Div., until being discharged April 1, 1997.

BOURGEOIS | Reg. No. 27306

S/Sgt. Henri Bourgeois (Rtd.), 75, died Sept. 1, 2024, at Ottawa, Ont. Born March 22, 1949, at Grand Digue, N.B., he joined the Force April 23, 1969, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at C, J, HQ and A Divs., until retiring April 22, 2004. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

BRASSARD | Reg. No. 29904

Sgt. Joseph Maurice Leger Brassard (Rtd.), 72, died Feb. 19, 2025, at Saint-André-Lac-St-Jean, Que. Born Sept. 13, 1952, at St-André, Roberval, Que., he joined the Force June 19, 1972, at Quebec City, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at the Centennial Review, L and C Divs., until retiring June 30, 2025. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.

BRODERICK | Reg. No. C/2003

C/M Charles Richard Broderick (Rtd.), 86, died Feb. 23, 2025, at Alberton, P.E.I. Born Feb. 24, 1939, at Prince Albert, Sask., he joined the Force July 27, 1976, at Calgary, Alta., as a systems analyst. He served at HQ until retiring Jan. 19, 2000.

BURNS | Reg. No. 24606, (O.1400)

Supt. Thomas Bruce Burns (Rtd.), 78, died March 4, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born April 11, 1946, at Geraldton, Ont., he joined the Force Feb. 25, 1966, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A, HQ and C Divs., until retiring Apri. 1, 2002. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

BUSSIERES | Reg. No. 17472

S/Sgt. Joseph Jean Louis Maurice Bussieres (Rtd.), 93, died April 9, 2025, at St. Hubert, Que. Born Sept. 3, 1931, at Breakeyville, Que., he joined the Force Jan. 11, 1952, at Quebec City, Que. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at A and C Divs., until retiring Jan. 27, 1975. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.

CAIN | Reg. No. 19396. (O.683)

C/Supt. John Vincent Cain (Rtd.), 91, died Aug. 20, 2024, at Victoria, B.C. Born Dec. 4, 1932, at Port Alberni, B.C., he joined the Force May 4, 1956, at Victoria, B.C. He served at C, A, HQ, E and D Divs., until retiring Aug. 21, 1981. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

CARTWRIGHT | Reg. No. 18840

Cpl. George Allan Cartwright (Rtd.), 92, died April 11, 2025, at Penticton, B.C. Born Dec. 23, 1932, at St. Boniface, Man., he joined the Force Jan. 31, 1955, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until purchasing his discharge Sept. 15, 1955. He re-engaged Jan. 6, 1958, at New Westminster, B.C. He served at E Div., until retiring Dec. 26, 1976. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

COLE | Reg. No. M/125, 24158

Sgt. Eugene Cole (Rtd.), 86, died Oct. 23, 2024, at Carbonear, Nfld. Born Aug. 10, 1939, at Victoria, Nfld., he joined the Force Oct. 20, 1958, at St. John’s, Nfld. Upon completion of Marine Div. training, he served at Marine, E and J Divs., until retiring April 2, 1981. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.

CROSBY | Reg. No. 23104, (O.1244)

C/Supt. Arthur Eugene Crosby (Rtd.), 82, died March 26, 2025, at Stittsville, Ont. Born Jan. 15, 1943, at Yarmouth, N.S., he joined the Force May 31, 1963, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at O, G, E, HQ, F and K Divs., until retiring Aug. 5, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars, African Union Medal, Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, and the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.

CROUCHER | Reg. No. 23740

Sgt. Allan George Croucher (Rtd.), 82, died Jan. 13, 2025, at Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland. Born Feb. 8, 1943, at Winnipeg, Man., he joined the Force Nov. 10, 1964, at Vancouver, B.C. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at A, K and HQ Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984.

CUSATOR | Reg. No. 28749

Cpl. James Edward Cusator (Rtd.), 73, died April 22, 2025, at Shellbrook, Sask. Born Nov. 26, 1951, at Shellbrook, Sask., he joined the Force March 8, 1971, at Prince Albert, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring April 2, 2004. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

DESCHENES | Reg. No. 18994, (O.804)

Supt. Joseph Aurele Melvin Deschenes (Rtd.), 89, died Feb. 16, 2025, at Gatineau, Que. Born Oct. 1, 1935, at Grand Falls, N.B., he joined the Force June 8, 1955, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A Div., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

DORKIN | Reg. No. 20419

Sgt. Kenneth Albert Dorkin (Rtd.), 86, died March 12, 2025, at Kelowna, B.C. Born Jan. 6, 1939, at Toronto, Ont., he joined the Force April 8, 1958, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring July 26, 1990. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

DUFOUR | Reg. No. S/2942

S/Cst. Rodrigue Joseph Dufour, 87, died March 14, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Feb. 20, 1938, he joined the Force Sept. 27, 1985, at Fredericton, N.S. He served at A Div., until retiring Oct. 31, 1996. He previously served in the Canadian Army from Jan. 9, 1961 – Jan. 21, 1964.

EVANS | Reg. No. 22620

Sgt. James Frederick Evans (Rtd.), 82, died Feb. 23, 2025, at Penticton, B.C. Born Jan. 19, 1943, at Penticton, B.C., he joined the Force May 30, 1962, at Chilliwack, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F Div., until retiring Oct. 6, 1989. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

FAHIE | Reg. No. C/285

C/M Terence Robert Fahie (Rtd.), 82, died Feb. 16, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born June 23, 1942, at Halifax, N.S., he joined the Force Dec. 3, 1963, at Ottawa, Ont., as an ident technician. He served at HQ Div., until retiring April 1, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Award, 25-year pin.

FERGUSON | Reg. No. 24353, (O.1452)

Supt. Stanley Allister Ferguson (Rtd.), 78, died Oct. 22, 2024, at Charlottetown, P.E.I. Born March 11, 1946, at Belmont, N.S., he joined the Force Nov. 19, 1965, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at B, HQ, J and H Divs., until retiring Sept. 3, 2003. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars, the Queen's Jubilee Medal, and the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

FIELDING | Reg. No. 30737

Cpl. George Edward Fielding (Rtd.), 77, died April 4, 2025, at Chilliwack, B.C. Born March 3, 1948, at Canberra, Australia, he joined the Force Aug. 6, 1973, at Surrey, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring Aug. 6, 2008. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

FISHLEY | Reg. No. C/2937

C/M Brenda Ann Fishley (née Bloomquist), 63, died Feb. 26, 2025, at Calgary, Alta. Born March 15, 1961, at Ponoka, Alta., she joined the Force July 10, 1981, at Red Deer, Alta., as a telecoms operator. She served at K Div., until resigning Sept. 15, 1982.

FOUNTAIN | Reg. No. 28753

Sgt. Bruce Stanley Fountain (Rtd.), 74, died April 9, 2025, at Cranbrook, B.C. Born Dec. 23, 1950, at Rose Valley, Sask., he joined the Force March 9, 1971, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E, K and D Divs., until retiring Nov. 20, 1996. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

FOWLER | Reg. No. C/1017

C/M Leroy Clare Fowler (Rtd.), 97, died March 16, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Feb. 22, 1928, at High River, Alta., he joined the Force Nov. 18, 1971, at Ottawa, Ont. He served at HQ until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Award, 25-year pin.

GINGRAS | Reg. No. 22658

S/Sgt. Joseph Bryon Mario Gingras (Rtd.), 82, died Feb. 7, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born April 1, 1942, at St Adolphe de Dudswell, Que., he joined the Force June 26, 1962, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at C and HQ Divs., until retiring July 31, 1994. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

GLENDENNING | Reg. No. S/2399, 44616

Cst. Roy Sterne Glendenning (Rtd.), 76, died April 1, 2025, at Grande Prairie, Alta. Born March 16, 1949, at Bathurst, N.B., he joined the Force June 23, 1980, at Calgary, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K Div., until retiring June 1, 2001. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. He was promoted to a regular member in July 5, 1993. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces from Dec. 13, 1968 - July 22, 1980.

GRIFFIN | Reg. No. S/456

S/Cst. Richard James Griffin (Rtd.), 88, died Oct. 7, 2024, at Assiniboia, Sask. Born April 22, 1936, at Stettler, Alta., he joined the Force Dec. 21, 1970, at Edmonton, Alta. He served at K Div., until retiring June 4, 1991. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.

HAMMOND | Reg. No. 40171

Cst. Patrick James Hammond (Rtd.), 72, died Aug. 22, 2024, at Gander, Nfld. Born March 17, 1952, at Gander, Nfld., he joined the Force March 7, 1973, at St. John's, Nfld. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at B Div., until retiring April 9, 2008. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars. He was awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for “outstanding performance of his investigational skills and dedication to duty in solving 25 serious investigations in the Gander area between 1995 and 1999” on May 2, 2000.

HARTLIN | Reg. No. S/10754, M/29, C/685

C/M Harry Roland Hartlin, 92, died April 4, 2025, at Dartmouth, N.S. Born Oct. 2, 1932, at Jeddore, Halifax County, N.S., he joined the Force Aug. 3, 1953, at Halifax, N.S., as a S/Cst. He became a M/Cst. on Nov. 29, 1960; he became a C/M on Sept. 1, 1969. He served at Marine and H Divs., until retiring Sept. 1, 1971.

HOLMAN | Reg. No. C/2179

C/M Alexander Wesley Holman, 87, died Feb. 20, 2025, at Stony Plain, Alta. Born Nov. 27, 1937, at Macklin, Sask., he joined the Force July 4, 1977, at Edmonton, Alta., as a telecoms operator. He served at K Div., until retiring Nov. 22, 1995. He previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces from Oct. 12, 1955 – Oct. 22, 1975.

HOLMES | Reg. No. 25481

Sgt. Dennis Wayne Holmes, 79, died Feb. 20, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Aug. 17, 1946, at Antigonish, N.S., he joined the Force Feb. 17, 1967, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at B and HQ Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984.

HUTCHINGS | Reg. No. 34939

Cpl. Edward Gerard Hutchings (Rtd.), 67, died Feb. 13, 2025, at Port au Port, Nfld. Born Sept. 20, 1957, at Corner Brook, Nfld., he joined the Force July 25, 1978, at Corner Brook, Nfld. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at D, G and B Divs., until retiring June 5, 2008. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

JONES | Reg. No. C/3194

C/M Carl Gordon Jones (Rtd.), 81, died Feb. 17, 2025, at Belleville, Ont. Born Sept. 28, 1943, at St. Catharines, Ont., he joined the Force Oct. 18, 1982, at Ottawa, Ont., as a technician. He served at HQ Div., until retiring Feb. 6, 2002. He previously served with the Canadian Forces from April 2, 1972 – June 12, 1978.

KALMAN | Reg. No. 26827

Cpl. George David Kalman (Rtd.), 77, died Feb. 25, 2025, at Weyburn, Sask. Born April 5, 1947, at Weyburn, Sask., he joined the Force Aug. 8, 1968, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring Aug. 9, 1996. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

KERR | Reg. No. 24921

Sgt. James Edward Kerr (Rtd.), 79, died April 8, 2025, at Greely, Ont. Born June 18, 1945, at Montreal, Que., he joined the Force July 8, 1966, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at D and HQ Divs., until retiring July 11, 2001. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars, and the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

KIBSEY | Reg. No. 34216

Sgt. Glenn Bernard Joseph Kibsey (Rtd.), 72, died March 30, 2025, at Fredericton, N.B. Born Jan. 21, 1953, at Malartic, Que., he joined the Force Aug. 23, 1977, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E and HQ Divs., until retiring Jan. 31, 2008. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars, and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. He was awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation on Jan. 12, 1979 for his “professional police action at North Vancouver, B.C.,… for his part in disarming a potentially dangerous, mentally unstable person armed with a handgun.”

MACDERMID | Reg. No. 22038

Sgt. Charles Alson MacDermid (Rtd.), 82, died April 10, 2025, at Beaverton, Ont. Born June 27, 1942, at Westmount, Cape Breton Co., N.S., he joined the Force July 4, 1961, at Sydney, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O Div., until retiring July 4, 1983. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.

MACISAAC | Reg. No. 33973

S/Sgt. Paul Gerard MacIsaac (Rtd.), 67, died March 16, 2025, at Portugal Cove - St Philips, Nfld. Born Sept. 1, 1957, at Hamilton, Ont., he joined the Force May 26, 1977, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at B and O Divs., until retiring Aug. 1, 2012. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. He previously served in the Canadian Forces from Nov. 20, 1975 – April 11, 1977.

MACLEAN | Reg. No. 28422

Cpl. Harris Curtis Maclean (Rtd.), 75, died Feb. 25, 2025, at Port Hawkesbury, N.S. Born Feb. 17, 1950, at Halifax, N.S., he joined the Force Oct. 13, 1970, at North Bay, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at L, K, B and H Divs., until retiring April 27, 2005. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars, and the NATO Medal Kosovo.

MARTIN | Reg. No. 25708

Sgt. Edgar Freeman Martin (Rtd.), 77, died April 10, 2025, at Bonne Bay Pond, Nfld. Born May 20, 1947, at Corner Brook, Nfld., he joined the Force May 16, 1967, at Corner Brook, Nfld. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at J and B Divs., until retiring July 12, 2002. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

MATHISON | Reg. No. 21873

S/Sgt. William Ivan Mathison (Rtd.), 82, died Jan. 16, 2025, at Nanaimo, B.C. Born March 9, 1942, at Hamiota, Man., he joined the Force April 7, 1961, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until purchasing his discharge June 18, 1965. He re-engaged May 29, 1969, at Winnipeg, Man., serving at HQ Div., until retiring Sept. 22, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

MCCALLUM | Reg. No. 28171

Cpl. Craig Edgar Kilvert McCallum (Rtd.), 77, died Feb. 23, 2025, at Montreal, Que. Born March 22, 1947, at Montreal, Que., he joined the Force June 16, 1970, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at C Div., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984.

MCDONALD | Reg. No. 46506

Cst. Earl Alexander McDonald (Rtd.), 68, died Oct. 30, 2024, at Moncton, N.B. Born Aug. 5, 1956, at New Waterford, Cape Breton Co., N.S., he joined the Force Jan. 18, 1998, at Moncton, N.B., when he was absorbed from the Moncton Police Force. He served at J Div., until retiring March 9, 2011. He was awarded the Police Exemplary Service Medal.

MEIKLE | Reg. No. 22787

Sgt. Patrick Wayne Joseph Meikle (Rtd.), 82, died Feb. 16, 2025, at Rockland, Ont. Born Oct. 1, 1942, at Moose Jaw, Sask., he joined the Force Aug. 10, 1962, at Winnipeg, Man., after being absorbed from the British Columbia Provincial Police. He purchased his discharge Feb. 29, 1964. He re-engaged May 19, 1965, at Winnipeg, Man. He served at E, HQ, F and A Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.

MICHAUD | Reg. No. 19458, (O.1071)

Supt. Joseph Alfred Michaud (Rtd.), 91, died March 2, 2025, at Brossard, Que. Born June 1, 1933, at Grand Falls, N.B., he joined the Force May 25, 1956, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at C, A and HQ Divs., until retiring May 29, 1992. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

MORIARTY | Reg. No. 21496

Sgt. Tunney Winston John Moriarty (Rtd.), 83, died March 6, 2025, at Waterloo, Ont. Born Feb. 15, 1942, at Ramsack, Sask., he joined the Force July 13, 1960, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until purchasing his discharge Feb. 24, 1970. He re-engaged April 22, 1971, at Vancouver, B.C., serving at D Div., until retiring Oct. 16, 1994. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

MURDOCK | Reg. No. 19261

John Murdock (Rtd.), 88, died Sept. 1, 2024, at Ruthven, Ont., Born Jan. 12, 1936, at Windsor, Ont., he joined the Force Feb. 14, 1956, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at J, B and O Divs., until retiring May 5, 1986. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

MURPHY | Reg. No. 17222

Sgt. Joseph Angus Murphy (Rtd.), 94, died April 6, 2025, at Woodstock, N.B. Born Feb. 27, 1931, at Halifax, N.S., he joined the Force Aug. 31, 1951, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at HQ and J Divs., until retiring Sept. 17, 1978. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

NAN | Reg. No. 17310

Sgt. Marcea Rudy Nan (Rtd.), 94, died Feb. 15, 2025, at Midland, Ont. Born Jan. 17, 1931, at Windsor, Ont., he joined the Force Oct. 15, 1951, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at J and O Divs., until retiring March 16, 1977. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.

NETHERY | Reg. No. S/1906, 42084

Cst. James Albert Nethery, 88, died Aug. 25, 2024, at Lequille, N.S. Born Sept. 27, 1935, at Sault Ste Marie, Ont., he joined the Force Oct. 5, 1977, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A and H Divs., until retiring Sept. 27, 1995. He was promoted to a regular member on May 4, 1990. He previously served in the Royal Canadian Navy from Sept. 10, 1953 – May 3, 1960, and the Canadian Armed Forces from May 4, 1960 – Aug. 29, 1977.

NICOL | Reg. No. C/1058

C/M Deborah Lynn Nicol (née Smith), (Rtd.), 72, died March 1, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born April 20, 1952, at Regina, Sask., she joined the Force Jan. 14, 1972, at Ottawa, Ont., as automated systems staff. She served at HQ Div., until retiring April 30, 2001. She was awarded the RCMP Long Service Award, 35-year pin.

OZARKO | Reg. No. C/2437, S/2667

S/Cst. Michael Stanley Ozarko (Rtd.), 82, died Jan. 20, 2025, at High River, Alta. Born May 12, 1942, at Hamilton, Ont., he joined the Force Nov. 15, 1978, at Ottawa, Ont., as a civilian member. He became a S/Cst. Dec. 1, 1981, at Edmonton, Alta. He served at K, HQ, G and F Divs., until retiring Feb. 2, 2001. He previously served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from Oct. 5, 1959 – Oct. 4, 1964 and the Ontario Provincial Police from 1964 – 1966.

PARENT | Reg. No. 29912

Sgt. Joseph Phillippe Daniel Parent (Rtd.), 73, died March 7, 2025, at Havre Boucher, N.S. Born July 25, 1951, at St-Albert Le Grand, Que., he joined the Force June 22, 1972, at Quebec City, Que. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at H Div., until retiring July 31, 1999. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

PENNEY | Reg. No. 18641, (O.0962)

Supt. John Minard Penney (Rtd.), 89, died Aug. 15, 2024, at Bridgewater, N.S. Born Dec. 11, 1934, at Caledonia, Queens Co., N.S., he joined the Force May 25, 1954, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at B, HQ, J and H Divs., until retiring Aug. 13, 1990. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

POWELL | Reg. No. 24746

Cpl. George Edward Powell (Rtd.), 79, died March 24, 2025, at Winnipeg, Man. Born Aug. 18, 1945, at Winnipeg, Man., he joined the Force April 22, 1966, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at F and D Divs., until retiring May 3, 2000. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

ROGERS | Reg. No. 27559

Cst. Ian Hamilton Rogers (Rtd.), 77, died March 17, 2025, at Oshawa, Ont. Born Feb. 16, 1948, at Oxford, Cumberland Co., N.S., he joined the Force Sept. 30 1969, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O Div., until retiring July 1, 1997. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

ROWDEN | Reg. No. S/9904, 15409

S/Sgt. Meridith Rowden (Rtd.), 96, died April 4, 2025, at Vancouver, B.C. Born Nov. 15, 1928, at Drumheller, Alta., he joined the Force April 6, 1948, at Calgary, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O, D and E Divs., until retiring Jan. 24, 1972. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.

RYAN | Reg. No. 18963

Sgt. James Brune Ryan (Rtd.), 93, died Aug. 1, 2024, at Miramichi, N.B. Born Aug. 8, 1930, at Nordin, N.B., he joined the Force May 10, 1955, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at J, B, H and HQ Divs., until retiring May 19, 1981. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. He was awarded a Suggestion Award on May 19, 1970.

SADLEIR | Reg. No. 23211

S/Sgt. James Cameron Sadleir (Rtd.), 81, died March 3, 2025, at Edmonton, Alta. Born Oct. 28, 1943, at St. Thomas, Ont., he joined the Force Nov. 1, 1963, at Calgary, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot Div., he served at F, HQ and K Divs., until retiring April 13, 1990. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

SADOWSKY | Reg. No. 18067, (O.1074)

Insp. Hilton Sadowsky (Rtd)., 91, died Aug. 11, 2024, at Coquitlam, B.C. Born June 1933, at Redfield, Sask., he joined the Force at Jan. 12, 1953, at Saskatoon, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E and HQ Divs., until retiring June 16, 1989. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

SAUVE | Reg. No. S/477

S/Cst. Gaetan Jean Joseph Sauve, 73, died Aug. 29, 2024, at Brossard, Que. Born May 24, 1951, at Montreal, Que., he joined the Force March 8, 1971, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of in-service training at Montreal, Que., he served at C Div., until purchasing his discharge April 29, 1977. He re-engaged Dec. 18, 1978, at Montreal, Que., serving at C Div., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984.

SCHINDELER | Reg. No. 17781, (O.790)

Supt. William Henry Schindeler (Rtd.), 94, died Feb. 15, 2025, at Surrey, B.C. Born Feb. 11, 1931, at Duchess, Alta., he joined the Force June 5, 1952, at Calgary, Alta. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at D, K, E and HQ Divs., until retiring June 4, 1987. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.

SHAW | Reg. No. 31018

Cst. Gregg Harley Shaw (Rtd.), 74, died Feb. 11, 2025, at Lacombe, Alta. Born Dec. 28, 1950, at Edmonton, Alta., he joined the Force Dec. 4, 1973, at Calgary, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F Div., until retiring Nov. 21, 2007. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

SHEARER | Reg. No. 21102, (O.1158)

Insp. James Stuart Malcolm Shearer (Rtd.), 84, died Oct. 30, 2024, at Calgary, Alta. Born June 11, 1940, at Clinton, Ont., he joined the Force Oct. 22, 1959, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K, O and E Divs., until retiring June 10, 1991. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

SHEPPARD | Reg. No. S/3760

S/Cst. George Frederick Sheppard, 86, died March 4, 2025, at Corner Brook, Nfld. Born Dec. 8, 1938, at Bay of Islands, Nfld., he joined the Force April 15, 1988, at Corner Brook, Nfld. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at B Div., until retiring Dec. 8, 1999. He was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Commissioner’s Volunteer Award.

ST. LAURENT | Reg. No. C/2509

C/M Mary Arlene St. Laurent (Rtd.), 66, died Feb. 27, 2025, at Fredericton, N.B. Born Sept. 4, 1958, at Campbellton, N.B., she joined the Force April 17, 1979, at Fredericton, N.B., as a telecoms operator. She served at J Div., until retiring May 4, 2005. She was awarded the RCMP Long Service Award, 25-year pin.

ST. PIERRE | Reg. No. 23431

Sgt. Joseph Claude St. Pierre (Rtd.), 81, died Feb. 14, 2025, at Sherbrooke, Que. Born April 29, 1943, at Ste-Blandine, Rimouski, Que., he joined the Force April 2, 1964, at Quebec City, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at C Div., until retiring April 3, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

ST-PIERRE | Reg. No. S/438, 41153

Sgt. Joseph Albert Real St-Pierre (Rtd.), 79, died March 21, 2025, at Beauharnois, Que. Born July 28, 1945, at Montreal, Que., he joined the Force Sept. 28, 1970, at Montreal, Que. He was promoted to a regular member Aug. 14, 1989. He served at C Div., until retiring Jan. 13, 1999. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star, and the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal.

STINSON | Reg. No. 26843

Sgt. James Keith Glenn Stinson (Rtd.), 76, died March 2, 2025, at Winnipeg, Man. Born July 29, 1948, at Hanover, Ont., he joined the Force Aug. 21, 1968, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at D Div., until retiring Aug. 20, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

TEIXEIRA | Reg. No. C/1244

C/M Heinrich Julian Teixeira, 89, died Oc. 10, 2024, at Orleans, Ont. Born Oct. 26, 1934, at Georgetown, B.C., he joined the Force Nov. 1, 1972, at Fredericton, N.B. He served at HQ Div., until retiring Nov. 29, 1989.

TREMBLAY | Reg. No. S/1717, 43596

Cst. Helen Louise Tremblay (Rtd.), 79, died April 1, 2025, at Lunenburg, N.S. Born Jan. 17, 1946, at Halifax, N.S., she joined the Force Feb. 9, 1976, at Montreal, Que., as a S/ Cst. She was promoted to a regular member on July 15, 1991. Shee served at C Div., until retiring April 2, 1996. She was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.

TURNBULL | Reg. No. 26485

Cpl. David Frederick Turnbull, 76, died Feb. 15, 2025, at Kars, Ont. Born March 1, 1948, at Digby, N.S., he joined the Force April 2, 1968, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A, F and O Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 15, 1984.

TUCHSCHERER | Reg. No. C/254, S/1127

S/Cst. Leo Tuchscherer, 92, died Aug. 3, 2024, at Regina, Sask. Born Aug. 1, 1932, at Unity, Sask., he joined the Force May 14, 1962, at Regina, Sask., as a chauffeur. He served at F Div., until April 1, 1974. He re-engaged April 2, 1974, at Regina, Sask., as a S/ Cst., serving at F Div., until retiring May 15, 1992.

UNSWORTH | Reg. No. S/11164, M/138, 27086

Sgt. David Arthur Unsworth (Rtd.), 84, died Feb. 17, 2025, at North Sydney, N.S. Born Jan. 20, 1941, at North Sydney, N.S., he joined the Force Nov. 6, 1959, at Sydney, N.S., as a S/Cst. He had a change of status to M/Cst. on April 1, 1960. He served in Marine, E and O Divs., until retiring May 8, 1988. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.

WALSH | Reg. No. 25000

Sgt. Benjamin Morris Walsh (Rtd.), 78, died Feb. 6, 2025, at Regina, Sask. Born Dec. 21, 1946, at Chatham, N.B., he joined the Force Aug. 4, 1966, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F and J Divs., until retiring April 9, 1997. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.

WELLS | Reg. No. 17309

S/Sgt. Lloyd William Wells (Rtd)., 91, died Oct. 27, 2024, at London, Ont. Born Nov. 2, 1932, at London, Ont., he joined the Force Oct. 16, 1951, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at H and HQ Divs., until retiring May 2, 1975. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.

YARD | Reg. No. 21890, (O.1371)

Supt. Gilbert Fraser Yard (Rtd.), 84, died April 16, 2025, at Sechelt, B.C. Born March 9, 1941, at Duncan, B.C., he joined the Force April 13, 1961, at Nelson, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K, Depot, HQ and E Divs., until retiring April 13, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars, and the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.

PROMOTIONS

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2025

Aben, Sgt. B. 50132 K 2025-10-16

Aitken, Insp. K. O.3748 HQ 2025-10-02

Allard, Sgt. D. 57240 J 2025-12-01

Andrechek, Cpl. D. 53183 H 2025-11-24

Atlee, Cpl. J. 64266 V 2025-11-25

Bamber, Cpl. G. 60342 K 2025-10-23

Beaulieu, Sgt. E. 53152 E 2025-11-27

Bemister, Sgt. A. 58929 E 2025-10-13

Bergeron, Cpl. R. 53055 C 2025-11-28

Beselt, Sgt. S. 57330 H 2025-11-24

Booth, Sgt. I. 54790 K 2025-10-09

Botham, S/Sgt. D. 51775 HQ 2025-10-24

Boucher, Sgt. É. 50768 C 2025-11-03

Cappiello-Stébenne, S/Sgt. M. 55055 HQ 2025-12-17

Cardinal, Cpl. M. 52754 HQ 2025-11-12

Carrier, Cpl. J. 60286 K 2025-11-07

Cecchetto, Sgt. R. 57086 HQ 2025-10-22

Clarke, Cpl. E. 66132 F 2025-11-14

Coles, Sgt. A. 57335 B 2025-10-14

Cooke, Cpl. P. 62501 D 2025-10-23

Daigle, Cpl. L. 63907 O 2025-10-02

de Souza Lima, Cpl. G. 71457 HQ 2025-10-03

Desmond, Sgt. M. 50773 E 2025-12-10

Dickinson, Sgt. R. 58189 J 2025-10-31

Dubois, Cpl. S. 62244 F 2025-12-03

Ell, Cpl. A. 62953 HQ 2025-11-27

Elloway, Cpl. E. 63621 T 2025-10-23

Frenette, S/Sgt. P. 54148 H 2025-11-21

Fung, Sgt. K. 57181 K 2025-10-23

Gajecki, Cpl. T. 57311 HQ 2025-10-03

Garner, Sgt. A. 50525 E 2025-10-22

Gionet, Cpl. M. 62732 K 2025-10-10

Gosse, Sgt. L. 52819 H 2025-11-30

Green, Cpl. R. 65603 O 2025-12-03

Greenway, Insp. M. O.3751 E 2025-11-27

Hawco, Cpl. J. 62276 E 2025-11-20

Hollingworth, Supt. S. O.3541 D 2025-10-31

Horwood, Supt. K. O.3445 K 2025-10-27

Illi, Cpl. L. 59855 K 2025-10-03

Johnson, Cpl. N. 56847 F 2025-11-05

Kaplan, Cpl. R. 61920 E 2025-12-01

Kwong, E. C/9517 E 2025-11-14

Lafleur, S/Sgt. C. 52468 K 2025-11-26

Lagrandeur, Cpl. K. 58825 E 2025-10-27

Lai, C/Supt. A. O.2972 K 2025-10-03

Lefurgey, Cpl. M. 56023 L 2025-10-25

Lemieux, Cpl. S. 58452 C 2025-11-03

Leung, Sgt. H. 55936 E 2025-11-17

Lima, S/Sgt. V. 45493 HQ 2025-10-14

Lindsay, Sgt. J. 54563 F 2025-11-11

Lirette, Cpl. J. 63313 J 2025-11-07

Lokken, A/Commr. M. O.3215 T 2025-10-01

Lozinski, S/Sgt. D. 59708 F 2025-10-09

Lymburner, Cpl. J. 55870 J 2025-10-31

Mandal, M. D0231 E 2025-10-15

Manning, Cpl. W. 58025 B 2025-10-17

Marsden, C/Supt. A. O.3056 K 2025-11-30

Martin, Cpl. W. 63655 E 2025-11-01

Maxwell, Cpl. R. 61955 G 2025-10-23

McConnell, Sgt. R. 51060 HQ 2025-11-14

McLaren, Insp. J. O.3750 F 2025-11-11

McPhee, Sgt. P. 58711 K 2025-11-27

Meyer, Cpl. J. 57671 E 2025-10-22

Mills, Sgt. S. 48167 HQ 2025-10-31

Oliveira, Cpl. A. 55726 HQ 2025-11-28

O’Malley, Sgt. A. 52326 E 2025-12-05

Oslund, Cpl. M. 62020 B 2025-11-24

Parenteau, S/Sgt. C. 48811 F 2025-11-21

Perkins, Cpl. R. 52682 D 2025-12-08

Phillips, Cpl. A. 58327 E 2025-12-02

Pillsworth, S/Sgt. C. 47626 E 2025-10-02

Pinsent, S/Sgt. L. 53725 K 2025-11-01

Rain, A/Commr. E. O.2923 E 2025-12-14

Roberts, Cpl. J. 56786 E 2025-10-02

Rosen, Cpl. R. 71517 HQ 2025-10-31

Roussel, Sgt. A. 62258 HQ 2025-10-06

Ryder, Sgt. C. 58832 E 2025-10-10

Schirr, Sgt. J. 59442 F 2025-11-25

Schriver, Cpl. A. 63352 G 2025-11-03

Shaffner, Insp. C. O.3746 O 2025-10-10

Shaver, Sgt. B. 49742 HQ 2025-10-21

Shea, Cpl. B. 61595 H 2025-10-01

Sidhu, Cpl. K. 54065 E 2025-11-26

Simpson, Insp. N. O.3749 O 2025-11-21

Smith, A/Commr. R. O.2661 HQ 2025-10-16

Tabert, Cpl. C. 62629 E 2025-10-03

Tessier, Cpl. K. 66898 J 2025-12-19

Tjorhom, Cpl. J. 64602 E 2025-10-25

Tonge, S/Sgt. R. 47112 F 2025-11-12

Touchette, Sgt. M. 43427 HQ 2025-10-20

Trecartin, Cpl. M. 61106 J 2025-10-29

PROMOTIONS

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2025

& RANK

Tronsgard, L. C/7636 HQ 2025-11-03

Viens, Insp. A. O.3752 HQ 2025-11-18

Warner, Cpl. R. 62782 B 2025-10-14

& RANK REG. NO. DIV.

Warren, Insp. T. O.3753 HQ 2025-10-04

Weekes, Cpl. L. 54391 E 2025-11-12

Wheadon, S. C/5165 HQ 2025-10-02

RETIREMENTS

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2025 NAME & RANK

Akerley, Cst. C. 49813 E 2025-11-12

Alexander, Cst. T. 48504 E 2025-10-10

Alexander, Sgt. T. 50441 B 2025-12-02

Alward, Cst. A. 54334 H 2025-10-15

Anderson, Cst. M. 59083 E 2025-11-25

Apa, Cst. P. 56531 H 2025-10-08

Astle, Cpl. M. 45548 K 2025-10-01

Barberie, Cst. P. 56040 E 2025-11-20

Barha, Cpl. D. 46715 E 2025-12-25

Barkase, Cst. D. 51290 E 2025-11-21

Bédard, Supt. N. O.3494 HQ 2025-11-22

Bent, Cst. W. 47537 H 2025-10-25

Betker, Cpl. L. 54789 E 2025-10-02

Bjarnason, Cst. B. 50936 K 2025-11-27

Blackadar, C/Supt. A. O.2907 V 2025-11-05

Blain, Sgt. D. 41559 C 2025-10-10

Blais, S/Sgt. J. 38253 F 2025-11-13

Blanchet, Cst. V. 52694 K 2025-10-02

Bourdages, S. C/8153 HQ 2025-11-25

Bray, Cst. M. 55800 H 2025-12-09

Browne, Cst. A. 51852 K 2025-11-02

Butler, Cpl. C. 48762 D 2025-10-02

Butler, S/Sgt. K. 48737 E 2025-11-19

Butler, Sgt. M. 48826 H 2025-11-01

Cameron, Sgt. B. 43178 H 2025-11-01

Campbell, Cpl. C. 50079 H 2025-11-28

Canavan, Cpl. C. 47729 A 2025-10-22

Canning, Cst. B. 60008 B 2025-11-02

Chaplin, Cst. J. 61999 E 2025-11-14

Christopher, Cst. K. 56564 H 2025-10-30

Climenhaga, Cpl. D. 49159 K 2025-11-28

Cohee, Insp. M. O.3353 E 2025-11-27

Collier, S/Cst. K. 122051 J 2025-12-21

Cook, Supt. D. O.2898 B 2025-10-23

Countryman, Cpl. J. 53930 F 2025-12-11

Courtorielle, Cst. S. 47121 E 2025-12-31

Crawley, Cst. S. 59232 K 2025-12-16

Crowther, Insp. M. O.3199 HQ 2025-10-09

Cyr, D. C/7714 J 2025-12-06

Dahl, S/Sgt. K. 46741 K 2025-10-02

Daniel, B. C/6032 G 2025-12-25

De La Gorgendiere, C/Supt. G. O.3113 E 2025-11-15

Delisle, Sgt. L. 47246 HQ 2025-11-04

Desaulniers, S/Sgt. T. 45991 K 2025-11-04

Dibblee, J. C/8718 K 2025-12-02

Diduck, Cst. C. 51605 F 2025-11-02

Diggle, Cst. C. 47966 D 2025-12-02

Dollimount, Cpl. I. 49003 B 2025-12-02

Dowling, Cst. A. 61326 L 2025-12-25

Doyle, J. C/5082 D 2025-12-04

Dragon, Cst. D. 59303 K 2025-12-02

Drover, Cst. D. 57124 H 2025-11-22

Dunn, Cst. W. 55583 E 2025-11-04

Dupuis, Cpl. K. 52427 J 2025-12-17

Dupuis, Cst. R. 58308 E 2025-11-15

Dwyre, Sgt. C. 49130 HQ 2025-11-26

Earle, Cst. D. 56840 B 2025-12-27

Eggen, Cpl. C. 46104 E 2025-12-31

Engel, Cpl. D. 50774 E 2025-10-18

RETIREMENTS

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2025

NAME & RANK

Fee, Sgt. D. 49007 K 2025-10-04

Ferdais, Sgt. B. 49232 K 2025-11-22

Flesher, Cpl. B.-L. 45729 E 2025-10-28

Forsyth, Sgt. C. 50725 K 2025-11-12

Frost, Cst. A. 51351 K 2025-10-17

Fuller, S/Sgt. S. 41825 K 2025-10-08

Gavin, Cst. P. 51904 K 2025-10-15

Gendron, M. C/4300 HQ 2025-11-04

Gerow, S/Sgt. C. 47585 E 2025-10-30

Gill, C/Supt. S. O.2781 E 2025-11-09

Goffic, Cst. R. 56942 E 2025-10-30

Goldmintz, J. C/5848 O 2025-11-15

Goulet, Cst. F. 58447 C 2025-12-20

Greene, Cpl. D. 49938 G 2025-10-03

Greene, Cpl. J. 45533 B 2025-10-02

Greene, S/Sgt. J. 41255 K 2025-12-18

Guerrier, Sgt. J. 50251 C 2025-12-02

Guillemette, Sgt. S. 48017 HQ 2025-11-22

Gunn, S/Cst. C. 99844 V 2025-10-30

Hachey, S/Sgt. M. 43104 HQ 2025-10-25

Harms, Cst. D. 56218 D 2025-12-16

Harper, Cst. M. 55663 E 2025-11-13

Hayward, Cst. J.-A. 54030 E 2025-12-25

Heebner, Sgt. G. 45245 E 2025-12-23

Hendsbee, Cst. A. 50998 E 2025-11-06

Henstridge, S/Sgt. M. 50252 HQ 2025-12-02

Heroux, Cpl. T. 50828 F 2025-10-16

Hicks, S/Sgt. G. 48708 B 2025-10-16

Hildebrand, Cst. D. 49166 K 2025-12-27

Hill, D/Commr. R. O.2860 K 2025-11-21

Hilliard, Cpl. S. 43727 E 2025-10-16

Hobenshield, S/Sgt. L. 47228 E 2025-11-19

Howden, K. C/4725 D 2025-12-22

Johannson, Cpl. B. 47483 K 2025-10-06

Johnson, M. C/5580 E 2025-10-22

Jurgens, Sgt. R. 54797 K 2025-10-02

Kalman, Cst. R. 53748 E 2025-10-30

Khan, Sgt. Z. 48950 E 2025-10-21

Kielbiski, Cst. S. 51589 O 2025-10-18

Krebs, Cst. L. 64923 E 2025-10-16

Krish, S/Sgt. S. 47873 E 2025-10-21

Kuchta, Sgt. C. 51025 G 2025-12-24

Laflamme, Cst. C. 48126 HQ 2025-12-14

Laforest, Cst. S. 58455 J 2025-11-13

Landreville, S/Sgt. G. 39927 D 2025-10-08

Languay, Cst. C. 44733 A 2025-11-13

Lanteigne, Supt. E. O.3118 O 2025-11-22

Larochelle, J-C. C/8955 HQ 2025-10-04

Lastucka, Cst. D. 45433 E 2025-12-04

Lau, Cst. C. 50453 E 2025-11-13

LeBlanc, Cst. L. 66966 J 2025-11-17

Leblanc, Sgt. K. 47456 T 2025-10-06

Lee, E. C/7458 E 2025-10-25

Lefebvre, Cst. K. 64016 K 2025-11-22

LeFrancois, Cpl. H. 51960 K 2025-12-02

Lerat, S/Sgt. D. 46696 F 2025-10-01

Letto, Cst. D. 57557 B 2025-10-02

Long, Supt. B. O.3195 HQ 2025-10-30

Loschiavo, Cst. C. 53254 K 2025-10-02

Lue, Supt. P. O.3037 HQ 2025-10-31

Luk, Cpl. C. 40992 O 2025-10-01

Luk, Cpl. G. 46734 E 2025-11-13

Ma, Cst. C. 51706 O 2025-12-24

MacDonnell, Cpl. S. 57878 V 2025-10-29

MacDougall, Cst. V. 54619 H 2025-10-16

MacKenzie, Cst. J. 56814 H 2025-10-25

Mackenzie, Sgt. S. 44669 J 2025-10-18

MacMillan, Supt. L. O.3383 K 2025-11-27

MacNeill, S/S/M K. 48487 E 2025-11-04

MacQuarrie, Sgt. S. 47210 E 2025-11-28

Malenfant, Cpl. N. 45418 HQ 2025-10-31

Mamaril, Cst. J. 47861 E 2025-10-28

Mann, C/Supt. J. O.3098 E 2025-12-11

Manning, S/Sgt. S. 46852 H 2025-12-05

Manson, Cst. S. 56573 H 2025-11-08

Martin, Sgt. K. 48224 O 2025-12-17

Mason, Cst. D. 49683 H 2025-10-16

Matthews, Cpl. D. 54520 H 2025-12-25

Matthews, Sgt. G. 43630 E 2025-11-25

McGraw, Cst. S. 47381 HQ 2025-10-03

McGreal, S/Sgt. D. 48857 O 2025-11-15

Meghji, S. C/7743 E 2025-11-01

Mercier, S/Sgt. R. 46784 HQ 2025-10-30

Meyer, Cpl. P. 48090 E 2025-10-27

Milman, Cst. C. 54700 E 2025-11-22

Mirza, Supt. I. O.3149 D 2025-11-06

Mitchell, S. C/7907 E 2025-11-27

Modl, Cst. K. 65044 K 2025-11-14

Moon, Cst. R. 53552 E 2025-11-05

Moore, Cpl. G. 59911 H 2025-12-02

Morgan, Sgt. D. 47693 L 2025-10-16

Moxey, Cst. D. 52770 E 2025-11-27

NAME & RANK

Murphy, L.

RETIREMENTS

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2025

C/6671 E 2025-10-02

Nguyen, Cst. J. 51478 E 2025-11-22

Nienaber, Cst. J. 52532 E 2025-10-06

Numan, S/Sgt. M. 46868 K 2025-10-16

O’Brien, Cpl. T. 50734 K 2025-11-21

O’Neill, S/Sgt. C. 42731 HQ 2025-12-31

Orr, Cpl. D. 49443 E 2025-12-05

Pallister, Insp. C. O.3318 HQ 2025-10-11

Pambrun, Cpl. R. 44451 F 2025-11-13

Park, Cst. J. 54410 E 2025-11-25

Parke, S/Sgt. S. 47805 K 2025-10-18

Paul, Cst. B. 56458 J 2025-10-08

Paul, Cst. C. 59229 J 2025-11-29

Peter, Cst. A. 53021 E 2025-10-04

Phillipson, Cpl. J. 51063 E 2025-11-13

Porter, Cpl. G. 52248 T 2025-10-04

Pouliot, Cst. V. 63433 H 2025-10-02

Rabut, Cst. A. 45670 E 2025-12-26

Rau, Cpl. K. 49219 F 2025-12-23

Raymond, Cst. S. 68916 C 2025-12-04

Rennie, Cst. J. 49737 E 2025-11-28

Rouillard, J. C/9480 C 2025-10-16

Saul, Cpl. I. 41379 HQ 2025-12-16

Savoy, Cst. N. 68953 E 2025-11-22

Schoepp, Cst. J. 50686 K 2025-12-02

Scott, Cst. J. 62972 E 2025-10-10

Sells, C/Supt. G. O.3226 K 2025-11-07

Shelton, Cpl. R. 47894 K 2025-12-19

Silver, Cst. M. 54498 H 2025-10-10

Simmons, Sgt. L. 48304 O 2025-10-02

Smith, L. C/6043 HQ 2025-10-16

Smith, Sgt. C. 45829 H 2025-12-01

Snyder, Cst. P. 56061 E 2025-12-02

Soetaert, Cst. D. 48934 K 2025-12-08

Spence, Sgt. J. 53443 F 2025-12-21

St. George, Cst. A. 57324 E 2025-12-02

St-Aubin, S/Sgt. C. 43337 O 2025-11-26

Stewart, Sgt. M. 47758 E 2025-11-26

Stitt, Cst. R. 50402 E 2025-12-19

St-Jean, R. C/4153 HQ 2025-10-11

Stoughton, S/Sgt. S. 47111 E 2025-10-31

Swabey, S/Sgt. D’A. 50067 K 2025-10-30

Swanson, Cst. T. 49470 E 2025-11-04

Swecera, S/Sgt. B. 45560 E 2025-12-30

Tanner, D. D0446 HQ 2025-12-02

Taylor, S/Cst. B. 152999 D 2025-11-28

Thériault, Sgt. L. 44289 C 2025-11-24

Tran, Cst. T. 48496 K 2025-12-31

Tucker, Cpl. A. 60942 J 2025-10-17

Turcotte, Cst. J. 48997 C 2025-10-25

Turnbull, Cpl. W. 44874 K 2025-11-04

Urquhart, Sgt. D. 45241 E 2025-12-14

Van Meter, T. C/4972 K 2025-11-25

Van Rassel, S. C/9835 C 2025-12-20

Van Steelandt, Sgt. H. 48605 K 2025-11-04

vant Erve, Cst. E. 54565 E 2025-12-06

Vaters, Cpl. R. 47469 D 2025-12-13

Vinet, S/Sgt. C. 43064 E 2025-10-30

Vokins, Cpl. T. 50871 E 2025-11-29

Waite, Cst. C. 52158 E 2025-10-17

Wallace, Sgt. D. 42324 M 2025-12-10

Ward, Cpl. K. 57458 H 2025-12-18

Warren, Cst. G. 51380 J 2025-12-23

Watson, Insp. K. O.3419 F 2025-12-02

Weatherby, Sgt. W. 46376 HQ 2025-11-27

Wells, Cpl. S. 44235 HQ 2025-10-31

Whalen, S/Sgt. V. 47926 H 2025-10-17

Wijohn, K. C/7538 E 2025-10-15

Wiley, R. C/9974 O 2025-11-27

Wong, Sgt. F. 41941 O 2025-11-21

Woodliffe, Sgt. J. 47813 K 2025-10-15

Yaacoub, T. C/4688 HQ 2025-11-25

THE LAST WORD

The “Boss of the Plains”

TTHE STETSON HAT has been a recognizable part of the RCMP’s uniform since 1904. But it didn’t start out that way.

Today, the RCMP’s ceremonial uniform, known as the “Red Serge,” features a scarlet wool tunic, midnight blue breeches with a yellow stripe, Strathcona boots, and a brown Stetson hat. With the exception of the red tunic, the Stetson hat is the most iconic part of the Force uniform.

The Stetson eventually became so popular that it earned the nickname the “Boss of the Plains.” The Stetson and hodge podge of other hats, which were not regulation issue, was tolerated by the upper echelons of the North-West Mounted Police provided that each member paid to purchase and maintain their head gear out of their own pocket.

But prior to the start of the 20th century, members of the then North-West Mounted Police wore a variety of hats while policing Canada’s unforgiving western frontier. The official hat issued to Force members for their policing duties was the British pith helmet. But while the pith helmet was often called a “sun helmet” and widely worn on parade grounds, it provided little protection from the hot prairie sun.

While traversing Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Force members often ditched the pith helmet and put on a variety of other hats to protect themselves while out on the prairies, where there was little shade or protection from the unrelenting heat and sun.

Over time, the Stetson cowboy hat became a popular choice owing to its wide brim and rugged durability on long mounted patrols, where the distance between outposts and forts could be hundreds of kilometres. The Stetson was also found to keep dust out of Mounties’ eyes, which could be harsh when the wind picked up.

However, by 1904, with the North-West Mounted Police having transitioned to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, then Commr. Aylesworth Bowen Perry, who served as the first Commissioner of the RCMP from 1900 to 1923, felt it time to develop “Dress Regulations” for the men serving in Canada’s national police force.

It took several years of discussion, debate and consideration, but in 1904, the Stetson hat was adopted as part of the official RCMP uniform. Interestingly, the first official Stetson hats were manufactured by a British company in London, England, and shipped to Canada.

Today, the iconic RCMP Stetson is made by Dorfman Milano, a company located in Texas. Production moved to the Texas factory after the previous Canadian manufacturer, Biltmore Stetson in Guelph, Ont., shut down in 2012.

The Stetsons today are made of rabbit fur felt and each hat is stamped on the inside with the words “RCMP-GRC,” along with a contract date to ensure authenticity and that they are fit to be part of the official Force uniform.