HONORING THE LEGACY OF A SPECIAL CONSTABLE
COPS FOR CLASSROOMS
THEN & NOW
WINTER 2026
VOLUME 91, NO.1
P UBLISHED SI N CE 19 33
$10
Honouring
Cst. Roger Pierlet:
A Legacy of Service, Sacrifice, and Reconnection PAGE 4
RCMP VETERANS: MENTAL HEALTH DIALOGUE SESSIONS Share your unique perspective The Atlas Institute works to improve the mental health and well-being of RCMP Veterans and their Families. To identify research priorities, resources and areas of public policy action that meet the community’s needs, we need to hear directly from members. If you are a former RCMP member or Family member, we invite you to help shape our future work by participating in virtual dialogue sessions exploring your unique mental health experiences and perspectives.
UPCOMING SESSIONS (all sessions in Eastern time) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 12 – 2 p.m. (Francophone RCMP Veterans) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 12 – 2 p.m. (open to all RCMP Veterans)
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Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed are solely those of the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families and may not reflect the views and opinions of the Government of Canada.
Volume 91, No. 1 | Winter 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS COVER STORY
4 Honouring Cst. Roger Pierlet: A Legacy
of Service, Sacrifice, and Reconnection By S/Sgt. Eric R. LaFoy (Rtd.)
ON THE COVER
Debby McLachlan receives the wreath on behalf of all the fallen members’ families at the RCMP Memorial held at Depot Division on Sept. 14, 2025. Photo by RCMP Depot Division
SECTIONS
3 From the Editor 32 Divisional Dispatches 40 Depot Division Graduates 72 National Police Federation
FEATURES
10 Honoring the Legacy of a Special Constable
By S/Sgt. Eric LaFoy (Rtd.) and Julie Plourde
16 Cops for Classrooms: How an RCMP member’s initiative filled a bus – and hearts – across New Brunswick By Jennifer LeJeune
20 Then & Now
By S/Sgt. Ted Sisk (Rtd.)
24 “Mucking Out” With the RCMP Veterans’ Association
By A/Commr. R. Graham Muir (Rtd.)
28 Insp. Walter Beyts and the Beginnings of O Div.
By Mark Gaillard, RCMP Historian
75 Book Reviews 78 Scarlet & Gold™ 84 Obituaries 90 Promotions 91 Retirements 94 The Last Word
Volume 91, No. 1 | Winter 2026 A B O U T O U R P U B L I C AT I O N
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. Subscription rates are $40 per year (taxes included) or $10 per issue (taxes included), for Canadian destinations. For other countries, please refer to the subscription application form located at the back of this issue. Prepaid subscriptions will be limited to two years. Note that payment by credit card is only accepted by Visa or Mastercard. Please make cheques or money orders payable to “the Quarterly.” Subject to the Interest and Administrative Charges Regulation, an administration charge of $15 will be levied for dishonoured cheques (returned by a financial institution). The Quarterly welcomes manuscripts, letters, photographs and news on RCMP and RCMP Veterans’ Association related subjects in either official language. Text should be saved in Microsoft Word and can be e-mailed to the editor at thequarterlyeditor@gmail.com. Submissions will also be accepted as hard copy. Any material accepted is subject to revision and editing at our discretion. Whereas we take all reasonable care to safeguard submissions, we accept no responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited material. Address all correspondence to: Editor, the Quarterly, RCMP/GRC, Canadian Police College, 73 Leikin Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R2. The Quarterly Business Trust reserves the right to reject any advertisement submitted for publication in the Quarterly if it is determined (at the sole discretion of the Editorial Management Committee of the Quarterly Business Trust) that the advertisement does not comply with the advertising standards of the Quarterly Business Trust, or is deemed by the Quarterly Business Trust to be otherwise objectionable, offensive or deceptive. In determining the acceptability of any advertisement, the Quarterly Business Trust will be guided by the general principles embodied in the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards.
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FROM THE EDITOR TANYA BAGLOLE Editor, the Quarterly
W
thequarterlyeditor@gmail.com
WELCOME TO 2026,
another year full of promise. We have a wonderful Winter issue for you. Our cover story pays homage to Cst. Roger Pierlet, who paid the ultimate sacrifice 50 years ago. The story focuses on how efforts to honour his legacy at the 2025 RCMP Memorial at Depot Div. reunited a family and a troop. We also have a great story honouring S/Cst. Peter Esau, who answered the RCMP's call to find local Indigenous people to serve as guides, interpreters, and as links between the Force and the communities up in the Arctic region. Jennifer LeJeune writes about “Cops for Classrooms” and how an RCMP member's initiative filled a bus – and hearts – across New Brunswick. We hear from Cst. Michel Michaud, who sat down with S/Sgt. Ted Sisk (Rtd.) to detail his career in the RCMP. It includes working undercover in one of Canada’s first store front money exchange operations
that targeted organized crime to going on a secondment with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo as a civilian police officer. A/Commr. R. Graham Muir (Rtd.) gives us a firsthand account of the Ottawa Division of the RCMP Veterans’ Association helping to muck out the Musical Ride’s stables. Finally, Mark Gaillard, RCMP historian, tells the story behind the beginnings of O Div. and how Insp. Walter Beyts was sent by Commr. A.B. Perry to scout sites for various detachments. As you know, we are now fully digital and both desktop and mobile friendly, available to read with only a few clicks. Please consider gifting the Quarterly to family or friends. Also, we still need many of our subscribers to send us their email to gain access to our digital edition. Please spread the word to contact us via email at Quarterly@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, call us at (343) 322-1495, or visit https://rcmpva.org/ the-quarterly/ for more information. We’re happy to receive your letters, birth and marriage announcements, news, photos and more. Keep them coming. Best wishes for the New Year! Sincerely,
FROM THE EDITOR | 3
Honouring Cst. Roger Pierlet: A LEGACY OF
Service, Sacrifice, AND
Reconnection By S/Sgt. Eric R. LaFoy (Rtd.)
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MARCH 29, 1974, CST. ROGER EMILE PIERLET, Reg. No. 29984, was tragically killed in the line of duty in Surrey, B.C., at just 23 years old. His murder — committed by two individuals seeking revenge against the RCMP — shocked the nation and left a lasting void in the lives of his fiancée, Debby McLachlan, and his family. Pierlet had been engaged to marry Debby later that year, when he would reach the two requisite years of service. His parents were flying in from Montreal that morning to assist with wedding plans. Instead, they were met with the devastating news of their son’s death. Because Debby was not yet his spouse, she was never formally recognized or included in memorials honouring Pierlet — until now. Debby McLachlan receives the wreath on behalf of all the fallen members' families at the RCMP Memorial held at Depot Division on Sept. 14, 2025. Photo by RCMP Depot Division
COVER FEATURE | 5
A moment of silence. Photo by RCMP Depot Division
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COVER FEATURE | 7
Cst. Roger Pierlet and fiancée Debby McLachlan on the date of their engagement, which was also the date Cst. Pierlet graduated from Depot - Feb. 19, 1973. Photos courtesy of S/Sgt. Eric LaFoy (Rtd.) (L-R): Debby McLachlan, sister Nancy Gordon (Pierlet) and brother Luke Pierlet.
The Tragic Night After a night of drinking, Vincent Cockriell and John Miller set out with a chilling intent: to kill a police officer. Cockriell’s brother had died a year earlier in a highspeed chase involving the RCMP, and he wanted revenge. They began by throwing bottles at the Cloverdale Detachment and driving erratically to provoke a response. Cst. Pierlet, returning to the detachment to exchange vehicles, noticed their behavior and initiated a traffic stop. He radioed in the vehicle’s details and approached the driver’s side. Miller held a rifle while Cockriell pulled the trigger. Pierlet was struck in the heart and collapsed near his patrol car. Cst. Jim Mead, Reg. No. 27648, responding as backup, found Pierlet lying on the road and radioed for help. A pursuit ensued, involving members from White Rock, Abbotsford, and Burnaby Detachments. Csts. Eric LaFoy, Reg. No. 26477, and Drewe Nelson, Reg. No. 24794, successfully forced the suspects off the freeway and arrested them without further incident.
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A Reconnection Sparked by Remembrance In August 2024, the Surrey Now-Leader republished its original 1974 article marking the 50th anniversary of Pierlet’s death. Debby, now living in Ontario, happened to search Roger’s name online and came across the article. At the same time, Eric LaFoy — who had helped apprehend the suspects that night — read the same piece in the RCMP Veterans’ newsletter. Thanks to the journalist who wrote it, Debby and Eric were able to connect after five decades. Their conversations revealed the depth of Debby’s loss. She had never married, saying, “Roger was my only true love.” She had never been invited to any memorials in his honor. Eric, moved by her story, felt compelled to act. He wrote to Commr. Mike Duheme and C/Supt. Mike Lokken, requesting that Debby be formally invited to the 2025 RCMP Memorial at Depot Div. in Regina. Within weeks, the invitations to Debby and the Pierlet family was extended — and Debby was asked to lay the wreath on behalf of all fallen member' families.
Reuniting a Family and a Troop
Closure and Connection
Eric’s efforts didn’t stop there. He began reaching out to Pierlet’s troop mates and colleagues, sharing the story and encouraging them to attend. At a Sherwood Park RCMP veterans coffee gathering, Eric mentioned the memorial plans. Al Rybka, Reg. No. 29960, a troop mate of Pierlet, immediately offered to help spread the word. Through Rybka and Bill Thordarson, Reg. No. 29981, Eric was able to locate Pierlet’s brother Luke, who agreed to attend. The search for Pierlet’s sister Nancy was more difficult. She and Luke had been estranged for decades. But in early 2025, Nancy’s daughter, working for CBC in Nova Scotia, was contacted by a friend who had also seen the news article. That connection led Nancy to Debby, and eventually to Eric. Nancy, who had been shielded from the details of her brother’s death as a child, said, “Now I will finally get to know my brother the policeman.” Eric also tracked down Drewe Nelson, who had retired to southern Alberta. With help from fellow veterans and a bit of online sleuthing, Eric found Nelson through an obituary for his late wife. Nelson was deeply moved and confirmed he would attend. Eric’s outreach extended to Pierlet’s former trainer Gerry Waddington, Reg. No. 22336, Surrey colleague Warne Lynd, Reg. No. 28247, and others who had worked with Pierlet. Lynd’s wife, an emergency nurse, had shared pizza with Pierlet the night he was killed — a ritual among nurses and Surrey members. These personal connections added depth and emotion to the gathering.
The weekend at Depot was filled with emotional moments. At a gathering before the ceremony, Nelson was asked to read his original statement from the night of the arrest. Overcome with emotion, he declined, but Faye Rybka, wife of Al Rybka, read it aloud. The room fell silent as the words brought clarity and closure to those present. The memorial was attended by several of Pierlet’s troop mates, trainers, and colleagues, including those who worked with him the night he was killed. Their presence underscored the enduring bond of RCMP members and the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Nancy and Luke, who had not seen each other in many years, were apprehensive about reconnecting. But over the course of the weekend, a bond began to form. After the ceremonies, Luke said, “I now have my sister back, and we are a family once again.” The reconciliation was complete.
A Legacy Remembered Both Miller and Cockriell were convicted of capital murder and sentenced to hang — the last such sentence in Canadian history before the death penalty was abolished. Their fate, and the events that followed, remain part of a broader story of justice and change. Cst. Pierlet’s legacy reminds us of the importance of honouring not only our fallen members but also the families who carry their memory. Their stories deserve to be remembered—not just for the tragedy, but for the strength, love, and unity they inspire. We will remember them.
COVER FEATURE | 9
S/Cst. Peter Esau Photo courtesy of ©NWT Archives/ Robert C. Knights/N-1993-002: 0127
HONORING THE LEGACY OF A
Special Constable S By S/Sgt. Eric LaFoy (Rtd.) and Julie Plourde
urviving the extreme conditions of Canada’s Arctic is no easy task when you are a young cadet from a southern province who’s posted to the area for the first time. This was especially true in the 1950s. Most communities in the Northwest Territories were cut off from the rest of the world. Food drops and barge deliveries were few, and only those who were skilled in hunting and fishing could survive. It was under these conditions that young constable Bob Knights arrived in Sachs Harbour, the northernmost community of the Northwest Territories, which at the time consisted of only a few houses and a newly opened RCMP detachment. His posting had been preceded by Peter Ayaqi Esau’s, then a 21-year-old special constable. Originally from Aklavik, NWT, S/Cst. Esau had answered the RCMP's call to find local Indigenous people to serve as guides, interpreters, and as links between the Force and the communities. Peter was Inuvialuit, fluent in both English and Inuvialuktun, and a skilled hunter and fisherman. He became the first Special
S/Cst. Peter Esau with Bob Knights, in Sachs Harbour, NT, in the 1950s. Photo courtesy of ©NWT Archives/Robert C. Knights/N-1993-002-0258
Constable posted to Sachs Harbour and served a total of five years before being discharged. Both men, who were about the same age, ended up working closely together, and this was to mark the beginning of a deep friendship that would have a lasting impact on Bob Knights. Now 92 years old, Bob Knights remembers life at that time with great detail and remarkable clarity. “We traveled and did everything together, hunted, fished, worked, and he
FEATURE | 11
was my best friend,” says Bob, who served in G Div. from 1956 to 1962, including his two years in Sachs Harbour.
HONORING S/CST. ESAU Another veteran also had the privilege to know Peter Esau. When S/Sgt. Eric LaFoy (Rtd.) met Peter Esau in 1982 during his posting in the community, he was no longer in the Force, but he was still a very prominent figure in Sachs Harbour as the mayor of the hamlet and president of the local Hunters and Trappers Association. “He was really well known,” says Eric. “He was always a good ally for me.” Peter was very supportive of the RCMP. He was always actively involved in community events and continually demonstrated a positive attitude, making it very easy and a pleasure to work with, according to Eric LaFoy
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“He was a happy, jovial and very friendly person,” recalls Eric. “He was the type of guy that could talk to anybody about anything.” Peter Esau passed away at the age of 82 on Jan. 3, 2017. After Eric LaFoy retired from the RCMP in 1996, he started to work with Supt. J.J. Healy (Rtd.) on rcmpgraves.com, a website listing all members who served in the RCMP. That’s when he realized that Peter Esau was not even on the list, so he started to gather information for the website. During his research, Eric learned that Peter had been buried without a Regimental Headstone. That sparked the beginning of his mission to ensure that the Special Constable was not forgotten, and that Esau’s final resting place would be marked with a proper headstone bearing the RCMP insignia. S/Cst. Peter Esau with Bob Knights, in Sachs Harbour, NT, in the 1950s. Photo courtesy of ©NWT Archives/Robert C. Knights/N-1993-002-0258
S/Sgt. Eric LaFoy and Bob Knight at S/Cst. Peter Esau’s headstone. Photo by Julie Plourde
But little did he know that he would embark on a journey of research to, among other things, locate his final resting place and connect with family members. “I didn't even know where he was buried,” says Eric LaFoy. Part of his work included reaching out to G Division S/S/M Jim Strowbridge. S/S/M Strowbridge, with G Div. Commanding Officer C/Supt. Dyson Smith’s permission,
supported and facilitated the procurement of a Regimental Headstone for S/Cst. Esau. On Aug. 19, 2025, after tireless efforts from the Division and Inuvik detachment, Eric and Bob, alongside C/Supt. Dyson Smith, Inuvik RCMP members and family and friends, were finally able to attend the special Regimental Headstone ceremony in Inuvik to commemorate S/Cst. Esau’s time with the RCMP.
A STORY DOCUMENTED ON FILM Much of Peter Esau’s history and the life in Sachs Harbour in the 1950s and 1960s would be lost without Bob Knights' keen interest in photography. Bob took hundreds of photos during his years in the high Arctic, including several portraits of Peter and sceneries of traditional activities. The photo collection of more than 650 images has been donated to the Northwest Territories Archives. After the headstone ceremony in August 2025, the family was able to relive memories recounted by Bob thanks to images projected on a screen at the Inuvik Detachment. The photo collection documents journeys across the tundra with dog sled teams. There were no road maps or GPS to provide navigational aids, so the natural navigational skills of Indigenous people like Peter Esau proved invaluable.
FEATURE | 13
During extended winter travel, S/Cst. Esau would build a snow house, also known as an igloo, for overnight stops, and had to take Bob Knights' large stature into account. “Peter was kind of upset with me because I was too tall, so that meant building a bigger snow house,” says Bob with a laugh. The RCMP was the only government agency in these small posts, and members took on many federal and territorial responsibilities. Bob Knights remembers the story of when he was called to help deliver Peter’s first child. “I’m not sure whether Peter was prouder than I was or whether I was prouder than he was, because that was my first and his first.” Patrolling the area and maintaining public safety was one part of the job; surviving the harsh conditions of a remote post was another one. “Some members were wondering what the RCMP was doing up there,” explains Bob
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stories and photos showed her a side of her father she didn't really know. “When we look at the photos, we realize that he was in his own element,” she says. “Our Dad liked being on the land and travelling, and in all these pictures, you can see that he enjoyed what he was doing. He probably didn’t even look at it as a job.” The 30 or so members of Peter Esau's family, from children to greatgrandchildren, were captivated as they listened to all the adventures Peter and Bob had experienced during those years. All these stories made Aleta, and all the family members gathered, very proud of Peter. “He always strived to be the best,” adds Aleta.
MORE STORIES TO BE TOLD
G Division and Inuvik detachment members, along with the Esau family, S/Sgt. Eric LaFoy (Rtd.), Bob Knights and Insp. Bryon Donovan, at the Regimental Headstone ceremony. Photo by Julie Plourde Bob Knights with Aleta Esau, Peter’s daughter. Photo by Julie Plourde C/Supt. Dyson Smith shaking the hand of a member of the Esau family at the Regimental Headstone ceremony on Aug. 19, 2025. Photo by Julie Plourde
Knights. “We were flying the flag, but we were trying to stay alive as well. We had to hunt, because the ship was coming only once a year, and we had air drops once or twice a year.”
SEE HIM IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT Aleta Esau, one of Peter's children who attended the ceremony, was delighted to hear anecdotes about a time her father didn't really talk about. She said Bob's
Now that Peter Esau’s final resting place has been duly marked with a gravestone, Eric LaFoy can devote his efforts to recognizing other Special Constables. “The Special Constables are kind of a soft spot for me. I just want their stories to be told. And there are so many more,” says Eric. C/Supt. Dyson Smith, who’s been in the North over 11 years, is convinced that Special Constables made policing in the region a lot easier. “We had Special Constables all over the North. They kept us alive,” explains C/Supt. Smith. “An RCMP officer from southern Canada, flown into an Arctic community, would have perished without the help of community members and special constables,” he adds. Bob Knights goes even further: “We referred to them as guide and interpreters. They weren't even called Special Constables in our time. But that changed. And rightly so, because they were special.”
FEATURE | 15
COPS FOR CLASSROOMS:
HOW AN RCMP MEMBER'S INITIATIVE FILLED A BUS – AND HEARTS – ACROSS NEW BRUNSWICK By Jennifer LeJeune
I
nsp. Mike Berry still remembers the weight of September. Like many children, he loved school, the friends, the routine, the safety of the classroom. But the first week of school was less about new beginnings – and more about trying to blend in. “I didn’t always have the name brands or the shiny stuff,” he said. “Back-to-school was torn for me. I loved school, but dreaded that first week.” Decades later, after 27 years in policing, that memory would become the spark behind Cops for Classrooms – a grassroots RCMPled initiative that filled not only backpacks, but hearts across New Brunswick.
From idea to action The idea came to Insp. Berry last winter at another community event – the annual “Stuff a Cruiser” Christmas drive. “Knowing the impact it made, I started thinking of other initiatives to help our community,” he recalls. “I’ve always believed in giving back. School should be a safe place
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for all students – where they feel confident and included, not inferior or excluded. Having the proper supplies and clothes is a big part of that.” He casually floated the idea of launching a pilot initiative to a few colleagues in the West District, and instantly found allies. “Two people jumped on board immediately – Public Service Employee Annie Graveline and Cst. Jason Routledge. It wouldn’t have happened without them,” he said. “Destiny Davidson from the Communications team came up with the slogan and helped in a big way by spreading the word through the RCMP’s social media channels. Others followed. It was truly a team effort.” He also reached out to Anglophone West School District (ASD-W) Supt. David McTimoney – an old schoolmate. “He was extremely supportive right away,” said Insp. Berry. “We did all the collecting, and once everything was gathered, ASD-W arrived with a school bus and delivered the supplies to local schools.
(L-R): Insp. Mike Berry, J Div.’s A/Commr. Matco Sirotic, and Cst. Jason Routledge.
What started as a “drive” became a “difference” Although the initiative started locally and late in the summer, word spread quickly. In addition to the Fredericton drives, detachments in St. Stephen, St. George, SaintLéonard, and Tobique First Nation held their own events. Others placed donation bins in local RCMP offices across the West District. In total, almost $4,400 in cash donations was raised – but the physical supplies far outweighed it. “We filled a school bus,” said Insp. Berry. “It exceeded all of our expectations.”
Kindness at it’s best: community response The public didn’t just support the initiative – they embraced it. One woman, nearly 90 years young and a retired principal, arrived with two full
shopping carts of supplies. When she learned what the drive was for, she began to cry. “She knew first-hand the impact this would have on children,” said Insp. Berry. “There were so many moments like that.” Social media echoed the sentiment with comments like “Kindness at it’s best,” while another added, “Thank you so much for the donations! They are very helpful and much appreciated!” Others praised the RCMP directly for their handson involvement: “Great to see the RCMPNB helping the local community, thanks, officers, for giving your time.” Perhaps the most powerful endorsement came from a resident who summed it up simply: “This is policing done right.”
More than just school supplies: to “serve and protect” comes in many forms For Insp. Berry, the most powerful part wasn’t the collection – it was the delivery. Seeing teachers and administrators receive the supplies, knowing what it would mean for the students who walked into school this fall, reaffirmed his belief that policing is about serving the community in many different ways. “I think it shows we care and we are more than just about enforcement,” he said. “To me, ‘to serve and protect’ comes in many forms. This is one of them. Hopefully it shows communities we care, too.”
FEATURE | 17
Looking ahead: bigger than one District The success of the first year has only energized the team. “Yes, 100% – we’ll do it again,” said Insp. Berry. “Next year we’ll start earlier and work with the school districts to refine what’s most needed. And the goal is to go division-wide – and eventually bigger.” But these efforts have already grown beyond the hard work of the West District. Mike Berry’s 12-year-old daughter helped coordinate supplies after hours, learning alongside her dad what service and community spirit is truly all about. “It was an opportunity to teach her about giving back – and to show her that not everyone is fortunate enough to start school with new clothes or supplies.”
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Backpacks, sneakers, school supplies – and countless acts of kindness. These are some of the items collected during the 2025 Cops for Classrooms drive, spearheaded by Insp. Mike Berry of the New Brunswick RCMP.
Final thoughts Insp. Berry offers this parting thought: “We as police are fortunate to have a small ‘soap box’ and the opportunity to truly make a difference in our communities. Our youth are our future, and all youth deserve quality education – the chance to fit in, to feel confident and supported. Hopefully, this initiative helps set the stage for their success in some small way.” From the boy who once dreaded the first week of school – to the man filling the classrooms with dignity – Insp. Mike Berry hasn’t forgotten where he came from. And because of that, many New Brunswick students will walk through school doors standing a little taller this year.
&
THEN NOW By S/Sgt. Ted Sisk (Rtd.)
In this question and answer, Cst. Michel Michaud, Reg. No. 36253, discusses his varied career in the RCMP that includes working undercover in one of Canada’s first store front money exchange operations that targeted organized crime to going on a secondment with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo as a civilian police officer. He currently works with the United Nations Development Program as an investigations specialist.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I was born in Moncton, N.B., where I lived until the age of 19. In my teen years, I worked for my parents who owned a thriving business in the hotel/restaurant industry. I was exposed to music as rock and country artists would stay at one of our hotels while on tour. This is how I learned to play drums getting tips from the band’s drummers. Little did I know this would lead to my “duty” as a recruit at Depot. I was raised both in French and English which at times was somewhat confusing. New Brunswick is a bilingual province but a large population in the Acadian circles speak ‘Chiak,’ which is a mixture of French and English, and this was the case in my home. WHEN AND WHERE DID YOU JOIN THE RCMP? In August 1980, I left for Regina to join the RCMP at 19 and still recall my “shock
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Mike Michaud with the military in United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in 2000.
A much younger Mike Michaud at Depot in 1980 as the lead drummer in the marching band. / Mike Michaud standing in the hillside in Tajikistan during an investigation mission in 2018.
and awe” as I arrived at Depot seeing disciplined and fit recruits jogging around. I was not accustomed to such rigor and discipline. I was the youngest of Troop 15 (1980/81), which was a French troop, with half of the members coming from a three-month French language immersion course. My interest in drumming led me to my official duty as the lead drummer in the recruit band during the Sgt. Major’s noon parade. Academically, I would have been much more comfortable if the RCMP training had been in English. Nevertheless, I graduated from Depot on March 2, 1981, as Reg. No. 36253, just days before my 20th birthday. Mike Michaud and his wife in Central Park, New York City, with a view of their apartment building in 2023. They were on the 26th floor.
As I reflect on my 45 years of policing and investigations, I now understand that one has to create possibilities to grow and to move forward in life and I do believe that I did just that. My first posting was in Joliette for one year, followed by postings in Valleyfield and BaieComeau for another four years each. I was then transferred to Montreal headquarters, where I worked in a variety of investigation units. One of my career highlights includes four years undercover from 1990 to 1994 operating in one of Canada’s first store front money exchange operations targeting organized crime. At the “Centre International Monétaire de Montréal” we were able to infiltrate the Italian Mafia (Rizzuto family) at the highest level and even
FEATURE | 21
Mike Michaud receiving an International Peacekeeping Medal in 2006 from Quebec’s Lieutenant Governor, Honourable Lise Thibault.
coordinate shipments of cocaine from the Colombian cartels to the U.K. and Canada. Our operation led to the arrest and convictions of more than 50 individuals with record seizures of narcotics, money, and properties. I then worked for five years in the VIP unit. While in Montreal, I was exposed to various challenges and opportunities. In January 2000, I had the opportunity to go on a secondment with the United Nations (UN) Mission in Kosovo as a CIVPOL (Civilian Police) for nine months. The first months were difficult as we had no electricity and very little heating in our apartment. It was bloody cold. After some adjustments, I became a training instructor for incoming CIVPOLs from around the world. I travelled to Ghana, Thailand and the Ukraine to test and select qualified police for the mission. My final years with the RCMP were spent working as an intelligence officer in the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, which involved organized crime investigations
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with several high-profile operations, such as Project Colisée and Project Calvette. WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO LEAVE THE RCMP? My exposure overseas and mission experience from my time in Kosovo is certainly when I caught the “bug” for international work, which led me to join the United Nations (UN), first on a temporary level basis and later as a new career. In 2005, I went on a 15-month sabbatical leave from the RCMP and joined the Special Court in Sierra Leone as a criminal analyst. I moved on to Beirut as a Special Investigator on the investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese President, Rafiq Hariri. I later joined the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) as OIC of the UN investigations unit in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, for one year. At this point in 2007, I decided to retire from the RCMP as a constable after receiving an offer from the OIOS to set up a new
Mike Michaud, third from the left, traveling to Sierra Leone in a UN helicopter ride from the mainland to Freetown in 2005.
investigation’s unit in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. I was there for one year as Chief Resident Investigator, where I managed an office of eight staff including investigators, a translator, and other support personnel. Since then, my career with the UN has allowed me to work and grow as a professional investigator on internal oversight within the UN. I worked in Rome for one year at the World Food Programme, six months in Geneva at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and another six months at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)in Amman, Jordan. Since 2010, I have been working as a senior investigator with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York on corruption within the UNDP’s personnel, vendors and suppliers. With UNDP, I worked and resided in New York for eight years, but since COVID-19, I have been able to work remotely from home in Quebec. My current
role with UNDP is Investigations Specialist and Team Lead, responsible for investigations in UNDP at New York Headquarters, in Latin America and in the Caribbean. In my career both with the RCMP and especially in the UN, I have been fortunate to travel to almost 40 countries around the world on investigations. I have been fortunate to earn a master’s degree in Investigation Management from the Charles Sturt University in Australia in 2015. This has permitted me to maintain my operational skills and allow me to advance in my UN career. I must admit that my sometimes-long absences from home have taken its toll on family life with three children. I am very grateful to my loving wife who has inspired, supported, and guided me throughout my transition from the RCMP to the UN. She has stood by my side even from a distance and has always allowed me to follow through with my dreams and ambitions even through our long periods of separation. As I reflect on my 45 years of policing and investigations, I now understand that one has to create possibilities to grow and to move forward in life and I do believe that I did just that. I do not regret my decision to join the RCMP at such a young age with very little life experience. It was the best decision I have taken in my career. My 27 years in the RCMP with all its glory, traditions and its challenges ultimately provided me with the solid background and ability to undertake a very satisfying career path internationally which has been rewarding on so many levels. But now, I must look forward to an approaching retirement in 2026, with plans to hopefully continue some consultancy work if my investigative services are required. Otherwise, I will be most happy enjoying time with family and hopefully be the best person expected of me by my loved ones and peers.
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“Mucking
”
Out
WITH THE RCMP VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION By A/Commr. R. Graham Muir (Rtd.)
There’s nothing quite like the assault on one’s sinuses that comes from a horse stall when thrusting a pitch fork into a heap of nasty bedding as the sun comes up on a Monday morning. That horse, and all of its equine companions, has most likely been standing in place over the weekend. Anyone familiar with this rite of passage knows that it’ll clear the cobwebs in a heartbeat and may even make your eyes water. Such is the lot of those who tend to the morning chores in any stable, otherwise known as ”mucking out.” There is a stable in Ottawa that is home to the RCMP Musical Ride and the domain of the Force’s Equitation Branch, located on the grounds of the Canadian Police College. And the Ottawa Division of the RCMP Veterans’ Association (ODVA) has found a unique way of giving back, and supporting the Corps in challenging times. Graham Muir grooming. Photos by Serge Gouin FEATURE | 25
As it stands, there are roughly 75 beautiful black horses that currently call the Ottawa stables home. These are the Musical Ride horses that our adoring public is most familiar with. There are also the school horses that have most likely been part of the ride and have been rotated off to provide steady mounts for the equitation course candidates on both the basic and intermediate courses. And then there are the remounts, otherwise known as “the babies.” They are the young horses, recently arrived from the breeding farm in Pakenham just outside of Ottawa, who are being further developed to accept the inevitability of both saddle and rider. It doesn’t matter what category of steed we’re speaking of as they’re all manure machines: they poo and pee incessantly. So, they need cleaning up after. And they need to be groomed, shunted between stalls and paddocks, and “tacked up” by seasoned and neophyte riders to find their way to the riding school where both horse and rider are put through their paces.
(L-R): Ralph Mahar, Graham Muir, Jane Baptista, Chris Byrne, John Neily, Tim O’Neil, Ray Warner, Mark Dureau, Brad Hampson, Rejean Ouellette.
The challenges referred to are part of a concerted effort by the Force to re-staff and re-build the RCMP Musical Ride. There may be the same number of horses to manage but, for the time being, there’s a woeful shortage of riders to take care of them. This is where the veterans come in. True to its founding charter, the ODVA’s active offer of service is to assist and augment the complement of regular members and stable staff as they undertake their morning muck-out (L-R): Graham Muir, Tim O’Neil, Marc Dureau, Chris Byrne, Serge Cote.
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Serge Cote and Marc Dureau working with youngsters.
maneuvers, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Our ”able stable team” provides three to four vets for each morning shift, drawn from a roster of 14. The old timers mix with youngsters to get things done, some among them having been Ride members themselves in days past. As the old saying goes, “There’s the right way, the wrong way, and the RCMP way.” It’s safe to say that this earnest early morning activity has not changed much over the 150 plus years that the Force has been in existence. Everything happens just so, even if the de-facto reason is lost in the hay dust of time. From pitching and shoveling, to sweeping and grooming, everything happens for a reason and in a particular order. It's been several months since the inception of this initiative, and it’s proving to be a threeway win. The RCMP members are most appreciative of the extra hands so that they can get onto their horses earlier and get on with
their schooling. The veteran volunteers welcome the opportunity to give back to the Force and hang out with the horses. And the horses get an extra daily dose of attention and affection. There are also the intangibles. There’s lighthearted banter back and forth between the old guys and the young(er) ones as chores are completed. The elders enjoy the company of the equitation class and ride members, garner insight on topical issues for those currently serving, and gain a sense of accomplishment that comes from rendering service where its welcomed. As for the young ones, they get a close-up look at regimental relics without having to take a trip to the museum. On behalf of the Ottawa Division of the RCMP Veterans’ Association, our sincere thanks to Supt. Sebastien Brillon, S/M and Riding Master Scott Williamson, and Sgt. Derek Quilley for their gracious and enthusiastic welcome to their stables.
FEATURE | 27
Insp.
Walter Beyts and the Beginnings of O Division By Mark Gaillard, RCMP Historian
In
January 1920, plans to nationalize the Royal NorthWest Mounted Police and change the name to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were well underway. Three new divisions and a Maritime district were to be up and running by Feb. 1. Commr. A.B. Perry sent Insp. Walter Beyts, Reg. No. 2866, (O.161), and Insp. John Phillips, Reg. No. 3300, (O.173), to a series of southern
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Ontario towns to scout sites for detachments in the new O Div. At each town their first job was to survey the prospects for adequate housing, to find suitable office facilities, and to make the necessary arrangements to have the Force up and running within a couple months. Beyts seems to have been an odd choice for this job in the cities of southern Canada. Born in London, England, in 1870, he emigrated to
S/Sgt. Walter Munday and Luta Munday. RCMP O Div. members marching in Toronto. Photos courtesy of RCMP Photo Archives
Canada in his early twenties and joined the North-West Mounted Police in 1893 after a failed attempt at farming. In 1900 he served in the South African War and rejoined the Force in 1901 and was posted to the Yukon. For the better part of the next two decades he served extensively across the North and on several instances earned commendations for his work. In July 1914, he led the Bathurst Inlet Patrol along with S/M Thomas Caulkin, Reg. No. 4557, and two constables. Sailing on the RNWMP schooner “Village Belle” from Halifax to Churchill in Hudson Bay, storms prevented them from establishing their base camp at Baker Lake until the summer of 1915. The next summer, two attempts were made to reach Bathurst Inlet, but they could not do so owing to bad weather and an almost total absence of caribou to hunt for food. Exhausted and sick with chronic pleurisy and bronchitis, Insp. Beyts was replaced in 1917 by Insp. Frank French, Reg. No. 4355, (O.163). After three grueling years in the Arctic, Insp. Beyts was posted to F Div. in Prince Albert and then, in the summer of 1918, to Depot Div. in Regina, Sask. Insp. Beyts appears to have been on sick leave when he was ordered by Commr. Perry to establish O Div.
On Jan. 28, 1920, Insp. Beyts arrived at Bridgeburg, the first site selected for a detachment. There he tried to arrange shared accommodations for his constables with the Department of Immigration offices but was unsuccessful. In early February Constables Hector Lea, Reg. No. 8936, and Frank Phillips, Reg. No. 8976, arrived at Bridgeburg and later that month had secured suitable detachment quarters, which consisted of three unfurnished rooms for $25 per month in rent. With the groundwork for the Bridgeburg Detachment complete, Insp. Beyts pressed on to Niagara Falls. After some effort, he arranged the detachment office and living quarters at a house rented from a member of the Department of Immigration. Next for Insp. Beyts was Windsor, where there was an office of the Dominion Police (DP), which was being absorbed into the new RCMP. He arrived there on January 30 and lost no time in the transfer of authority.
FEATURE | 29
During the month of February, the Windsor Detachment was shuffled out of the old Dominion Police offices and stuck in a room formerly used as the Quartermaster’s Stores. New accommodations were difficult to find, and the members were forced to rent a house in Walkerville, two miles away. It was not until May 1 that the RCMP finally
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had secured a permanent office in Windsor located sufficiently close to accommodation for its members stationed there. The next towns to be visited were Sarnia, Haileybury and Sault Ste. Marie, where by the summer of 1920 detachments would be located. Officially transfers to O Div. did not take place until May 1, 1920, when 18 members from
RCMP member with patrol motorcycle, Niagara Falls Detachment.
Depot Div. under the command of S/Sgt. Walter Munday, Reg. No. 4092, and five others from other divisions were posted to the new division. From Niagara Falls, S/Sgt. Munday, who had served previously served in Cumberland House and The Pas, was responsible for overseeing the work of Bridgeburg Detachment. Soon the Adjutant’s office noted the policing duties might require as many as six members, and S/ Sgt. Munday was instructed to lease a larger facility. Equipped with patrol motorcycles, Niagara Detachment had now been established. Luta Munday, in her 1930 memoir, A Mounty’s Wife, wrote: “We loved every minute of our time there, and I, for the first time in my life, kept house with modern conveniences – electric light, hot and cold water. Wonderful, just turn on a tap! I had forgotten about such things; and, oh, the joy, the real joy, of the bathroom, with baths every day and two or three times a day that first summer!” Posted to Chesterfield Inlet in July 1922, S/Sgt. Walter Munday would later return to O Div. as its Commanding Officer in May 1938. After working to establish the detachments across Ontario, Insp. Beyts returned to Toronto to concentrate on establishing its headquarters and single member quarters. Beyts eventually secured the top floors of a building on Yonge Street above a Toronto post office. Over the first six months of O Div.’s existence, Insp. Beyts was the Acting Officer Commanding, with Insp. Phillips acting as his second in command.
In August 1920, the OC of D Div., Supt. Arthur Duffus, Reg. No. 3159, (O.133), assumed command of the Division, replacing Insp. Beyts, who was transferred to Haileybury to concentrate on Detachment operations there. By October of 1920, in addition to the Toronto headquarters, the Force had established six detachments with 31 NCOs and constables, 12 of whom were stationed in Toronto. Outside the provincial capital city, the number of detachment personnel ranged from one constable at Sarnia to four at Haileybury and Windsor. Already in ill-health from his Arctic service, Insp. Beyts contracted pneumonia as the result of complications suffered while assisting fighting the wildfire that swept the town of Haileybury in October 1922, killing 43 people. He died at Sault Ste. Marie on Jan. 25, 1923, at the age of 54, and is buried at the RCMP Cemetery at Depot Div. In the 1920’s O Div.’s regular member strength peaked in 1924 with 46, and fell again to 39 in 1928, while the number of detachments increased from six to nine. By the end of the decade O Div. had tripled its original number of detachments, bringing its total to 19, although almost half of personnel were in Toronto (19 out of 40). From these humble beginnings, O Div. would grow and develop as federal policing in Canada’s most populous province became more challenging. On April 1, 2024, O Div. officially became RCMP Central Region Federal Policing. After more than a century, O Div. was officially no more.
FEATURE | 31
B B DIVISION
Headquarters — St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
RCMP FEDERAL POLICING – EASTERN REGION LAYS 102 CHARGES IN PROJECT BOURBON, THE PROVINCE’S LARGEST-EVER SEIZURE OF COCAINE AND CONTRABAND TOBACCO RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region has laid charges against 10 individuals as part of Project Bourbon, an organized crime investigation resulted in what is believed to be Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest seizure of cocaine and contraband tobacco. The investigation, which began in February 2023, focused on organized crime groups trafficking cocaine from British Columbia and contraband tobacco from Ontario into the province. In September and October 2024, RCMP executed search warrants at six properties in St. John’s and one in Mount Pearl, with the assistance of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. The searches resulted in the seizure of cocaine with an estimated street value of $1.6 million and 9.5 million contraband cigarettes with an estimated street value of $2.6 million. Additional items seized included quantities of methamphetamine, MDMA, illicit cannabis and hashish, firearms, cash and eight vehicles. The combined value of all items seized was estimated at nearly $5 million. On Oct. 8, RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region announced that charges have been laid against 10 people under the Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Cannabis Act, Excise Act 2001 and Revenue Administration Act.
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Three of the individuals appeared in court on Oct. 2, 2025 and were scheduled to appear next on Nov. 7. Seven of the individuals were scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in St. John’s on Oct. 23, 2025. RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region targets criminal activity involving national security, transnational and serious organized crime and cyber-crime across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
DEER LAKE RCMP INVESTIGATING AFTER VEHICLE CRASHES INTO SENIORS’ HOME Deer Lake RCMP is investigating after a vehicle crashed into a local seniors’ home during the early morning hours on Oct. 25, causing extensive damage to the exterior of the building. The driver of the vehicle fled from the scene, but identified himself to police later the same day. At approximately 2:35 a.m. on Oct. 25, 2025, Deer Lake RCMP, Deer Lake Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to a report that a vehicle had crashed into a seniors’ home on Nicholsville Road. The vehicle and driver were not at the scene when police arrived. No injuries were reported, however, extensive damage was caused to the exterior of the building. Later that afternoon, the driver of the vehicle — a 33-year-old man — identified himself to police, and is facing a charge of failing to remain at the scene of an accident. The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges possible.
B PERSON IN MEDICAL DISTRESS RESCUED WITH HELP FROM SANDWICH BAY RETRIEVERS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS A person in medical distress was located and safely transported from a remote cabin on Oct. 16, thanks to a collaborative effort by Cartwright RCMP, Sandwich Bay Retrievers, the NunatuKavut Community Counsel, auxiliary Coast Guard and local volunteers. On Oct. 16, 2025 at approximately 12:45 p.m., police received a 911 call about an individual in medical distress at a remote cabin in Dove Brook, southwest of the community of Cartwright. Cartwright RCMP immediately engaged Sandwich Bay Retrievers Ground Search and Rescue. With the assistance of auxiliary members of the Canadian Coast Guard and the NunatuKavut Community Counsel, the person was located, retrieved from the cabin and transported safely to Cartwright for medical assessment.
DEER LAKE AND HARBOUR BRETON RCMP RESPOND TO OVERNIGHT MOOSE VEHICLE COLLISIONS RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador officers responded to two separate moosevehicle collisions on Oct. 7, in Harbour
Breton and Deer Lake, over 400 kilometers apart. The vehicles involved in each crash sustained extensive damages, and one crash sent a man to hospital with serious injuries. At approximately 8:14 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2025, Harbour Breton RCMP responded to a collision on Route 360, near Harbour Breton Bay. The crash involved a pickup truck and a moose. The driver, and lone occupant of the vehicle, did not suffer any injuries. The collision required the temporary closure of Route 360 to allow emergency crews to investigate and safely clear the scene. Just minutes later, at approximately 8:22 p.m., Deer Lake RCMP responded to a separate collision on the TransCanada Highway (TCH) near Hampden Junction, involving a passenger vehicle and a moose. Hampden Regional Fire Department and Emergency Health Services personnel also responded to the scene. Emergency crews located the vehicle involved overturned in the ditch and extracted the injured driver. The lone occupant of the vehicle, a 57-year-old man, sustained serious injuries in the collision and was transported to Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook for medical care and treatment. Investigations into these collisions continue.
ACT OF PARLIAMENT ON DISPLAY AT RCMP HQ On Oct. 7, 2025 RCMP B Div. HQ unveiled a copy of the original document proclaiming the formation of the Royal North West Mounted Police on May 23, 1873. Commanding Officer A/Commr. Pat Cahill received the historic document during a veterans’ dinner in May 2025. Cpl. Lindsay Fraser (Rtd.) donated the document and asked that it be held at B Div. HQ, in St. John’s, Nfld. The proclamation was unveiled before RCMP veterans, B Div. employees, Cpl. Lindsay Fraser, his wife Ruby, and their son Dale.
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C C DIVISION
Headquarters — Montreal, Quebec
AN UNPRECEDENTED INTERCEPTION AT THE BORDER On Aug. 3, patrol officers from the Estrie Detachment, with support from the Sûreté du Québec, intercepted a cube truck on Haskell Road in Stanstead and were surprised to find 44 people crammed in the back. Most were suffering from fatigue and, more critically, dehydration. Among them were several children and a pregnant woman.
RCMP EXPERTISE ON LE PARLOIR
They had all crossed the Canada-U.S. border illegally. The vast majority of those intercepted were from Haiti. First aid was administered and fortunately no serious injuries were reported. After the usual checks by our members, the migrants were turned over to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Three smugglers were also arrested during the interception. The investigation was handed over to the CBSA, and charges were laid against the three individuals believed to have organized this dangerous crossing. We would like to highlight the exemplary work of the Estrie IBET officers whose compassion stood out in this extraordinary situation. By Sandrine Paiement
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Two of our police officers took part in the filming of two episodes of Le Parloir, a series that explores a wide range of topics related to the world of justice. S/Sgt. Christian Gravel sat down with hosts Félix Séguin and Annie-Soleil Proteau to discuss economic crime. S/Sgt. Camille Habel then took her place on set to talk about the risks associated with the rise of ideologically motivated violent extremism. Two perfect opportunities to showcase C Div. and promote the RCMP’s mandates in Quebec! Many thanks and bravo to Christian Gravel and Camille Habel! The episodes will air in fall 2025 or winter 2026 on the TVA+ platform. By Sandrine Paiement
C HISTORIC CHASE AND SEIZURE IN BEAUCE A landmark moment for IBET Beauce took place on Aug. 14, when we made the largest cocaine seizure in our history. This quiet summer day was turned upside down when Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Coburn Gore, Maine, found themselves in hot pursuit on foot along the border with Jequad Patrick Campbell-Chambers after he decided to flee toward Canada. What prompted his decision? Possibly the 13 kg of cocaine he was carrying in his vehicle! Coburn Gore is located near the village of Woburn, Que., a remote area with no cell service and vast stretches of forest. When CBP officers called us, we knew locating the subject would not be easy. Fortunately, the partnership we had established with Sûreté du Québec (SQ) officers from the Lac-Mégantic station proved very useful. In addition to our own personnel, five SQ officers and their dog handler came to lend us a hand. That day, uniform colours didn’t matter; we were all working toward the same goal, with the same motivation. The perimeter was sealed off, which allowed us to see the subject running across Route 161 about an hour after his escape. The dog handler was able to track him to a small cottage, where we found photos of him on the owner’s trail cameras. We weren’t far off, as he had passed by about half an hour earlier. Night was falling, and we knew he was nearby. At this point, all the residents of the small town of Woburn were on the lookout; they all knew who we were looking for. After about three hours on the run, a 911 call came in at just the right moment. A citizen had seen him cross a neighbour’s yard and run toward a wooded area. Thanks to this citizen’s report, we moved our perimeter, and it only took a few minutes for the dog handler to locate and apprehend the subject.
The successful outcome was made possible by the teamwork of IBET Beauce, the SQ officers from the Lac-Mégantic station, the CBP officers from Coburn Gore, and the citizens of Woburn. And as we know, in the police profession, the real work begins once the handcuffs are on. What followed was a nearly 24-hour marathon to bring Jequad Patrick CampbellChambers to court on charges of possession with intent to traffic and export cocaine to the United States. To date, he remains in custody. By Cst. Frederick Landry
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TO SUPPORT PEDIATRIC RESEARCH Last May, the Division donated a prize for a Pediatric Research Foundation auction: the chance to experience a day in the life of an RCMP officer. The lot went for a whopping $5,100, more than triple its value. On Aug. 28, the three winners had the unique opportunity to learn more about the police profession with coaching from elite professionals. On the agenda: a border patrol on one of our boats and a shooting session with our Emergency Response Team. The participants had a great day and all agreed: it was well worth the price. They were also very impressed by our members’ professionalism. In short, they had a blast! The money raised from our lot went directly to the Foundation to fund pediatric research. Many thanks to the members who took part in the day. Your help was vital and very much appreciated! By Insp. Yan Therrien
D D DIVISION
Headquarters — Winnipeg, Manitoba
ANSWERS FOR LYNXLEG FAMILY AS MANITOBA RCMP MAKE MULTIPLE ARRESTS The five-year investigation into the disappearance and subsequent homicide of 40-year-old Melinda Lynxleg by Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services, with assistance from Roblin, Russell, and Dauphin RCMP detachments has resulted in the arrest of three males. Lynxleg, from Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve, was reported missing by her sister on April 16, 2020. Melinda’s body was later located on June 7, 2023, at an abandoned property in San Clara, Man. Between Oct. 14, 2025, and Oct. 16, 2025, Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services arrested three individuals, all known to Melinda, at their residences without incident: • Kirk Kenneth Allarie, 42, from Roblin • Myles Malcolm Allarie, 38, from Russell • Billy Jay Lynxleg, 46, from Valley River First Nation All men have been remanded and charged with the following: • Second degree murder • Offer indignity to human remains They will remain in custody until a future court date. RCMP Major Crime Services would like to thank community members and numerous others who came forward with information that was valuable to the investigation. Over 150 statements were taken by police throughout the investigation who
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logged thousands of hours going through evidence to finally make some arrests. “The last five years has been very tough for our family, it’s been a nightmare,” said Sharon Lynxleg, Melinda’s mother. “These arrests will not bring Melinda back, but it goes a long way towards helping us heal. We are grateful the RCMP continued to look for the persons responsible for her death and brought them to justice.” “We want to thank Melinda’s family for not giving up hope, and for continuing to work with us to find answers,” said A/Commr. Scott McMurchy, Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP. “I also want to thank the community members of Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve; their collaboration with our officers provided us with the help we needed to move the investigation forward. By all working together, we have helped to bring some justice for Melinda.”
SELKIRK RCMP ARREST MALE AFTER SPREE OF MISCHIEF TO RED VEHICLES On Oct. 18, 2025, at 9:30 am, Selkirk RCMP received multiple reports of tires being slashed around Selkirk. Police responded immediately and observed many red vehicles with puncture wounds in a parking lot on Jemima Street. Witnesses indicated that a male was observed using a knife to slash tires. At 5:45 pm, Selkirk RCMP located the male responsible for the damage and he was arrested without incident. A total of 45 tires were slashed on 23 vehicles. A 44-year-old man, from Winnipeg, has been remanded in custody. He was charged with 23 mischief offences and one charge of possession of weapon dangerous to the public.
D MANITOBA MAJOR CRIME SERVICES, POWERVIEW RCMP INVESTIGATING DOUBLE HOMICIDE The Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services unit has been leading the investigation surrounding the double homicide of a 29-year-old male, and 41-year-old female, that occurred on June 20, 2025, in Victoria Beach. After a lengthy investigation, our officers along with assistance from RCMP officers in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, were able to arrest two males. On Oct. 7, 2025, the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services and the British Columbia RCMP officers arrested a 28-year-old male in Abbotsford for 2nd degree Murder. A man, from Grand Marais, has been remanded in custody and returned to Manitoba pending court. On Oct. 22, 2025, the Manitoba and the Nova Scotia RCMP Major Crime Services arrested a 31-year-old male in New Minas for 2nd degree Murder. A man from the Rural Municipality of St Clements has been arrested, charged and will be returned to Manitoba for court. “These homicides have deeply affected two grieving families, countless loved ones, and created concern for so many residents in the Victoria Beach area. We thank everyone for their understanding, patience, and their trust in our officers as they worked incredibly hard to find the people responsible,” said S/Sgt. Sean Grunewald, Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services. “The strength of the RCMP is that we have colleagues and specialized resources across the country. These investigational supports were essential throughout this investigation, and we thank both the British Columbia and Nova Scotia RCMP for their assistance.”
SPRUCE PLAINS RCMP MAKE ARRESTS IN STRING OF MAILBOX THEFTS In late November of 2024 and into the early months of 2025, Spruce Plains RCMP received numerous reports of thefts from Canada Post mailboxes. These thefts were reported in the communities of Neepawa, Minnedosa, Arden, Kelwood, Macgregor, Carberry, Rapid City, Glenella, Erickson, Onanole, Sandy Lake, and Rivers. Investigators with the Spruce Plains RCMP conducted an extensive investigation which involved the examination of numerous mailbox sites, conducted numerous interviews and executed multiple search warrants to secure the required evidence needed for prosecution. On Sept. 29, 2025, RCMP arrested a 38-year-old man, of Brandon, and charged him with 41 offences including multiple counts of Breaking and entering, Theft from mail over $5,000, Possession of property obtained by crime, Fraud under $5,000 and Theft of credit card. He was remanded into custody. On Oct. 8, 2025, RCMP arrested a 41-year-old woman, of Boissevain, and charged her with 41 offences including multiple counts of Breaking and entering, Theft from mail over $5,000, Possession of property obtained by crime, Fraud over $5,000 and Theft of credit card. She was remanded into custody. “The investigators put a tremendous amount of work in their relentless pursuit of leads which led to the arrest of these two individuals responsible for the numerous thefts that affected multiple communities,” said S/Sgt. Andrew Cowan, Detachment Commander for the Spruce Plains RCMP. “This outcome underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our residents and their property. We will continue to work diligently to protect our community from such criminal activities.” Spruce Plains RCMP continue to investigate.
D DIVISION | 37
D MANITOBA INTEGRATED VIOLENT OFFENDER APPREHENSION UNIT MAKES 850TH ARREST AFTER LATEST OPERATION On Sept. 24, 2025, the Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit (MIVOAU), an integrated team consisting of officers from the Manitoba RCMP and Winnipeg Police Service, travelled to three communities in western Manitoba to locate and arrest prolific and violent offenders with outstanding warrants. MIVOAU was assisted by RCMP officers from the Winnipegosis and Yellowhead detachments, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Unit (drone) as well Manitoba
First Nation Police Service officers from Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation. In total: • over 35 locations were attended by MIVOAU searching for suspects, • six entry warrants were executed, and • six violent offenders with warrants were arrested. The arrests took place in the communities of Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation and Skownan First Nation with three individuals arrested in each community. With these six additional arrests; MIVOAU has now arrested 850 offenders since the inception of the unit in May 2023.
VETERAN FAMILY SUMMIT
JANUARY 22-23, 2026 Free | Online
A free online event focusing specifically on the needs and experiences of Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Armed Forces Veteran Families and dedicated to sharing information, resources and inspiration about Veteran Family mental health and well-being.
FEATURING Emcee: Staff Sergeant (Ret’d) Gary Hollender
REGISTER TODAY: atlasveterans.ca/veteran-family-summit-2026 Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed are solely those of the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families and may not reflect the views and opinions of the Government of Canada.
38 | THE QUARTERLY WINTER 2026 Client: ATLAS: Attn: Krystle Kung Designer: Cori Hellard, cori@hellard.ca
Depot DEPOT DIVISION Headquarters — Regina, Saskatchewan
A SPOTLIGHT ON TRAINING
POIGNANT ANNUAL RCMP NATIONAL MEMORIAL SERVICE On Sept. 14, 2025, it was our honour to host the annual RCMP National Memorial Service at the RCMP Academy. This event offers us a moment to pause, reflect and honour all who lost their lives under different circumstances, but all in the line of duty. We also acknowledge with solemn gratitude that no new names have been added to the Honour Roll this year. May this blessing remind us of the continued dedication to safety, service, and the well-being of each other and the communities we serve. This year also holds special meaning, as we mark the 140th anniversary of Depot Division. Reaching such a milestone reminds us of the lasting strength and resilience of the RCMP community and how important it is to come together to reflect, to grieve and pay tribute to these lives that touched so many. To everyone in attendance, from near and far, and to those who watched online, your presence is a powerful act of remembrance.
The use of body-worn cameras (BWC) is now a national standard for general duty police officers of the RCMP. Starting with Troop 1 (2025-26), all RCMP cadets will be trained in BWC policy and use in the Cadet Training Program. Cadets receive a BWC in the early weeks of training at the RCMP Academy to use in all scenario-based training. Cadets must demonstrate proper use of the BWC as per RCMP policy and procedures. Additionally, the BWCs can be used as a learning tool, as there are opportunities to review footage from scenarios. Body-worn cameras are not just technology, they are tools for accountability, transparency and trust. They can help resolve public complaints more quickly and improve evidence gathering. All frontline uniformed RCMP officers who interact with the public will be equipped with a personal-issue body-worn camera. This will include officers in contract policing and a small number of members in some federal policing units.
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DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES
19 18
TROOP 19 (2024-2025) began training Sept. 23, 2024 and graduated March 21, 2025. (L-R) Seated: Cpl. T, Fergusen, Cpl. A. Carmichael, Insp. J. Boutillier, C/Supt. Mike Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. E. Irvine, Cpl. M. Hamilton. Second row: H. Kohli, A.R. Bussey, M.R. Albright, T.K. Milioto, H.S. Mehton, K.P. Maibauer, N.S. Sidhu, M.C. Durward, J. Tan. Third row: J. Diba, D. Duheme, L.P. Montreuil, A.D. Olic, H.S. Sidhu, J.P. Adam, E.D.J. Woo, C.J. Morehouse. Fourth row: M.J. Irvine, Harsimran Singh, E.T. Brown, D.T. Vandermeulen, R.T.K. Murphy, G.A. Melnyk, D.R. MacDonald, R. Tajik, A.N.B. De Almeida.
20 19 TROOP 20 (2024-2025) began training Sept. 20, 2024 and graduated March 7, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. A. Hunter, Cpl. A. Carmichael, Insp. J. Jones, C/Supt. M. Lokken, Sgt. P. Côté, Cpl. D. Ko, Cpl. B. Desaulniers. Second row: A.C. Stewart, K. Raval, S.A. Rasool, N.I. Ravo, M.M. Fleury-Rousseau. Third row: P.R. Kortas, A. Ghai, A.H. Choudary, A. Seminaro, R.K. Dhaliwal, C.C. Van Bakel. Fourth row: N.P.M. Bourassa, D. Thai, C. Fox, W. Claveau, K.L.S. Chubbs, J.J. Chelico, C.J. McGill.
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DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES
20 21 TROOP 21 (2024-2025) began training Oct. 7, 2024 and graduated April 14, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. K. Jutras, Cpl. J. Green, Insp. J. Jones, Supt. J. Comeau, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. T. Baldwin, Cpl. C. Matatall. Second row: S.B.A. Asokan, C. Gautreau, Y.K. Deng, K.A. Manderson, L.I.L.M. Roman-Lessard, G.J.A. Côté, A. Drolet, P. Azam, E.E. Dugas. Third row: S.S. Regular, B.J.A. MacDonald, M.S. Kang, M.J. Cardon, A.S. Dhillon, C.M. Dufault, S.V. Crêtes J. Brown. Fourth row: A. Jibu, M.A. Gayle, E.T.N.J. Tremblay, D.L. Johnson, M.C. MacQueen, J. Paulin, A. Heer.
23 TROOP 23 (2024-2025) began training Oct. 21, 2024 and graduated April 28, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. L. Clark, Cpl. H. Levesque, Insp. J.Boutilier, A/Commr. M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. L. Nielsen. Second row: J.N. Robar, N. Duclair, D.F. Dominguez Vinas, S.L. Mortimer, D.R. Van Tassel, L.M. Kwan, K.G. MacKillop, S.C. Bowden, G.K. Bilg. Third row: B.J. Fenton, H. Suh, A.J. Roy, R.M. Kerr, A.D. Payne, C. Copil-Brinda, P.G.B. Fisher, R.J. Lamb, K.S. Chauhan, M.D. Desai. Fourth row: S.A.H. Wideman, C.R. Ionescu, R.M. Olson, R.J.L. Payeur, A.J. De Ste Croix, Y.P. Bernier, N.S. Woods, J.W. Richards, S.H. Dave. GRADUATES | 41
DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES
18 24
TROOP 24 (2024-2025) began training Nov. 4, 2024 and graduated May 12, 2025. (L-R) Seated: Cpl. B. Shewfelt, Cpl. A. Carmichael, Insp. J. Jones, C/Supt. M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. H. Cosenzo, Cpl. M. Wiese. Second row: C.S. Hunter, L.M. Simpson, C.E.A. Mercer, K. Moumen, J.A. Nkili- Pepin, A.W. O’Donnell, M.E. Dudley, C.J.M. Delisle, C.J. Leonard, R. Reddy. Third row: N.D. Walker-Moores, G. Brothers, E. Andres, C. Boudreault, P.M. Egan, B. Clusiau, J.M. Visser, D.P. Fisher, K.J. Schofield. Fourth row: R. Sadafi, S. Zhabko, B.A. Rannard, M.F. Dunne, N. Blain, O.S. Manhas, E.J.J. Leaman, C.P. Wellburn.
19 TROOP 26 (2024-2025) began training Nov. 18, 2024 and graduated May 26, 2025. 26
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. L. Bennett, Cpl. G. Duffy, Insp. N. Szpakowski, Supt. J. Comeau, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. D. Matlock. Second row: S.A Gregorash, K.J. Hammer, R.J. Calomarde-Dovedoff, S. Vikraman Sathi, M. Mahmoud, A.E. Matity, M. Munjal, C.F.M. Lauzier, H.L. Schatzlein. Third row: S.C. Nowlan, G. Petridis, J.P. Bruce-Fuoco, B.M. Sekela, J.S. Natt, M. Zeid, J.A. McDonald, T.D.P. Dias. Fourth row: J.H. Schultz, M.H.P. Tarvis, D.E. O’Connor, E.K. Chan, A.J. Bowen, J.Y.M. Lamoureux, A. Sharipov, D.R.T. Conrad, R.J. Kerr.
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DEPOT DIVISION GRADUATES
20 27 TROOP 27 (2024-2025) began training Nov. 25, 2024 and graduated June 2, 2025.
(L-R) Seated: Cpl. L. Ubell, Sgt. P. Cote, Insp. J. Boutilier, Supt. J. Comeau, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. A. Sanchez. Second row: N.S.M. Gallant, M.A.S. Lanigan, M.N. Soita, P. Sharma, D.M. Procyk, B.G. Wandum, R.F. Manalang, A.J. Evren. Third row: A.E. Myles, K.P. Justice, J.B.H. Bridger, A.C. Popiel, M.R. Simpson, P.R. Gounder, R.J. Landry. Fourth row: M.D. Inch, E.W. Hamilton, J.W. Wilding, A. Srithayakumar, B.J. Holtvluwer, J.F. Karaim, C.J. Flynn, T.B. Ulland.
28 TROOP 28 (2024-2025) began training Dec. 2, 2024 and graduated June 9, 2025. (L-R) Seated: S/Sgt. D. Bauer, Cpl. J. Green, Supt. C. McGillis, C/Supt. M. Lokken, S/M C. Wilkins, Cpl. J. Xia, Cst. M. Muirhead. Second row: J.E. Redvers, A.L Costain, P.S. Bhatioe, S.R.J. Côté, M.C. Jack, D. Raturi. Third row: A.J. Cain, M. Ababin, K.K. Gill, A.S. Jassal, B.D. White, A.S. Chattha, H. Bezzaz. Fourth row: J.L.E. Stinson-Sauvageau, C.S.R. MacDonald, A.G. Duguay, J.M.J. Hartery, N. Krajina, A.J. De Jong. GRADUATES | 43
E E DIVISION
Headquarters — Surrey, British Columbia
WHEN DRIVING A TOY CAR IS NO LONGER CHILD’S PLAY On Sept. 5, 2025, a day already busy with full-scale building fires and motor vehicle incidents involving ambulances, police officers in Prince George also came across a man driving a toy car down Fifteenth Avenue near Nicholson Street. This was during the morning commute, around 9 a.m., and the streets were very busy at the time. “Our police officer conducted a traffic stop with the vehicle to assess what was happening,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP. Any vehicle on a roadway that is powered by anything other than muscular power fits into the definition of a motor vehicle and requires a licenced driver and insurance. While it might seem to some to be an inefficient use of police time to pull over a driver in a toy car, the risk the driver was creating to other motorists on the road who were forced to go around him, coupled with the risk to himself as other drivers are not in the habit of looking for toy cars on the busy road, was enough to warrant police attention. During the investigation, the police officer formed grounds to believe the driver was impaired and found the driver had a suspended license. The driver was arrested for prohibited driving, and an impaired driving investigation ensued. He provided two breath samples that were both over the legal limit and was subsequently issued a 90-day driving prohibition. The driver was served with an Appearance Notice with a court date in December.
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BAD: OVER $2,500 IN PENALTIES FOR A SPEEDING LAMBORGHINI. WORSE: DRIVER ON HIS WAY TO THE RACETRACK MUST EXPLAIN WHY MOM’S LAMBO WAS IMPOUNDED A 26-year-old North Vancouver man has a hefty bill to pay, as well as some explaining to his mother, after getting her Lamborghini Gallardo impounded by BC Highway Patrol. The grey Lamborghini was stopped by police on June 1, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. on Highway 3 south of Princeton. BC Highway Patrol clocked the car at 130 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. “Speeding above 40 km/h over the limit is an automatic vehicle impound,” says Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “The driver said he was on his way to a racetrack. Had he driven more responsibly, he could have had a great day at the track. Instead, he had an awkward conversation with Mom.” The Lamborghini driver received the following: • Excessive speed under section 148(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act ($368); • No front licence plate under section 3.011(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act Regulations ($109); • The costs for a rural tow and a 7-day impound; • Three years of high-risk driver premiums for licencing and insurance. The total fines and associated costs will likely exceed $2,500. “Our first priority is to keep you and all road users safe,” says Cst. McLaughlin. “If that is not enough to slow you down, you may wish to consider whether you’re willing to light thousands of dollars of your own money on fire.”
E MOUNTIE SITS DOWN WITH SENIOR – UNKNOWINGLY SAVING HIS LIFE A Salt Spring Island RCMP officer was called to a residence on Salt Spring Island to check on the well-being of an individual at the request of his family and ultimately ended up saving his life. On April 4, 2025, Salt Spring RCMP received a request for a check wellbeing from an out-of-province family to check on their elderly father whom they had not heard from in a couple of months. Police attended the residence and found the elderly father who appeared to have been living in unhealthy conditions. The man was initially reluctant and was adamant that he was fine and not needing help. The RCMP officer, Cst. Lloyd, continued to speak with him for over an hour and eventually a rapport was built between them. The man agreed to be transported to hospital by ambulance where his health was checked. On July 17, 2025, the man attended the Salt Spring Island RCMP detachment to show his appreciation for the officer and the detachment staff but also to share his medical treatment and diagnosis. It turns out that the man had been unknowingly bleeding internally for some time and according to doctors, would have succumbed in the next 24 hours had it not been from the intervention of the officer who convinced him to get treated at the hospital. “What started as a standard call became something far more profound. Despite being met with hesitation and resistance, Cst. Lloyd stayed present, didn’t rush, didn’t retreat but instead listened, showed compassion, and built a connection that ultimately saved his life,” said C/Supt. Bruce Singer, commanding officer for the Island District RCMP. “This is what “Beyond the Mission” truly means — acting not just out of obligation, but out of care and commitment to another human being,” he adds.
RCMP CORPORAL JOINS INDIGENOUS CANOE JOURNEY FOR A SECOND TIME: A STORY OF CONNECTION, CULTURE, AND SHARED PURPOSE Cpl. Soyoung Moon of the North Vancouver RCMP, who leads the detachment’s Youth Support Team, recently participated in the 2025 Pulling Together Canoe Journey, joining hundreds of participants for a meaningful cultural experience through Coast Salish territories. Hosted by the Pauquachin First Nations, Tsawout First Nations and Cowichan Tribes, this year’s route traveled through Pat Bay, Coles Bay, Schwartz Bay, Brentwood Bay, Mill Bay, and Cowichan Bay. This marked Cpl. Moon’s second time participating in the Pulling Together Canoe Journey, having previously joined in 2022 in the Shuswap region. “The Pulling Together journey is physically tough but emotionally powerful,” said Cpl. Moon. “There’s no running water or electricity, and we’re battling heat, insects, and the elements. But despite the challenges, the sense of connection, the beauty of the land, and the generosity of the host Nations make it an experience that stays with you.” Cpl. Moon paddled aboard the Sema7maka canoe. She traveled alongside law enforcement partners, public service representatives, youth workers, and young people from across the North Shore. “Being welcomed into these communities and listening to Elders share their wisdom
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E has truly deepened my understanding of Indigenous cultures,” said Moon. “It’s also helped me reflect on how much was lost in our shared history and how much we have to gain by rebuilding those relationships.” While the journey centres around traveling together by canoe, it also serves as a space for learning, reflection, and growth. During the event, Cpl. Moon learned Indigenous songs, traditional beading techniques, and how to paddle cooperatively in a large canoe. “It’s not just about the canoe. It’s about respect, humility, and taking the time to truly see each other,” Moon added. This journey is reconciliation in action. The Pulling Together Canoe Journey is an annual initiative that brings together Indigenous youth, Elders, RCMP members, law enforcement partners, public servants, and community organizations to foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange. The North Vancouver RCMP is proud to support initiatives that build bridges between law enforcement and Indigenous communities.
RCMP SPOSU MAKES SIGNIFICANT DRUG SEIZURE AND FOUR ARRESTS IN ONGOING DRUG TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATION In February 2025, the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) Drug Section began an investigation into an illicit drug line, suspected to be supplying street level quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. Following an intense six-month investigation, police identified a large-scale, sophisticated drug operation, allegedly supplying large volumes of illicit drugs throughout the province. On Sept. 10, 2025, RCMP SPOSU officers executed a search warrant at a residence located in the Guildford neighbourhood of Surrey, with the assistance of the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team. During the execution of the search warrant,
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investigators discovered processing and packaging equipment within one suite of the basement level of the residence allegedly being used to process and package the illicit drugs. Four individuals were arrested, and investigators seized over 56 kilograms of illicit drugs and cutting agents including the following: • 24 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine • 9 kilograms of suspected fentanyl • 7.5 kilograms of suspected caffeine • 7.6 kilograms of suspected buffing agent • 3 kilograms of suspected crack cocaine • 2.6 kilograms of suspected cocaine • 2 kilograms of suspected benzodiazepine Investigators have seized over $1 million dollars in valued assets connected to this operation, including two pick-up trucks, two SUV’s, a car, a motorhome, two quads, two jet-skis and one off-road side by side vehicle along with approximately $54,000 cash. These items are believed to offencerelated property and/or proceeds of crime. “This drug seizure represents a significant disruption to the local drug trade in Surrey,” says Supt. Ryan Element, Community Services Officer for RCMP SPOSU. “Investigators believe the suspected drugs were being supplied to communities from the Lower Mainland right into the Okanagan.” “Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit is committed to seeing the seizures of large-scale drug operations within the City of Surrey,” says C/Supt. Wendy Mehat, Officer in Charge for RCMP SPOSU. “This is an example of the strong collaboration of multiple drug section and major crime officers assigned to supporting Surrey Police Service operations in the city.” Investigators have concluded their investigation and are working to complete a comprehensive report to Public Prosecution Service of Canada for consideration of charges.
E BURNABY RCMP SOCCER PROGRAM FOR KIDS BUILDS CONNECTION, CONFIDENCE Sometimes the most meaningful experiences begin with one small gesture. It’s something Burnaby RCMP Insp. Peri Mainwaring has witnessed first-hand, at the annual kids’ soccer program offered by the detachment each summer. “I’d always try to bring two kids together and some of the other coaches were doing that too,” she recalled. “It was, ‘Hey, you speak French, so does she!’ Or, ‘You have pink shoelaces, she does too!’”
It’s that simple invitation to connect which leads to a greater sense of belonging for many kids attending one of the free three-day programs, which now includes an all-girls camp. Building relationships in a positive atmosphere fuelled by sport has been the goal of the camps since they were first developed by former Burnaby Cst. Kwame Amoateng in 2017. Back then, the first camp had about 18 kids participating; the initiative has grown exponentially ever since. Soccer camp project lead Cst. Johnny Bopanrai read through over 600 applications for this past summer’s camps, and said the overwhelming interest led to a decision to increase the number of available spaces to try and meet some of the demand. “Every single year parents are emailing us as they hear about it,” he said. “At the end of the three-day camps they were coming up thanking us, saying this was the best experience their child has had.” The program is also designed to welcome children whose families may not have the
resources to help them attend a soccer camp, including newcomers to Canada. A number of the young players from ages eight to 13 who receive invitations are identified through their school settlement workers or counsellors. The annual camps are funded through a grant from the Civil Forfeiture Office in British Columbia. In 2025, each camp offered at least 80 spaces - the largest group yet. “There are so many moments… you’d see kids on day one: very quiet. Kids by day three: high-fiving all of us,” Cst. Bopanrai said. “They’re super happy and they’re thrilled to be there.” On the field, Burnaby Youth Section Cst. Tulsi Reddy is known as “Coach Reddy,” something he’s also heard in the hallways of the schools he attends long after the camps have ended. As a former professional player in a Fijian league, Cst. Reddy brings his love of the game to each camp he coaches and works to share that joy with the students while teaching skills that extend beyond the field. “The two words I use a lot are communication and teamwork,” Cst. Reddy said. “In soccer we communicate to pass the ball...we use the same communication in policing work.” The popular program is also made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of a team of volunteers, including older students, some of whom formerly attended the camps themselves. Specialized units also stop by to deliver presentations, such as Police Dog Services, which is always a hit with the young participants. Cst. Reddy recalled how at a recent camp, a young boy came running up to him and they ended up walking together, arm in arm. “He’s so comfortable knowing me as a police officer, the trust bestowed upon me,” Cst. Reddy said. “They’re having fun with us...it’s lifetime memories for them and for us as well.”
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F F DIVISION
Headquarters — Regina, Saskatchewan
AHTAHKAKOOP HONOURS CST. CAREY VANDALL IN POWERFUL OKICITAW SOCIETY CEREMONY The heartbeat of the drum grew stronger as Cst. Carey Vandall, accompanied by his wife and son, danced into the sacred circle during Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation’s Okicitaw (Warrior) Society ceremony on June/July 21, 2025. This powerful moment at the 2025 Pow-Wow Celebration marked the second year of the revived warrior tradition, with Cst. Vandall being honoured through the sacred buffalo headdress ceremony. As Cst. Vandall danced forward, the community witnessed firsthand the intergenerational impact of military service. His wife and son, who endured the challenges of deployment and service life, stood proudly as living testaments to a warrior’s support system. Elders also acknowledged Cst. Vandall’s parents for raising “a brave citizen of Ahtahkakoop and Canada,” honouring the family roots that shaped his character. The Warrior’s Journey The MC shared Cst. Vandall’s service record throughout the ceremony. “Carey Vandall’s professional journey is a testament to dedication and versatility. He began his military career in 1991 with Bold Eagle 2, serving with the North Saskatchewan Regiment. Over 15 years, he served with the 2nd Battalion PPCLI and 1st Combat Engineer Regiment before concluding his military service in 2006,” said the ceremony MC.
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“In 1993, he played a crucial role in the Battle of Medak with the UN Protection Force in Croatia. Four years later, he deployed with NATO’s Stabilization Force in Bosnia, serving as both section commander and combat diver. Since joining the RCMP in 2006, he’s served our communities as firearms instructor and Underwater Recovery Team diver.” In the ceremony’s most profound moment, fellow veterans joined Cst. Vandall in a victory dance. As the honour song reached its crescendo, Cst. Vandall removed his service headgear and was ceremonially adorned with the buffalo headdress - a sacred symbol of homecoming to his people and land, spiritual healing and renewal, and the community’s eternal gratitude. Health Director Sekwun Ahenakew emphasized the ceremony’s deeper meaning. “Today we don’t just honour one warrior, but all who serve and the families who stand with them. The buffalo headdress reminds us that our veterans carry sacred responsibilities even after their service ends,” she said. The event continued last year’s historic revival of warrior traditions, following the 2024 honouring of Sir Mahekan Ahenakew, who served in Afghanistan and was knighted by the Order of St. George. “When we see our veterans dancing in their headdresses, we see the living spirit of our warrior society - past, present and future united,” Elder Hazel Ahenakew noted. As the ceremony concluded, Cst. Vandall stood in the buffalo headdress with three
F generations of his family and fellow veterans. The message from the community was clear: Ahtahkakoop’s warriors walk among them, and the Nation will always welcome them home.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTED TO SUPERINTENDENT On Aug. 14, 2025, Supt. Grant St. Germaine was awarded the Road Safety Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police in Victoria, B.C. The award recognizes police officers who have dedicated significant effort and time in the pursuit of road safety. Involved in policing for 48 years, Supt. St. Germaine’s notable contributions include: • Establishing 17 Combined Traffic Services units in strategic locations with 128 officers • Collaborating with First Nations communities on Northern patrol strategies • Strategically implementing unmarked vehicles • Facilitating Saskatchewan as a hub for motorcycle training, and developing the motorcycle unit • Implementing the Roving Traffic Unit • Introducing new technology, like oral fluid testers • Creating Canada’s first 100% mandatory alcohol screening policy for RCMP traffic stops Supt. St. Germaine’s countless contributions have led to a historic low in fatal collisions. Thank you for your many years of service, ingenuity, and care.
FUN RUN CAR SHOW IN WATROUS BRIDGES COMMUNITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT In mid-August, Watrous Detachment participated in the 2025 Watrous Fun Run Car Show. Along with the wide assortment of vehicles along Main Street in Watrous were RCMP vehicles with lights flashing and the occasional siren wail. Members of the Watrous RCMP joined Sgt. Kris Selinger, his spouse Melissa Selinger, Detachment Services Assistant Amanda Dezotell and Cst. Sarmad Jirjees at the event. A display table offered both recruitment materials and kid-friendly goodies like candy, activity books, and stickers. Children had the chance to sit in the police vehicle, sound the sirens, and pose for photos. Detachment tours were also available upon request—an experience many described as the highlight of their day. Throughout the event, many community members took the opportunity to connect with RCMP officers. One attendee said that they had, “observed the police making a meaningful impact and felt it was positively shaping the community.” Capping off the day’s festivities, Sgt. Selinger drove the police vehicle in the car show parade.
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G G DIVISION
Headquarters — Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
INAUGURAL LONG SERVICE IN POLICING AWARDS CEREMONY IN NWT For the very first time, RCMP employees in G Div., across all categories, were honored by the Government of the Northwest Territories for their dedication and years of service. On Sept. 9, 2025, 46 G Div. employees were recognized during a ceremony, held at the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, in Yellowknife. S/S/M Jim Strowbridge proposed the project to Commanding Officer, C/Supt. Dyson Smith. S/S/M Strowbridge, who served more than 20 years in G Div., worked with the NWT Department of Justice to develop this official recognition for all employees who choose to remain in the Division beyond the minimum years required by their posting. S/S/M Strowbridge designed the medal and lapel pin awarded to recipients. Decorated with the territory’s floral emblem, mountain avens, with the NWT seal on the reverse, the medal is hung on a ribbon in the colors of the NWT flag and was awarded to uniformed members. The lapel pin, also depicting the territorial flower and inscribed with the employee’s years of service, was given to civilian members and public service employees.
All recipients must follow RCMP procedures requiring formal nomination after completing a minimum of 10 years of cumulative service. In this inaugural year, recipients were those currently employed within G Div. Employees are eligible to be recognised at 10 years of service as well as at each 5-year interval thereafter. A ceremony will be held annually and next year is expected to reward both employees no longer in G Div., as well as eligible employees still serving in the Northwest Territories. The NWT Minister of Justice, the Honorable Jay Macdonald, presided over the ceremony alongside G Div. Commanding Officer, C/Supt. Dyson Smith. “This event recognized RCMP ‘G’ Division employees who have shown resiliency by serving the people of the Northwest Territories, often in difficult conditions, with compassion and professionalism,” said Minister Macdonald.
G “No regular member can be forced to come and work in ‘G’ Division. They come here by choice and are free to choose to serve in another division once they have completed their posting. Thank you for your commitment and for helping to make communities safer for the people of the Northwest Territories,” C/Supt. Dyson Smith told the recipients at the ceremony.
G DIV. RCMP REPORT ON RESULTS OF OPERATION IMPACT Operation Impact has concluded for another year, and enforcement statistics are now available. This year’s efforts saw officers dedicate approximately 173 extra hours to traffic safety and enforcement. 39 check stops were established during the initiative, in addition to a multitude of routine traffic stops. 917 vehicles were checked, resulting in eight alcohol-related licence suspensions and six seatbelt violation tickets being issued. On a positive note, only two drivers were found to have been impaired and subsequently charged. Every year in October, police services across Canada participate in Operation Impact, a public awareness and enforcement campaign focusing on impaired driving, aggressive and distracted driving as well the use of seatbelts and child car seats. These are the main causes of death and injury on Canadian roadways. This year, the campaign ran from October 10 -13 in conjunction with the Thanksgiving weekend.
ONE IN CUSTODY AFTER SHOOTING AT INUVIK AIRPORT One person has been taken into custody after a shooting at the airport in Inuvik. On Sept. 20 at approximately 1:04 p.m. officers received a report that a 58-year-old
woman had been shot outside the airport. The suspect then fled the scene in a pickup truck. Officers attended the scene where the victim was receiving first aid from bystanders. She was taken to hospital by ambulance shortly after. A public alert was issued for the region advising residents to shelter in place as officers worked to locate the suspect. The Dempster Highway and Mackenzie Ferry were temporarily closed. At approximately 1:55 p.m. officers received a report that a pickup truck matching the description of the suspect’s vehicle had struck six people on the Dempster highway. Officers located and arrested the suspect without incident in a clearing near the Dempster Highway shortly after 5:00 p.m. The suspected firearm and pickup truck were recovered. A 21-year-old man of Tuktoyaktuk has been charged with: • Attempted murder with a firearm, contrary to section 239(a) of the Criminal Code • Unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to section 91(1) of the Criminal Code • Pointing a firearm, contrary to section 87(1) of the Criminal Code • Aggravated assault, contrary to section 268(2) of the Criminal Code • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, contrary to section 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code • (6 counts) Assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a) of the Criminal Code He appeared before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded into custody. The victims in these incidents are reported to be in stable condition. The shooting victim and suspect were known to each other however the victims of the vehicle collision were not known to the suspect.
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H H DIVISION
Headquarters — Halifax, Nova Scotia
2025 WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES Congratulations to Cpl. Trudy Pike and Cst. Kendra Mac Kinnon, Halifax Regional Detachment, who competed in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games, held in Birmingham, Alabama, as part of the RCMP women’s basketball team! This biennial competition brings together more than 8,500 first responder athletes from over 70 different countries to compete in more than 1,600 medal events. It’s the second largest multisport event held in the world; the largest is the Olympics. Congratulations to the team for representing us so well on this international stage!
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H
TERRY FOX RIDE FOR HOPE Northeast Nova RCMP and RCMP Nova Scotia Traffic Services were honoured to escort the 11th annual Terry Fox Ride for Hope as it passed through Nova Scotia on its cross-Canada journey. Starting in June over the course of 32 days, eight cyclists rode over 7,000 kilometers from Vancouver to St. John’s to raise funds for research and end the suffering caused by cancer, honouring Terry’s legacy every kilometre of the way.
HALIFAX REGIONAL DETACHMENT PARTICIPATES IN EMANCIPATION DAY Emancipation Day, commemorated on Aug. 1, stands as a powerful reminder of freedom, equality, and resilience in the face of oppression. It invites us to reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion, and the celebration of diversity within our workplace here in Nova Scotia and the communities we serve. Members of Halifax Regional Detachment took part in the 2025 Emancipation Run in Cherry Brook, which aims to raise awareness of the history of slavery in Canada and the continued impact of anti-Black racism. The event is one step forward in acknowledging the past, acting in the present, and working together toward a better future.
NOVA SCOTIA LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN IN SUPPORT OF THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS The RCMP in Nova Scotia stands in support of Nova Scotia Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Nova Scotia. Before the kick-off of the games, RCMP officers from across Nova Scotia were on hand to celebrate
the Flame of Hope Torch Run, the opening ceremonies and a special send off for athletes from Special Olympics Sackville-Bedford. Congratulations to all athletes who took part in the 2025 Summer Provincial Games!
250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VILLAGE OF JUDIQUE The Nova Scotia RCMP Pipes, Drums and Highland Dancers joined the fun in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the village of Judique. Cst. Parker Boudreau and Cst. Bob Habib-Kybayer from Inverness County RCMP were honoured to lead the parade and ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the festivities. It was fantastic to connect with the community and celebrate Judique. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out, waved, smiled and shared in the fun.
MULTI-AGENCY INVESTIGATION LEADS TO CHARGES AGAINST ONTARIO MAN FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING A YOUTH The West Hants RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) has charged an Ontario man for sexual offences involving a youth as part of an investigation that began in 2022 and included collaboration with multiple RCMP units and other agencies in Nova Scotia and Ontario. In November 2022, the West Hants RCMP responded to a report that a youth had received concerning messages and sexually explicit material from an unknown person through a social media platform. Investigators with the RCMP in Nova Scotia Digital Forensics Unit analyzed the content on the youth’s phone. The West Hants RCMP GIS then took steps to digitally trace the source of the communications, leading investigators to suspect they originated from a 29-year-old man in Woodstock, Ont. With assistance from the Woodstock Police Service and the RCMP Transnational
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H Serious and Organized Crime (TSOC) Unit in Kitchener, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Woodstock. Officers seized electronic devices, which were transported back to Nova Scotia for forensic examination. In May 2025, charges were laid against the man, and in August, a Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest. On Aug. 25, investigators with West Hants RCMP GIS, the Southwest Nova RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit, and the RCMP in Nova Scotia Interview Assistance Team travelled to Ontario and safely arrested the man with the assistance of the RCMP TSOC Unit.
He was remanded into custody on Aug. 27 and transported to Nova Scotia. He appeared in Kentville Provincial Court on Aug. 28 to face charges of Luring a Child, Indecent Communications and Transmit Sexually Explicit Material to a Child. “This investigation serves as an excellent example of the teamwork among units and agencies that is so often required to uncover the facts of a matter, identify a suspect and lay the appropriate charges,” says Sgt. Tim Doyle, West Hants RCMP. “It also reflects the required tenacity of investigators.” The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated.
TALL SHIP HECTOR REFIT AND RE-LAUNCH IN PICTOU Pictou County District RCMP was honoured to be on land and on the water for the historic Big Splash in Pictou when the Tall Ship Hector made its long-awaited return to the sea after an extensive refit! It was a perfect day filled with community pride and maritime heritage, as large crowds gathered to witness the relaunch of a vessel that played a defining role in the province’s history. The original Ship Hector, which first arrived in 1773 after an 11-week voyage carrying nearly 200 Scottish settlers, remains a powerful symbol of perseverance and the roots of Scottish immigration to Canada. The event also recognized the critical support of Pictou Landing First Nation to the survival of these first settlers. Ensuring the safety of this momentous event was a true team effort. RCMP officers worked in close partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada Conservation and Protection Officers and the Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat crew, all committed to delivering the safest event possible.
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H RCMP CHARGES MAN FOLLOWING NOVA SCOTIA YOUTH CENTRE SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION The RCMP in Nova Scotia has charged a Dartmouth man with 66 offences following a multi-year investigation into sexual assaults that occurred at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre, also known as Waterville, between 1989 and 2015. The RCMP’s investigation, named Operation Headwind, has involved interviewing over 450 survivors and witnesses across Canada, reviewing more than 9,800 documents seized during searches, and completing over 1,200 investigation-related tasks. “Sexual assault is a devastating crime with traumatic, long-lasting effects on survivors,” says Cst. Shari Pictou, primary investigator, Operation
Headwind. “It takes courage for survivors, particularly youth, and even more so for those who are vulnerable, to come forward and speak with us about what they endured. Because of the courage and patience of those who’ve come forward, who were all youth at the time of the offences, we’re now able to lay charges.” On Sept. 13, a 75-year-old, who was the Nova Scotia Youth Centre’s swim instructor between 1988 and 2017, was safely arrested at his home. He’s facing various charges, including: • Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm (three counts) • Sexual Assault (28 counts) • Sexual Exploitation (32 counts) • Sexual Interference • Invitation to Sexual Touching
SUPPORTING VETERANS FOR 100 YEARS
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J J DIVISION
Headquarters — Fredericton, New Brunswick
NEW SEXUAL VIOLENCE INVESTIGATIVE UNIT BRINGS INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO POLICING IN NEW BRUNSWICK In November 2025, J Div., in partnership with the Government of New Brunswick, launched the Sexual Violence Investigative Unit (SVIU) – the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. This initiative represents a significant step forward in how the province addresses complex sexual violence and commercial sex trafficking cases. The first SVIU team was based at the Courage Centre in Shediac, a community-based sexual violence service that provides trauma-informed and survivor-centered care. Additional teams will be formed in Oromocto and Tracadie in 2026, ensuring coverage across the province. SVIU investigators have specialized training in trauma-informed practices and complex case management. By taking the lead on the most severe and complex files, the unit allows frontline officers to focus on other policing duties while ensuring survivors receive the dedicated resources their cases require. What makes this model truly innovative is the integration with community-based facilities. By working within spaces like the
Courage Centre, survivors are given choices about when and how they receive services – in environments that are safe, inclusive, and culturally sensitive. These partnerships provide settings that feel less institutional and more supportive, particularly for individuals from marginalized or underrepresented communities, including Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, and newcomer populations. “This specialized unit demonstrates New Brunswick’s leadership in addressing some of the most challenging cases of sexual violence,” said Insp. Marie-Eve Mackenzie-Plante of J Div.’s Serious Crime Section. “It allows us to respond with the expertise and focus these investigations require, while supporting survivors through every step of the process.” The launch of the SVIU reflects a shared commitment between the RCMP New Brunswick and the provincial government to innovate, strengthen investigative practices, and enhance survivor experiences across the province. With its first year of operations underway, the unit has already begun setting a new standard for how sexual violence cases are investigated and supported in Atlantic Canada.
J 33-YEAR-OLD MAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION MATERIAL A 33-year-old man from Tracadie, N.B., has been charged in connection with an investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material. The investigation, led by the New Brunswick RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit, began in September 2025 following information received from the Canada Border Services Agency, in connection with a child like sex doll that had been intercepted in a mail centre. On Nov. 4, 2025, members of the New Brunswick RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit, RCMP’s Digital Forensic Services, and members from the Tracadie RCMP and multiple specialized RCMP units, executed a search warrant at a residence in Tracadie-Sheila, N.B. A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene, and police seized a child like sex doll, as well as several electronic devices as part of their investigation. On Nov. 5, 2025, a charge of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, and a charge of importation of child sexual abuse and exploitation material were laid against the 33-year-old man. He was kept for court pending a bail hearing scheduled for Nov. 7, 2025.
EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BOY DIES FOLLOWING COLLISION An eight-year-old boy has died following a collision between a vehicle and a moped in Haut-Sheila, N.B. On October 24, 2025, at approximately 6:51 p.m., members of the Tracadie RCMP, Tracadie Fire Department, and Ambulance New Brunswick responded to a collision involving a vehicle and a moped. The collision occurred at the intersection of Route 370 and Edmond Road in Haut-Sheila.
The collision is believed to have occurred when the vehicle, travelling northbound on Route 370, struck the moped, also travelling northbound on Route 370. An eight-year-old boy from Saint-Pons, N.B., the passenger on the moped, was transported to hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries. The driver of the moped, a 17-year-old boy, also from SaintPons, was transported to hospital with what are believed to be serious injuries. The occupants of the vehicle were not injured. An RCMP collision reconstructionist is assisting with the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
RCMP CONDUCTS TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT OPERATION, 44 VEHICLES TOWED Forty-four vehicles have been towed, and 160 tickets have been issued following a traffic enforcement operation in Southeast New Brunswick. On Oct. 16, 17, and 18, 2025, members of the New Brunswick RCMP’s Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit (TTEU) and local detachment members, along with Highway Safety Enforcement and Provincial Motor Vehicle Inspectors from the Department of Justice and Public Safety, conducted a traffic enforcement operation targeting unsafe and modified vehicles in the Codiac, Petitcodiac, Richibucto and Sussex areas. During the operation, a total of 160 traffic violation tickets were issued under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act which included 22 tickets for using a handheld electronic device while driving, 32 tickets for speeding, and 12 tickets for not wearing a seatbelt. Police issued a 24-hour roadside licence suspension and arrested another individual, both for driving while impaired by drugs. A third individual was issued an immediate roadside suspension for driving while impaired by alcohol.
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K K DIVISION
Headquarters — Edmonton, Alberta
ALBERTA RCMP CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY WELCOMES D/COMMR. TREVOR DAROUX On Aug. 7, 2025, special guests and RCMP employees witnessed D/Commr. Trevor Daroux assume command of the Alberta RCMP as the 27th Commanding Officer, from D/Commr. Rob Hill. D/Commr. Daroux is in his 37th year of policing. In 2017, he retired from Calgary Police as the Deputy Chief in Charge of the Bureau of Community Policing. That same year, he joined the RCMP and served as the Director General of National Crime Prevention and Indigenous Policing. Before becoming Commanding Officer, D/Commr. Daroux served as the Alberta RCMP’s Criminal Operations Officer. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of operational, investigative, and administrative roles. His passion lies in working through a multi-disciplinary lens to address the root causes of crime and social disorder. When accepting his current role, D/Commr. Daroux shared his focus on supporting RCMP employees in Alberta by embracing new innovations and improving relationships with all Albertans through community outreach.
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“I’m honoured to step into the role as the Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP,” he said. “Throughout my time with the RCMP, I have seen firsthand the positive impact our dedicated employees make every day. We’re not just responding to crime, we’re responding to people, and that means engaging with the communities we serve. Working hand in hand with our communities and partner agencies, I know that our collective efforts will continue to build a stronger, safer Alberta, and I look forward to helping guide our employees as we move forward.” As Commanding Officer, D/Commr. Daroux assumed the responsibility of leading Alberta’s provincial police service, overseeing nearly 4,200 employees across 113 detachments, serving more than 1.5 million Albertans. “D/Commr. Daroux’s extensive operational experience will be a tremendous asset to Alberta and its people,” said RCMP Commr. Mike Duheme. “He has shown a passion for working to better address the root causes of crime and social disorder and understands the importance of building trust which is central to everything we do at the RCMP. I look forward to seeing what the Alberta RCMP will achieve under Trevor’s leadership.”
K THE RCMP COMMANDING OFFICER DREAM EXPERIENCE
ALBERTA RCMP MARKS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR OF SOARING EAGLES INDIGENOUS YOUTH CAMP From July 21-25, 2025, the Alberta RCMP was proud to welcome another incredible group of youth to the Soaring Eagles Indigenous Youth Camp, an Alberta RCMP-led initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in law enforcement. The unique camp is open to Indigenous students aged 14-19 and offers hands-on experience with RCMP units like Major Crimes, Emergency Response Teams, and Forensic Identification Services. Though fitness training, interactive presentations, and mentorship, youth get a firsthand look at what a career in policing can be. On July 22, the Alberta RCMP hosted the Edmonton Police Service Oskayak Police Academy for a special day of collaboration and cultural connection. Together, with guidance from a local Elder, campers helped build the RCMP tipi and learned about its history inside. The day was filled with laughter, learning, a round dance, and even a friendly soccer match. The camp is more than just an introduction to policing – it’s about building bridges, celebrating Indigenous culture, and creating pathways for youth to thrive.
For the second year in a row, the Alberta RCMP has proudly partnered with the Kids with Cancer Society to raise money and give two incredible kids the experience of a lifetime: to become Co-Commanding Officer of the RCMP for two whole days! On July 21, 2025, Tessa and Janine, two 10-year-olds from Fort McMurray and Lloydminster, respectively, started their day off at the Alberta RCMP headquarters in Edmonton, where they signed the Change of Command parchment to make things official. After a morning spent with their newest colleagues, they got to test out the best RCMP equipment, including drones, robots, and a ride in a helicopter. Next, Tessa and Janine boarded an RCMP plane to Depot, where they were honoured with the full RCMP welcome. They visited the Tailor Shop to get their red serge fitted to attend an important dinner for a troop graduation. The two were the guests of honour and sat at the head table. The second day started with breakfast at the division mess. It was a full day, complete with a tour of the grounds, a visit to the track, and some serious excitement. The Co-Commanding Officers met with the Saskatchewan Emergency Response Team and tried out some high-tech tools and gear. Their visit wrapped up with the Sergeant Major’s Parade, where they were tasked with the important job of inspecting the troops with the Commanding Officer. This was an unforgettable moment for the young leaders and everyone who met them.
K ALBERTA RCMP SEES 6.9% DECREASE IN CRIME SEVERITY INDEX ACROSS THE PROVINCE The Statistics Canada report on Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2024 shows that there was a 6.9% decrease in the Crime Severity Index (CSI) across Alberta RCMP jurisdictions compared to 2023. The crime score in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions is the second lowest it has been since 2015. The CSI tracks both volume and seriousness of police-reported crime. It assigns weights to different offences based on how severe they are; more serious crimes carry a higher weight than less serious crimes. In Alberta there are 147 different RCMP jurisdictions that are measured for the CSI. These jurisdictions are policed by the 113 RCMP detachments across the province. Of the 147 jurisdictions policed by the RCMP, 95 had a decrease in the CSI from 2023 to 2024. Jurisdictions with small population sizes can generally see higher fluctuations in their CSI score year to year. This is because even small changes in crime, especially if they are violent crimes, can have a significant impact on the scores. Jurisdictions with larger populations are less likely to have large fluctuations in CSI scores; however, we have seen significant decreases in CSI scores in many of our larger jurisdictions. Wetaskiwin, with a population of 13,412, saw a 19.2% decrease. Strathmore, with a population of 16,189, saw a 24.6% decrease. And Red Deer, with a population of 112,917, the largest jurisdiction the Alberta RCMP oversees, saw a 19.7% decrease. These statistics demonstrate a significant decrease in crime in these communities, brought on by the hard work of RCMP employees, and from the efforts of community members themselves. In Alberta the top 10 CSI contributions account for 74.9% of the crime across the province. The number one contributor to Alberta’s CSI score is Break & Enters, making
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up 17.67% of the scoring. While Break & Enters are the highest cause of the CSI in Alberta, it is down compared to 2023, with there being 875 fewer Break & Enters reported to the RCMP. Of the top 10 contributors to the CSI in Alberta two were in violent crime categories: Assault and Sexual Assault. Both crimes have seen a decline over the past year with there being 653 fewer Assaults, and 273 fewer Sexual Assaults reported across the province. Violent crimes like Assault and Sexual Assault can lead to significant trauma, not just to the individuals affected, but to their friends, their family, and the community they call home. The pain of these crimes is frequently long lasting, impacting those affected for years to come. Decreases in these heinous crimes are more than just a number, they are a significant benefit to the health and well-being of Albertan Communities. “We are extremely pleased to see crime scores declining across the province,” said D/Commr. Trevor Daroux, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP. “This trend reflects the shared efforts of Alberta RCMP officers, the communities we serve, and our dedicated partner agencies. We’re sincerely grateful for the support we’ve received. Reducing crime isn’t the work of one group, it demands collaboration among public services, community partners, and all level of government, but these results show that when we work together, we get results. There is still a long way to go, but the Alberta RCMP remains committed to working with our partners to protect Albertans and strengthen the communities we all proudly call home.” The Alberta RCMP uses the information gathered through the CSI to develop comprehensive, intelligence-led strategies that help to break the cycle of criminal activity over the long-term. They look at people, places, and crime types prevalent in Alberta’s
K most vulnerable communities and target priority offenders who cause the most harm. In the past year, the Alberta RCMP has taken significant steps to increase the safety and resilience of the communities it serves. We have leveraged technologies, like Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, to assist our frontline operations, as well as improved our Real Time Operation Centre, which triages calls for service and dispatches resources across the
province. We have also deployed Community Response Teams throughout rural Alberta, providing focused outreach and targeted enforcement. Our specialized crime reduction teams also work with community partners to help address the root causes of crime and educate Albertans on how to stay safe. The RCMP continues to look for new and innovative methods to help reduce crime across the province and keep Albertans safe.
THE RCMP’S MUSICAL RIDE TROTTED ACROSS ALBERTA THIS SUMMER WITH FIRST FEMALE CORPS SERGEANT MAJOR This past summer, the RCMP’s Musical Ride saddled up to tour across Alberta. The Musical Ride is an iconic Canadian spectacle recognized at home and abroad, symbolizing tradition, honour, and pride. Made up of up to 32 RCMP officers and their horses, intricate formations and drills set to music were performed with precise timing and coordination. With 20 stops across Alberta, there were plenty of opportunities for community members to see the spectacle up close. For C/S/M Elaine Maissoneuve, this tour was more than just a performance – it was a full-circle moment. Elaine began her RCMP journey in 1997, with her first posting in Whitehorse. Over the last 27 years, she’s served across Canada and internationally, with postings ranging from Major Crimes to National Security, including a UN deployment in Geneva. Today, she proudly holds the title of the first female Corps Sergeant Major in RCMP history.
This past summer, she brought the Musical Ride to the very place where she spent childhood Sundays watching Gymkhana events in Donnelly. “It’s my way of saying thank you and giving back to a community that gave me so much,” she shared.
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L L DIVISION
Headquarters — Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
FROM DICE GRADUATE TO DEPOT GRADUATE – ISLANDER OFF TO YUKON FOR FIRST POSTING When Viccent Hove was sitting in his high school classroom a few years back he had no idea the person who was coming to speak to his class would have such a profound effect on his future. Cpl. Ellen Peters, the lead recruiter for PEI RCMP, also walked into that same classroom, with the hope that maybe, just maybe, someone from the class might think about applying to join the RCMP. Well, in September of this year, Viccent (or Simba as he prefers to be called) is now a Depot graduate heading for M Div. and his first posting. Simba was one of PEI’s early participants in the Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet
Experience (DICE) program. His experience through the program was so positive he immediately applied to become a regular member after graduating. While waiting to get accepted to Depot, Simba spent several months working with PEI RCMP recruiting, sharing his experience in the DICE Program. It took about 10 months for him to go through the application process, but once Simba was accepted, he eagerly jumped at the chance to get on the very next troop heading for Depot. He was very interested in seeing other parts of Canada, hence his desire to get up to the Yukon as his first posting. He’s hoping to gain some valuable experience in the North and is willing to explore a wide range of policing career options. All of us in L Div. wish Simba a long and successful career!
L L DIV. PARTNERS WITH SUMMERSIDE POLICE, KENSINGTON POLICE Aiming to address the ongoing issues of illicit drugs and to combat the efforts of organized crime on PEI, the provincial government made an investment of approximately $800,000 on a new Joint Enforcement Team ( JET). Seven officers make up the unit, including four from the RCMP, two from Summerside Police Services, and one member from Kensington Police Services. “All Islanders have seen the devastating effects of drugs in our communities, and organized crime behind this does not operate with the constraints of borders or jurisdictions,” said Cpl. Gavin Moore, the P.E.I. RCMP’s media relations officer. “This unit aims to go up the organized crime ladder and address those at higher rungs bringing drugs to P.E.I.” For the past several years, these police agencies have partnered in Joint Forces Operations, which includes RCMP from Prince District, PEI RCMP General Investigative Services, Summerside Police Services, and Kensington Police Services. Already in 2025 these units have had a positive impact across the Island. There have been significant drug seizures, removing many harmful drugs from Island communities. The cooperation PEI RCMP have amongst police agencies on the Island has a very positive impact on enhancing public safety.
L DIV. RECRUITING TEAM TAKES INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO SHOWCASING POLICE FITNESS For the past couple of years, the PEI RCMP Recruiting Unit has been delivering Police Fitness Assessment Field Exposure sessions that allow participants to test their functional capacity, try out equipment, and learn ways to improve performance. The Division’s social media channels have proven effective in
attracting candidates not only from PEI but from other provinces in the Maritimes. “We’re getting candidates from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia coming over to the Island to experience these sessions,” says Cst. Bonnie Hodder, L Div.’s Pro-Active Recruiter. “If you can achieve the benchmark in the field version, it’s a great predictor that participants will have the capability to succeed with the Gold Standard testing at Depot,” adds Cst. Hodder. The Field Exposure course demonstrates mock scenarios, such as a foot pursuit, patient evacuation and equipment loading, along with weighted farmer carries where participants are provided the opportunity to gauge their fitness level against the RCMP standards.
PEI RCMP SEEKING PUBLIC HELP IN THEFT AT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE RCMP Queens District is asking for the public’s assistance to solve a theft of two bronze plaques from the Skmaqn-Port-La Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site. On Aug. 29, 2025, Queens District RCMP received a report of two bronze plaques stolen from the Fort Amherst National Historical Site. Two of three plaques on display were stolen. The plaques stolen are approximately 2’ x 3’ in size and made of bronze. They are inscribed with trilingual messages in Mi’kmaq, English and French. The cost of the theft and damages is estimated to be over $10,000.00. Parks Canada Warden’s are assisting with the ongoing investigation. Anyone with any information about this crime, the identity of the person(s) responsible or the current location of the stolen items is asked to contact the RCMP Queens District or Crime Stoppers at 1 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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M M DIVISION
Headquarters — Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
RCMP YUKON CONGRATULATES EMPLOYEES AWARDED THE KING CHARLES III CORONATION MEDAL M Div. Headquarters held an awards ceremony earlier in the summer and was pleased to be joined by the Commissioner of the Yukon Adeline Webber for the presentation of the awards. C/Supt. Lindsay Ellis delivered the final recipient their medal this month. The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark His Majesty’s Coronation on May 6, 2023. The RCMP was allocated 1,300 of these medals for presentation to deserving employees across Canada. The recipients received this award for having made a significant contribution to the RCMP, their community, or Canada as whole. The following employees were recipients of the medal: • S/Sgt. Brent Edwards • Public Service Employee Christine Grant • Civilian Member Jerri Huddle • S/Sgt. Eric Lane • Sgt. Adam Lightfoot • Cpl. Cam Long • Cpl. Paul Miller • S/Cst. Allen Predovic • Cst. Josh Savill • S/Sgt. Jonathan Saxby • Civilian Member Amanda Thompson • Cst. Craig Thur • Public Service Employee Leah Greenway • Cst. Jean-Nicolas Daigle
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• S/Sgt. Greg Holmberg • Sgt. Dave Wallace (Rtd.) • Public Service Employee Andrea Magee (Rtd.) • R/Cst. Rob Gaetz • Sgt. Dustin Grant • Civilian Member Daryl Berube • S/M Rob Morin • C/Supt. Lindsay Ellis • C/Supt. Scott Sheppard (Rtd.) Congratulations to all the recipients!
M WHITEHORSE RCMP ARREST TWO MALES FOR MULTIPLE CRIMES On Sept. 21, 2025, Whitehorse Detachment officers were investigating several complaints of thefts from vehicles in different parking lots located throughout the city. Two males were located and arrested. At 4 a.m. police received a report that a person confronted two masked males stealing gas from the back of his truck and one of the males had a machete-style knife. Whitehorse officers arrived quickly and located the two males in an off-road vehicle. Officers pursued them at a low rate of speed, into a wooded area in the Riverdale subdivision. Officers were able to safely arrest both individuals. Officers also located several items at the scene that were identified as items stolen earlier from vehicles in parking lots. A 45-year-old and a 61-year-old, both from the Yukon, have been charged
with various offences, including: • Two counts of fail to comply with a probation order; • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; • Operate motor vehicle while impaired; • Fail/refuse to comply with demand to provide breath sample; • Flight from police; • Theft under $5,000, • Three counts of theft/misuse of credit card; • Robbery; • Possession of break in instrument; • Disguise with intent; • Possession of stolen property and • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Both individuals appeared in court and were remanded until Sept. 22, 2025. Subsequently, the 45-year-old was remanded in custody for an Oct. 8 court appearance and the 61-year-old for a court appearance on Sept. 24.
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NHQ NHQ DIVISION Headquarters — Ottawa, Ontario
RCMP DEVELOPS TRAUMA-INFORMED FAMILY GUIDES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION, SUPPORT TO FAMILIES OF HOMICIDE VICTIMS AND MISSING PERSONS The RCMP has published two guides to provide information and support to families of homicide victims and missing persons. The guides are trauma-informed and are reflective of the needs identified in family testimony during the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Both guides can be used by any police service in Canada, not just the RCMP. The guide related to homicide victims helps explain the entire criminal justice system process from police investigation to parole. The guide related to missing persons includes a worksheet that is useful for someone reporting a missing person. Extensive consultation was done over two years including multiple federal departments, other police agencies, Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) committees, Indigenous and victim organizations, faith communities, municipal and provincial governments and medical examiners/coroners. The guides are not Indigenous-specific but contain considerable information aimed at Indigenous families, including financial and community supports. Similarly, the guides are inclusive of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. The guides are available to extended family, friends, and community members regardless of the jurisdiction of the victim or family. The guides can be found online and physical copies will be distributed to RCMP detachments in remote communities, and community partners across the country.
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“Through our work with families and through the testimony heard during the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, we have heard there is a need for more information from police on what happens when a loved one is missing. Losing a loved one or having a loved one missing is heartbreaking. These are traumatic experiences and retaining information can be difficult. These guides are intended to provide important information to families, so they can review and reflect in the level of detail that is right for them,” said Commr. Mike Duheme.
RCMP ROLLING OUT NEW UNIFORM SHIRTS ACROSS CANADA As part of ongoing efforts to modernize the RCMP uniform, the RCMP is starting to roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts on a province-by-province basis. Starting in October, frontline RCMP officers at RCMP detachments in Prince Edward Island will begin to wear their new navy-blue uniform shirts. Over the next 18 months, the uniform shirts will become available to officers in other provinces as part of the scheduled rollout. Members of the public should note that RCMP officers may still wear the previous grey uniform shirts for the foreseeable future, meaning they can be seen wearing either the grey or blue shirts on duty. The RCMP understands that seeing a new uniform colour may cause confusion. The RCMP also understands that there have been recent incidents of individuals impersonating police. If you have any concerns about the identity of the police officer you are interacting with, you can ask the officer for identification.
O O DIVISION
Headquarters — London, Ontario
PRIME MINISTER VISITS RCMP TORONTO AIRPORT DETACHMENT: A CELEBRATION OF INNOVATION, SAFETY, AND TEAMWORK On Oct. 17, the RCMP Central Region proudly hosted a special visit from the Prime Minister of Canada at the Toronto Airport Detachment, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the advanced tools and operations used to protect our communities. During the visit, the Prime Minister was introduced to several key technologies and demonstrations that reflect the RCMP’s commitment to public safety. Highlights included the law enforcement robot, specialized gear used in explosive-related situations, aerial drones, and a live car search demonstration featuring a K9 unit. The Prime Minister engaged directly with members, expressing genuine amazement at the sophistication and effectiveness of the equipment and the professionalism of the members operating them. Commr. Mike Duheme also attended the event, taking time to speak with RCMP employees. At the conclusion of the visit, he shared his appreciation for the hard work and coordination that went into organizing the event on short notice, commending the team for their dedication and excellence.
ONTARIO RCMP DISMANTLES LARGESCALE SYNTHETIC DRUG LAB AND SEIZE NEARLY $10 MILLION WORTH OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES The Ontario RCMP, with the help of several partners, have successfully dismantled a large-scale synthetic drug lab in Schomberg, Ont. The investigation, which spanned several months, led to the seizure of nearly $10 million dollars worth of dangerous drugs and controlled substances, $8,000 in cash, prohibited weapons, and various types of chemical precursors capable of producing many more millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs. The investigation was initiated in the spring of 2025 after the RCMP discovered a suspicious order of chemicals, placed by a man through his business. The chemicals ordered are known to police to be used in the production of fentanyl, MDMA, methamphetamine, and for cannabis extraction. In July 2025, specialized RCMP teams launched a further investigation into the man and two additional individuals suspected of manufacturing these illicit substances. The results of that investigation led the RCMP to discover that the three individuals were operating a largescale drug lab at an address in Schomberg, Ont. On Sept. 7, 2025, search warrants were executed, leading to the seizure of nearly $10 million worth of suspected controlled substances, including MDMA, GHB, and methamphetamine. (Other synthetic opioids are still pending Health Canada testing). Approximately $8,000 in Canadian currency, along with an assortment of chemicals was recovered. In addition to cash, drugs and chemicals, officers discovered illegal equipment
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O and materials including a pill press, firearms, various drug recipes, flasks and chemical glassware, and a variety of other lab components. Approximately 20,000 litres of hazardous waste were also removed from the site. The complexity and danger of the drug production operation required RCMP, with the help of the Ontario Fire Marshal, Health Canada and King Fire and Emergency Services, 10 days to safely dismantle. As a result of the investigation, three individuals were arrested in connection with the drug operation, and are facing a total of 33 criminal charges, including • Production and trafficking of Schedule I substances including Methamphetamine, MDMA, and GHB • Possession of chemicals and equipment intended for drug manufacturing • Unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and devices, including a bullpup-style shotgun, .22 calibre rifle, and prohibited magazines The RCMP would like to thank its partner agencies for their collaboration on this complex and large-scale investigation.
C/Supt. Zettler met with the families of four fallen RCMP members: Doug Larche, Dave Ross, Fabrice Gevaudan, and Jean-Pascal Nolin. The retreat welcomed 17 families from across Canada, representing various provinces, agencies, and services. Despite their different backgrounds, the unity and mutual support among attendees was palpable. One of the most touching aspects of the evening was witnessing how families who have attended the retreat for several years stepped forward to welcome newer families. These gestures of kindness reflect the strength of the community, as some attendees forged new lifelong friendships. The retreat offers more than just emotional support, as it includes a week of family and group activities designed to foster connection and resilience. C/Supt. Zettler’s presence at the event was the first time that Central Region Management have attended the Retreat underscoring the importance of continuing support for our members and their loved ones.
FRONTLINE FAMILIES RETREAT
HONOURING THE FALLEN: CENTRAL REGION RCMP MEMBERS MARCH IN SOLIDARITY ON NATIONAL POLICE AND PEACE OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL DAY
On Aug. 11, 2025, Central Region RCMP Support Services Officer, C/Supt. Jamie Zettler, had the honour of attending the opening dinner of the Frontline Families Retreat in Huntsville, Ont. This annual event brings together families of frontline members who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, offering a space for connection, healing, and remembrance. Frontline Families Canada is a non-profit organization created by first responder families for first responder families. They provide support, comfort, and resources to the families of first responders who have tragically lost a loved one.
On Sunday, Sept. 28, 160 RCMP members from Central Region (Ontario) and National Headquarters (NHQ) joined thousands of law enforcement officers, veterans, and supporters in Ottawa to mark National Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, an annual event dedicated to honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This solemn occasion is more than a ceremony; it is a national moment of reflection and gratitude. Each year, it offers Canadians an opportunity to formally express appreciation for the dedication and bravery of police and peace officers who lost their lives while serving their communities. It is
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O also a time to extend heartfelt condolences to the surviving families whose loved ones gave everything in the name of public safety. Marching in formation through the streets of the capital, RCMP members stood shoulder to shoulder with their policing partners, embodying unity, respect, and shared purpose. Their presence was a powerful symbol of solidarity, representing not only the RCMP but the broader law enforcement community across Canada. The memorial ceremony, held on Parliament Hill, was a poignant tribute to courage, duty, and sacrifice. Names of fallen officers were read aloud, flags were lowered, and wreaths were laid in honour of those who will never be forgotten. As the bagpipes played and the ceremonial salute echoed across the grounds, attendees reflected on the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives in service. Their memory lives on not only in the hearts of their families and colleagues but in the continued commitment of every officer who wears the uniform.
ONTARIO RCMP DONATES MARINE VESSEL TO SUPPORT BROCKVILLE POLICE SERVICE The Ontario RCMP has donated a fully serviceable police boat to the Brockville Police Service to support their ongoing marine operations and public safety efforts along the St. Lawrence River. RCMP members presented the boat to Brockville Police Chief Mark Noonan on June 19. The donation included a 2010 Zodiac Hurricane vessel, two Mercury outboard motors, and a boat trailer. This vessel, still in excellent working order, was recently declared surplus after being replaced by a 2024 Metal Craft T-Top vessel for Kingston Border Integrity. The donation comes at no cost to the Brockville Police Service and ensures that valuable law enforcement equipment continues to be put to good use. It also
demonstrates the RCMP’s role as a responsible steward of public resources and a committed partner in public safety across the province. This contribution is part of the RCMP’s ongoing commitment to community safety through inter-agency cooperation and reflects the strong working relationship between the Ontario RCMP and the Brockville Police Service. “This is a great example of how we can work together across jurisdictions to support frontline policing and make the most of available public resources,” said Insp. Tim Diebel, who was on site for the donation, also presenting Chief Noonan with a paddle to commemorate the occasion. “The Zodiac Hurricane is going to continue serving communities and enhancing public safety, just under a different badge.”
AT THE BALL PARK On Oct. 5, 2025, seven members of the Central Region (Ontario) Royal Canadian Mounted Police had the distinct honour of serving as Canada’s flag party during the opening ceremonies of the Toronto Blue Jays versus New York Yankees game at the Rogers Centre. Under the leadership of Central Region S/M Damien Smith, members attired in their traditional red serge, proudly marched into the stadium bearing the Canadian and American flags. Their presence was met with an enthusiastic applause from over 50,000 spectators. This ceremonial moment was widely covered by major media outlets across Canada and the United States, reflecting the professionalism, pride, and unwavering commitment of our members in representing Canada on the national stage. We extend our sincere appreciation to all participating members for their professionalism. A celebratory conclusion: the Toronto Blue Jays secured the win!
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O HONOURING TRADITIONS FOR NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated on June 21, Central Region employees gathered at London HQ on June 18 for an enriching Indigenous education seminar that highlighted the beauty and depth of Indigenous culture. The event was led by Melissa DeLeary and DJ, who featured teachings on the significance of Regalia, offering insight into its cultural and spiritual meaning. Attendees also experienced the power of live drumming and singing, followed by a captivating traditional dance demonstration that brought the teachings to life. The afternoon was a meaningful opportunity to learn, reflect, and honour the diverse cultures, voices, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Thank you to all who attended as well as Melissa DeLeary and DJ for the amazing presentation and for sharing your culture with us!
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V V DIVISION
Headquarters — Iqaluit, Nunavut
CLYDE RIVER RCMP CHARGE 49-YEAR-OLD MAN WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT On Oct. 20, 2025, the Clyde River RCMP with the assistance from the Nunavut RCMP’s, Specialized Investigative Team (SIT), charged a 49-year-old man with 15 Criminal Code offenses, which include: • Four counts of Sexual Assault, contrary to Section 271 C.C • Eight counts of Sexual Exploitation, contrary to Section 153 C.C • One count of Sexual Interference, contrary to Section 151(1) C.C • Two counts of Assault, contrary to Section 266 C.C On Oct. 21, 2025, the man was remanded into custody, and his next court appearance was scheduled for Nov. 4, 2025, in Iqaluit, Nunavut. The investigation began following a report received in September 2025. As it progressed, additional victims came forward regarding incidents that occurred between January 2016 and September 2025. To protect the identity of the victims, no further information regarding the investigation will be released at this time.
CHARGES LAID IN CONNECTION TO RESIDENTIAL FIRE IN WHALE COVE On Sept. 29, 2025, the Whale Cove RCMP responded to a residential fire in the 200 block. One person was removed from the residence and was later pronounced deceased. The fire was suspicious in nature and the Nunavut RCMP’s Major Crime Unit (MCU) began investigating the incident with the assistance from the Nunavut
Fire Marshal’s office and the Nunavut Coroner’s office. Investigators determined that the fire was deliberately set. As a result of the investigation, police have arrested one individual in connection with the arson. The Nunavut RCMP’s Major Crime Unit has charged a 36-year-old woman with the death of Jonathan Ekwalak, 37. The woman was charged with: • Second degree Murder, contrary to Section 235(1) C.C • Arson with disregard for human life, contrary to Section 433(a) C.C She was remanded into custody, and her next court appearance was scheduled for Oct. 21, 2025, in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
MULTIPLE SEARCH WARRANTS EXECUTED IN IQALUIT Between Oct. 11, 2025, and Oct. 15, 2025, the Iqaluit RCMP’s General Investigation Section (GIS), with the assistance of the Iqaluit RCMP Detachment, executed search warrants on eight residences in Iqaluit, Nunavut. As a result, police seized drugs, cash, weapons and evidence consistent with drug trafficking were seized. Police have charged 10 individuals, ranging in age from 31 to 67 years old, with various offenses, including: • Possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2) CDSA • Possession of proceeds of crime, Section 354(1)(a) CC and Possession of a prohibited weapon, contrary to Section 91(2) CC. These operations are part of an ongoing effort to combat drug trafficking and underscore the RCMP’s commitment to protect public safety.
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NATIONAL POLICE FEDERATION
HONOURING THE SERGE: HISTORIC $3.5 MILLION ENDOWMENT TO SUPPORT NPF BENEVOLENT FOUNDATION & FALLEN MEMBER FAMILIES ON A CRISP SEPTEMBER EVENING in Ottawa, the ballroom of the Westin Hotel filled with warmth, energy, and a deep sense of purpose. More than 225 guests gathered in formal attire and red serge for the second National Police Federation Benevolent Foundation Gala, titled “Honour the Serge, Giving Back to Those Who Gave All.” It paid tribute to fallen RCMP members and their families, recognizing the sacrifices made in service to communities across Canada. In a powerful moment during the evening, the Foundation was grateful to receive a $3.5 million endowment from the former Mounted Police Members’ Legal Fund (MPMLF). This transformative donation will help support the families of fallen members, help fund post-secondary bursaries for public safety students, and support the Foundation as it continues to grow and serve its mandate. The MPMLF was originally created to provide legal support to RCMP members
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Brian Sauvé, president and CEO of the National Police Federation
before the National Police Federation became the official bargaining agent of members below the rank of Inspector. With its mission complete and the fund formally wound down, its remaining resources were held and administered in Trust. The endowment was presented by the directors of the Trust, Senator Vern White (Rtd.), S/Sgt. Roy Hill (Rtd.), S/Sgt. Peter Melanson (Rtd.), and Sgt. Roger Cavanaugh (Rtd.), all of whom played key roles in the Fund’s stewardship. A Trust Agreement made at the dissolution of the MPMLF directed these remaining funds to the Foundation and marks a significant investment in the future growth and capabilities of the NPF Benevolent Foundation. The evening also raised an additional $210,000 through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees. These contributions move the Foundation closer to its ambitious $8 million endowment goal by 2027, ensuring ongoing support for those who continue to carry the weight of public service.
“Being a police officer inherently comes with risk, and it’s the fallen member’s husband, wife, partner, or child who bears the weight of that sacrifice,” said Brian Sauvé, president and CEO of the National Police Federation. “The burden of service doesn’t fall on members alone. It’s carried by their families, too. That’s why the National Police Federation created the NPF Benevolent Foundation: to ease that burden. It ensures that when tragedy strikes, families can gather, grieve, and begin to heal without the added stress of immediate financial hardship.” “The spirit of this gala will echo far beyond these walls, into the homes of our families, into the dreams of young professionals, and into the hearts of those we’ve promised never to forget,” said Kevin Halwa, chair of the NPF Benevolent Foundation.
Many distinguished guests and supporters from across the country were in attendance, including Senator Baltej Dhillon, Senior D/Comm. Bryan Larkin, A/Comms. Martin Roach and Rhonda Blackmore, C/S/M Elaine Maisonneuve, and D/Chief Paul Burnett of the Ottawa Police Service. Their presence underscored the importance of supporting RCMP families and honouring the lives of active members we have lost, on and off duty. As the evening came to a close, the message was clear: the commitment to honouring the red serge goes far beyond ceremony. It is a public recognition of the courage, commitment to service and unseen sacrifices RCMP members and their families make. It is a commitment to ensure that no member’s service is ever forgotten.
You
Serving
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.
CHAMPIONING VETERANS’ HEALTH AND WELL-BEING THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION’S service officers provide support to those who have served in the armed forces, the RCMP and their families. One of the primary ways they do this is by helping veterans navigate the complex paperwork required for disability compensation with Veterans Affairs Canada. Service officers also help veterans with appeals to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board. Behind the scenes, however, the Legion also works tirelessly to help shape government policies that address the unique challenges facing veterans at every stage of life. Representatives from national headquarters are part of all ministerial advisory groups for VAC, conduct regular meetings with VAC staff, and liaise with Canadian Armed Forces Transition Centres across the country. The Legion’s head office also collaborates with other similar national organizations on a variety of topics important to veterans’ health and well-being, including aging, mental
and physical health, veterans experiencing homelessness, women veterans and more. On Oct. 18, 2025, Dominion Command hosted like-minded veteran organizations to discuss common concerns and key advocacy topics. Following that, Legion representatives attended the three-day Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Forum in Ottawa. The RCL also actively supports research and evidence-based practices that inform decisions in health care, rehabilitation and social support for veterans by awarding a grant to a doctoral candidate conducting research in one of these vital areas. Through advocacy, collaboration and hands-on support, the Legion and veterans services staff work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all veterans and their families. If you, a veteran friend or family member would like expert assistance in navigating the process, contact veteransservices@ legion.ca or call 1-877-534-4666 toll free.
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BOOK REVIEW A DARKER SHADE OF BLUE By Keith Merith ECW Press, Toronto, Ont., 2024; 320 pages
A
MUST READ! Keith Merith’s A Darker Shade of Blue is a courageous memoir that blends personal resilience with systemic critique, offering a vital contribution to conversations on race, leadership, and reform within Canadian policing. Opening with a formative moment of racial profiling at age 16 that catalyzed his decision to join the Force and change it from within, Merith takes readers through three decades of service marked by quiet endurance and bold advocacy. The book’s power lies in its raw authenticity. Merith doesn’t shy away from the emotional toll of being “the only one” in rooms where his presence was questioned, honestly portraying the “pinpricks” of racism that are subtle, cumulative, and corrosive. Rather than positioning himself as a hero, he invites readers into the complexity of leading while wounded, offering a masterclass in boundary-setting, self-respect, and the slow work of institutional change grounded in lived experience rather than abstract theory. Essential reading for emerging leaders navigating identity and legitimacy, advocates for justice and equity, and mentors seeking teachable moments on resilience and allyship,
A Darker Shade of Blue is ultimately a mirror that asks readers to confront uncomfortable truths, reflect on their own roles in systems of power, and imagine leadership rooted in care, courage, and collective transformation.
About the Reviewer Supt. Isobel Granger (Rtd.) is the author of Smashing the Glass Ceiling, a tool to help those who are feeling stuck, frustrated and constantly striking out on the corporate carousel. Born in Bulawayo, then Rhodesia now Zimbabwe, she left for Canada in 1989 with three young children and a husband. Serving with the Ottawa Police Service for 28 years, she is now Chief Security Officer at the Royal Canadian Mint.
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ANATOMY OF A COVER-UP By Paul Palango Random House Canada, Toronto, Ont., 2025; 444 pages
T
HIS BOOK, a sequel to Palango’s book 22 Murders, covers the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC) inquiry following Gabriel Wortman’s 2020 killings in Nova Scotia, and the murders and manhunt for Wortman. Palango is a well-known true crime author who sees himself puncturing a false explanatory veneer set up by the RCMP, the federal government, and the MCC. He suggests there was a cover-up preventing disclosure of incompetent and compromised authority figures, and quite possibly Wortman as an RCMP confidential informant (CI).
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He argues that the MCC was flawed from initiation, seeing their role through a “feminist lens,” and “trauma informed.” Justice MacDonald, chairing the MCC, was a retired judge with no inherent judicial power, and, as a political appointee, was compromised. Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety, involved in creating the MCC, was an ex-police officer and also compromised. The MCC investigators were all ex-Toronto Police and likely compromised as well. Palango writes that the RCMP was only “pretending to cooperate” with the MCC. He fails to acknowledge, however, that although by law an inquiry cannot find “fault” in a legal sense, inquiry findings can lead to reputational damage and fault finding. Witnesses may seem uncooperative, but it is natural that many take steps to limit jeopardy. The sense of not getting to the truth was reinforced by a process allowing witnesses to avoid some questions, and by the RCMP union arguing that the MCC should rely on members’ notes and reports. These support the assumption that they had things to hide. Palango uses innuendo to reach conclusions, which weakens his argument. He writes, without support, that “some Mounties had sketchy work histories” and were transferred from detachment to detachment. He suggests the 1990s competition over RCMP contract policing expansion in Nova Scotia left the Force stretched beyond capacity and characterizes the RCMP as “specializing in under policing.” He creates detailed narratives of events, challenging the MCC and RCMP narratives. But surely part of the confusion in accounts lies in that those involved were operating under extraordinary stress, fear, and confusion. No one had an accurate or complete overview, each overwhelmed in their own situation. But it does seem clear that RCMP coordination and direction came too late, with decisions too often favouring risk avoidance.
Working chronologically after the event, Palango has the benefit of having all accounts, as compared to witnesses testifying from their singular viewpoints. Ironically, writing of Cst. Heidi Stevenson’s murder, Palango complains that no two witnesses saw the same thing, then castigates the RCMP for releasing an inaccurate account of her murder. Well into the book, Palango returns to Wortman as a CI. This is not substantiated by direct fact, but rather by suggestive details that intersect but do not always meet. It is nonetheless something to consider. Wortman had social police connections. At one point word spread that an officer had a new informant, and officers privy to this were, 10 years later, involved in the Wortman hunt as senior NCOs “and could be trusted with a secret.” With little explanation, he suggests a web of connections amongst senior RCMP promotions after the fact as “keeping a lid” on unidentified issues. In 2020, Wortman began liquidating assets. He picked up $475,000 in cash from a Brink’s office. Asked about the CI idea, a witness testified before the MCC that informants do not go to legitimate businesses and prove their identity to receive payment for information. Palango explains in detail his conclusion that Wortman’s 2020 money was related to having crossed the Hells Angels, either by theft
or as a CI, and that liquidating assets was part of a scheme to leave Nova Scotia for his own safety. None of which explains the murders. At the police encounter with Wortman at a gas station, Palango finds enough confusion to speculate that Wortman was either killed while raising a gun towards an officer, a dog handler, who recognized and then shot Wortman for his own safety and that of others, or the officer simply shot Wortman in response to an order to kill Wortman on sight, to protect the CI connection from disclosure. Palango challenges the officer’s recollection and claims the video of the encounter did not match that recollection. Personally, I would accept RCMP embarrassment if linked to a murderous rogue CI, if that were the case – but I reject the conclusion that an otherwise uninvolved police dog handler would murder Wortman. There is much more in the book, which is an interesting, exhaustively researched, but ultimately infuriating read.
About the Reviewer Al Mathews is a 38-year RCMP veteran who spent his formative first six years in multiple rural detachments in F Div., and after a staffing mistake in Toronto, another six years in M Div. Selected for university training, he obtained a law degree, and the second half of his career was spent in HQ, K and A Divs.
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Scarlet & Gold TROOP FIVE REUNITES AFTER 55 YEARS Fifty-five years had gone by since the 33 young men of Troop Five first entered Depot’s gates. During their years of service, they’d collectively consumed thousands of cups of night shift coffee, travelled endless miles responding to calls for assistance, and participated in many investigations in pursuit of their duties. Every once in a while, a life had been saved. One of their greatest challenges emerged at the end of their careers: adjusting to life outside the Force. But here they were. During a three-day reunion, they would be continuously reminded of their lives within the RCMP, in full view of where it had all begun. On April 24, 2025, 12 of the 33 members of Troop Five (1970) met in Regina to celebrate the 55th anniversary of their RCMP training. Six of the original 33 had passed away; and while 15 surviving troopmates and Troop supervisor Roger Tinkham couldn’t make the trip, they were in everyone’s thoughts. As good fortune would have it, six wives
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also came, which brought curiosity, wideranging discussion and humour to each day. Troopmates David Hoeft and Ross Lewis were instrumental in planning the reunion, which began at Depot’s General Mess on April 24. Over pizza, wings and beverages, old acquaintances reconnected and any gaps in personal histories were colourfully and creatively filled in. On April 25, the Troop Five vets and wives, greeted by Depot Div.’s Cpl. Miles Hiebert, were given a tour of the facilities, including dormitories, drill hall, classrooms, shooting ranges, gymnasiums and a mock residential community complete with a simulated operational detachment. The training program had advanced and adapted to the demands of the 21st century, while still valuing tradition. After having lunch with the recruits in the cafeteria, a visit to the Chapel followed. The place still compels reverence. The vets also witnessed the noon parade. The drill commands, troop formations, and sounds of the cadet band all resonated, provoking memories from the summer of 1970.
ANNIVERSARIES Congratulations and best wishes to Cpl. Robert C. Brown (Rtd.), Reg. No. 28311, and his wife, Jo-Ann Brown, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 29, 2025. They were married in Gladstone, Man., at Gladstone United Church, on Nov. 29, 1975. The couple celebrated their golden anniversary with friends and family in Surrey, B.C., where they now reside.
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(L-R): Murray Dauk, Dave Beazley, Tim Bartz, Ross Lewis, Brian Muir, Carl Ottosen, Murray Lunn, Glenn Simmie, Fred Macht, Dave Hoeft, Dave Brown, Chuck Waring. (L-R): Dora Muir, Elaine Brown, Cynthia Bartz. Jan Beazley, Julia Ottensen, Elizbeth Lunn.
On Saturday the vets toured the Heritage Centre, and viewed personalized plaques mounted on the “Pillars of the Force,” which commemorate the service of individual RCMP members and their troops. Through troopmate David Hoeft’s efforts, Troop Five was afforded space to mount the first plaque created for exclusively capturing the names of a single troop. A casual get-together and steak dinner was held at the Officer’s Mess on Saturday
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evening. The CO Depot, C/Supt. Mike Lokken, visited beforehand, and it was clear that the leadership of Depot Div. is focused not only on the well-being of the cadets, but also honouring the traditions of the Force with a clear-eyed view of what lies ahead. As the reunion came to a close, the participants’ lingering handshakes and embraces had the subtle echoes of November 1970. Farewell troop mates, travel safe. By Dave Hoeft and Chuck Waring
TROOP 22 CELEBRATES 50-YEAR REUNION Members and wives of Troop 22 (1975-76) gathered in Regina, Sask., from June 6-8, 2025, to celebrate their 50th anniversary since graduating from Depot. This was the second reunion for the troop, who gathered in 2006 for their 30th anniversary. On Friday, escorted by Sgt. Sophie Bachmier to the Members and wives of Troop 22 (1975-76) gathered in Regina, Sask., from June 6-8, 2025, to celebrate their 50th anniversary since graduating from Depot. Members of Troop 22 (1975-76)
parade square, they watched the S/M’s parade at noon. They then went to the Depot canteen to browse and make some purchases. In the evening, they met at the Hotel Saskatchewan for a private social event. It was so nice for everyone to reconnect and have some laughs over food and drink. On Saturday morning, Troop 22 toured the RCMP Heritage Centre and viewed a
troop commemorative brick that had been laid previously to take their place in history! Sgt. Bachmier then provided a tour of Depot. It was wonderful to see how things have changed over the years, including the training program, and definitely for the better. Troop 22 also presented Sgt. Bachmier with their commemorative coin as a token of appreciation. Saturday evening was the final event at a local restaurant where the troop gathered for a wonderful meal and a few stories. They
proposed toasts to the Force, King, wives and to their deceased members and wives. The commemorative coins were presented to the group as well as chocolates. On Sunday the troop met in the hotel lobby to say their farewells. Everyone had a wonderful time. Troop 22 has remained close over the years with regular correspondence as well as an annual Christmas email sharing events about their families and travels. By Peter A. LeBlanc
VETERANS HELP MARSHAL RACES Nearly 400 runners took part in the Body Quest Turkey Tea 10k, a road race held on Oct. 5 through the streets of Mount Pearl, southwest of St. John’s. Many RCMP veterans donated their time to execute a safe event at critical intersections. The race started at 8 a.m. and finished by 9:30 a.m. The Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Association (NLAA) donated $600 to the Newfoundland Veterans’ Association as a thank you to vets for their participation. RCMP veterans also volunteered to marshal the Cape to Cabot 20K on Oct. 19 in order to give back to the community. As well, on Sept. 7, RCMP veterans also marshalled the Uniformed Services Run, the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial marathon, which is the oldest marathon in Canada. A cheque for $600 was presented to the Newfoundland Veterans’ Association for services rendered. (L-R): Ed Lutz, Dave Tipple, Leo O’Brien, VP of the RCMP Newfoundland Veterans’ Association, Charlene Mackey, president of the Paradise Running Club, and Bob Hurman.
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Who we serve
À qui s’adressent nos services
All veterans, military, RCMP, and their families.
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
• examiner les plaintes et y répondre • fournir des renseignements/références • promouvoir l’équité
Where you can go for help
Pour obtenir de l’aide
Submit a complaint online: ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca Call: 1-877-330-4343
Présenter une plainte en ligne : ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca Téléphonez : 1-877-330-4343
@veteransombudsman / @ombudsmanveterans @vetsombudsman / @ombudveterans @veteransombudsmancanada / @ombudsmanveteranscanada
ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca
OBITUARIES WINTER 2026
BAKER | Reg. No. 27612 Sgt. Brent Baker (Rtd.), 76, died March 18, 2025, at Red Deer, Alta. Born July 5, 1948, at Victoria, B.C., he joined the Force Oct. 27, 1969, at Victoria, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K Div., until retiring Oct. 2, 2000. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars, and the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. BASARA | Reg. No. 21832 Cst. Andrew Joseph Basara, 83, died June 10, 2024, at Parksville, B.C. Born Nov. 19, 1940, at Montreal, Que., he joined the Force March 2, 1961, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at C Div., until being discharged Dec. 2, 1965. BEATON | Reg. No. 21562, (O.1395), Insp. Roy Leonard Beaton (Rtd.), 84, died May 14, 2025, at Red Deer, Alta. Born Nov. 6, 1940, at High River, Alta., he joined the Force Sept. 8, 1960, at Calgary, Alta. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at F and K Divs., until retiring April 3, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars, and he was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. BISHOP | Reg. No. 23857 Sgt. Thomas Edmond Bishop (Rtd.), 81, died May 8, 2025, at Parksville, B.C. Born March 27, 1944, at Calgary, Alta., he joined the Force March 5, 1965, at Edmonton, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring June 7, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars, and he was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. BLAIS | Reg. No. 17488 S/Sgt. Joseph Eugene Philias Blais (Rtd.), 92, died Jan. 6, 2025, at Neepawa, Man. Born Sept. 11, 1932, at Haltain, Sask., he joined the Force Jan. 22, 1952, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at D Div., until retiring April 1, 1987. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars, and the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal.
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BOSSE | Reg. No. 17740, (O.759) D/Commr. Joseph Fernand Joachin Bosse (Rtd.), 93, died Aug. 26, 2024, at Ottawa, Ont. Born April 3, 1931, at Kapuskasing, Ont., he joined the Force May 21, 1952, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at C, A and HQ Divs., until retiring May 20, 1987. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars. BURNETT | Reg. No. 25092 Cpl. Alistair Henderson Burnett (Rtd.), 76, died July 9, 2024, at Landsdowne, Ont. Born July 12, 1947, at Aberdeen, Scotland, he joined the Force Sept. 15, 1966, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E, N, HQ, until taking a free discharge June 30, 1973. He re-engaged Jan. 27, 1975, at Ottawa, Ont. He served at A and O Divs., until being medically discharged July 15, 1988. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. BUSH | Reg. No. 37250 Cst. Gary Irvin Leonard Bush (Rtd.), 77, died Aug. 25, 2024, at Surrey, B.C. Born May 13, 1947, at Sudbury, Ont., he joined the Force Oct. 27, 1975, at Ottawa, Ont. He was promoted to a Regular Member Oct. 7, 1981. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O and E Divs., until retiring May 30, 2001. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. He previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces from Nov. 6, 1963 – Nov. 5, 1967. CRONAN | Reg. No. 21077, (O.1442) Insp. Allan James Cronan (Rtd.), 83, died Sept. 20, 2024, at Courtenay, B.C. Born Nov. 13, 1940, at Buffalo Gap, Sask., he joined the Force Oct. 14, 1959, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E, G, HQ and O Divs., until retiring Aug. 9, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars. CROZIER | Reg. No. S/446 S/Cst. Charles Robert Crozier, 79, died July 11, 2024, at Dundas, Ont. Born May 22, 1945, at Paris, Ont., he joined the Force Nov. 5, 1970, at Toronto, Ont. He served at O Div., until transferring to CSIS July 16, 1984.
DUBORD | Reg. No. C/3203 C/M Louise Marie Aline Stella Dubord (Rtd.), 67, died Aug. 18, 2024, at Gatineau, Que. Born Jan. 27, 1957, at Trois-Rivieres, Que., she joined the Force Nov. 8, 1982, at Ottawa, Ont., as a translator. She served at HQ Div., until retiring July 6, 2013. She was awarded the RCMP CM Medallion and 30-year pin.
FUREY | Reg. No. 18492, (O.911) Supt. Ignatius Eduard Furey (Rtd.), 92, died May 6, 2025, at Cole Harbour, N.S. Born Feb. 8, 1933, at Harbour Main, Nfld., he joined the Force Jan. 5, 1954, at St. John’s, Nfld. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at J, L, B and H Divs., until retiring Jan. 8, 1993. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
ELLIS | Reg. No. 23910 Sgt. Michael Joseph Ellis (Rtd.), 79, died July 27, 2024, at Calgary, Alta. Born April 4, 1945, at Fort Yukon, Alaska, he joined the Force March 24, 1965, at Vancouver, B.C. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at K, HQ and F Divs., until retiring March 23, 2000. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
FYDIRCHUK | Reg. No. 24538 S/Sgt. Eugene Fydirchuk (Rtd.), 79, died April 8, 2025, at St. Albert, Alta. Born April 14, 1945, at Ethelbery, Man., he joined the Force Jan. 28, 1966, at Dauphin, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F, HQ and K Divs., until retiring Sept. 12, 2002. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
ERICKSON | Reg. No. 22816 Sgt. Myron Calmer Erickson (Rtd.), 83, died June 2, 2024, at Medicine Hat, Alta. Born Nov. 1, 1940, at Meadow Lake, Sask., he joined the Force Aug. 17, 1962, at Saskatoon, Sask. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E and G Divs., until retiring Aug. 20, 1983. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. He was awarded the St. John Ambulance non-risk Priory Meritorious Certificate for life-saving resuscitation of a 2-year-old near Chilliwack, B.C., on July 30, 1966.
GALLANT | Reg. No. 36461 Cpl. Edward Francis Gallant (Rtd.), 65, died Jan. 6, 2025, at Warman, Sask. Born May 25, 1959, at Longueuil, Que., he joined the Force Oct. 38, 1980, at Edmonton, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F Div., until retiring June 26, 2006. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. He was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation after retirement for his “courage, bravery and dedication to duty when he assisted in the retrieval of seriously wounded Cet. Marc. Outrages and Cst. Robin Cameron from an unsecured area, despite the presence of an armed and violent suspect, on July 7, 2006, near Spiritwood, Sask.
FALARDEAU | Reg. No. S/3349, 43544 Cst. Joseph Marcel Marc Falardeau (Rtd.), 77, died June 29, 2024, at Hull, Que. Born Feb. 5, 1947, at Macamic, Que., he joined the Force Jan. 2, 1987, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at HQ Div., until retiring Feb. 2, 2007. He converted to a Regular Member June 12, 1991. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. He previously served in the Royal Canadian Navy from May 14, 1964 – May 21, 1967. FRASER | Reg. NO. 19719 S/Sgt. Gordon Kenneth Fraser (Rtd.), 87, died July 9, 2024, at Moncton, N.B. Born Feb. 21, 1937, at East River Island, N.S., he joined the Force Jan. 3, 1957, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at J, P, Depot and J Divs., until retiring Feb. 17, 1987. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
GARDINER | Reg. NO. 17296, (O.627) Supt. Thomas McPhersen Gardiner (Rtd.), 93, died July 28, 2024, at Oak Bay, B.C. Born Feb. 13, 1931, at Argo, Sask., he joined the Force Oct. 10, 1951, at Vancouver, B.C. Upon completion of training at N Div. and Depot, he served at D, F, HQ, H, K and E Divs., until retiring April 30, 1983. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. He was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for coordination of the investigation of the theft of gold bullion from the Winnipeg International Airport on March 11, 1966. GEORGE | Reg. No. 24111 S/Sgt. Murray Arthur George (Rtd.), 81, died April 1, 2025, at Vernon, B.C. Born April 4, 1943, at Wetaskiwin, Alta., he joined the Force July 16, 1965, at Edmonton, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring April 27, 1994. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Stars, and he was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.
OBITUARIES | 85
GIBBINS | Reg. No. 28642 Cst. John Walter Gibbins (Rtd.), 73, died Oct. 8, 2024, at Kamloops, B.C. Born March 31, 1951, at Barrie, Ont., he joined the Force Jan. 11, 1971, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring May 2, 2001. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. GIRARD | Reg. No. 20854, (O.1068) Insp. Joseph Jean-Guy Girard (Rtd.), 85, died Dec. 30, 2024, at Chambly, Que. Born April 27, 1939, at Jonquiere, Que., he joined the Force Feb. 26, 1959, at Quebec City, Que. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at C Div., until transferring to CSIS July 16, 1984. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. HAMLYN | Reg. No. 24401 Sgt. Douglas Murray Hamlyn (Rtd.), 79, died July 31, 2024, at St. John’s, Nfld. Born Sept. 9, 1944, at La Scie, Nfld., he joined the Force Dec. 3, 1965, at St. John’s, Nfld. He was given a free discharge April 26, 1974, at Cornerbrook, Nfld. He re-engaged Sept. 5, 1975, at Cornerbrook, Nfld. He served at J and B Divs., until retiring May 8, 2001. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. HAMPEL | Reg. No. 27541 S/Sgt. Terrance Melbourne Hampel (Rtd.), 74, died Jan. 4, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born April 11, 1950, at Pembroke, Ont., he joined the Force Sept. 29, 1969, at Ottawa, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at D, HQ and H Divs., until retiring Oct. 2, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. HENDERSON | Reg. No. 28118 Cpl. Neil MacRae Henderson (Rtd.), 76, died July 22, 2024, at Ottawa, Ont. Born June 30, 1948, at Moncton, N.B., he joined the Force April 29, 1970, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K and HQ Divs., until retiring July 3, 1996. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. HORN | Reg. No. 19413 Cpl. Charles Alexander Horn (Rtd.), 87, died Sept. 6, 2024, at Surrey, B.C. Born July 23, 1936, at Winnipeg, Man., he joined the Force May 10, 1956, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F, A, HQ and D Divs., until being medically discharged June 26, 1982. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. 86 | THE QUARTERLY WINTER 2026
HUNTER (née Berg) | Reg. No. C/3843 C/M Linda Sophia Hunter (née Berg), 76, died Sept. 22, 2024, at Lacombe, Alta. Born June 7, 1948, at Lancombe, Alta., she joined the Force Nov. 28, 1988, at Edmonton, Alta. She served at K Div., until being discharged June 8, 2004. JOHNSON | Reg. No. 28117 Cst. Paul Hugh Johnson (Rtd.), 76, died March 27, 2025, at Rimby, Alta. Born Sept. 18, 1948, at Bathurst, N.B., he joined the Force April 29, 1970, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F, G and K Divs., until retiring April 29, 1994. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. JOHNSTON | Reg. No. 21300 S/Sgt. Barry Douglas Johnston (Rtd.), 85, died Oct. 4, 2024, at Comox, B.C. Born Aug. 21, 1939, at Medicine Hat, Alta., he joined the Force March 1, 1960, at Victoria, B.C. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at E, J, B and K Divs., until retiring July 30, 1997. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars. He was awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for his “exceptional leadership, professionalism and dedication to duty during the Clayoquot Environmental Protests near Ucluelet, B.C.” from July 5, 1993 – Sept. 24, 1993. “As a result of his professionalism and leadership, the extremely volatile and publicly sensitive protests were dealt with in a very compassionate and humanitarian manner.” JOHNSTON | Reg. No. 34652 Sgt. Marvin Frederick Johnston (Rtd.), 71, died June 16, 2024, at Penticton, B.C. Born July 24, 1952, at Smeaton, Dask., he joined the Force Feb. 27, 1978, at Kelowna, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K, H and E Divs., until retiring April 14, 2004. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. KERELIUK | Reg. No. 23097 Sgt. Anthony Andrew Kereliuk (Rtd.), 81, died Sept. 18, 2024, at Calgary, Alta. Born March 10, 1943, at Sundown, Man., he joined the Force May 30, 1963, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at O and HQ Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 16, 1984. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
KLATT | Reg. No. 18186, (O.798) Insp. Delburne Doyle Klatt (Rtd.), 93, died March 26, 2025, at Innisfail, Alta. Born May 23, 1931, at Forestbury, Alta., he joined the Force May 19, 1953, at Edmonton, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E, HQ, and K Divs., until retiring May 29, 1987. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. He was appointed Honourary Aide-de-Camp to Lt. Governor of Alberta in 1981. KREVESKY | Reg. No. 22995 S/Sgt. Michael Leonard Krevesky (Rtd.), 81, died Sept. 27, 2024, Kelowna, B.C. Born Nov. 21, 1942, at Ethelbert, Man., he joined the Force March 21, 1963, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at E Div., until retiring Sept. 27, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. KURKOWSKY | Reg. No. 24035 Cpl. Nick Walter Kurkowsky (Rtd.), 80, died Jan. 2, 2025, at Surrey, B.C. Born Oct. 30, 1944, at Canora, Sask., he joined the Force June 22, 1965, at Regina, Sask. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at E Div., until retiring July 2, 1990. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. LANGLOIS | Reg. No. 21212 Sgt. Leodor Dorat Ovide Langlois (Rtd.), 86, died Jan. 2, 2025, at Ste. Anne, Man. Born June 29, 1938, at Isadore de Bellevue, Sask., he joined the Force Jan. 7, 1960, at Winnipeg, Man. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at E and K Divs., until retiring Jan. 30, 1981. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. He was awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for his exceptional skills as an investigator. LATURNUS | Reg. No. 24525 Sgt. Kenneth Wendell Laturnus (Rtd.), 80, died Jan. 15, 2025, at Vernon, B.C. Born April 4, 1944, at Montmartre, Sask., he joined the Force Jan. 27, 1966, at Regina, Sask. He served at A and E Divs., until retiring May 10, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. He was awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for his participation, courage and good judgment in the arrest of an armed and dangerous man on July 24, 1968.
LEBEL | Reg. No. 35181 Sgt. Sylvain Joseph Jacques Lebel (Rtd.), 65, died Sept. 26, 2024, at Gatineau, Que. Born Jan. 26, 1959, at Mont-Joli, Que., he joined the Force Oct. 31, 1959, at Quebec City, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at A and HQ Divs., until retiring Feb. 14, 2013. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. MACKAY | Reg. No. 21917 S/Sgt. Dennis Edwin MacKay (Rtd.), 82, died Aug. 14, 2024, at Smithers, B.C. Born March 23, 1942, at Edmonton, Alta., he joined the Force April 20, 1961, at Edmonton, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E and N Divs., until retiring July 1, 1989. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. He was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for bravery in the arrest of an armed suspect threatening hostages at Blue River, B.C. in 1975. MAXWELL | Reg. No. 17103 S/Sgt. Ralph Harry Maxwell (Rtd.), 93, died Jan. 10, 2025, at Truro, N.S. Born July 3, 1931, at Edmonton, Alta., he joined the Force July 17, 1951, at Vancouver, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K, HQ, Depot, F and D Divs., until retiring Aug. 16, 1976, He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. MCDONALD | Reg. No. S/2114, 42873 Cst. Clarence Roger McDonald, 73, died May 8, 2025, at Truro, N.S. Born Nov. 23, 1951, at Truro, N.S., he joined the Force Feb. 5, 1979, at Halifax, N.S. He served at H Div., until retiring Nov. 21, 1998. MCKENZIE | Reg. No. 16781 S/Sgt. James Ernest McKenzie (Rtd.), 93, died July 16, 2024, at Campbell River, B.C. Born March 19, 1931, at Saskatoon, Sask., he joined the Force Jan. 8, 1951, at Saskaton, Sask. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at E and G Divs., until retiring Jan. 7, 1977. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. MCNUTT | Reg. No. 36611 Cst. Scott Douglas McNutt (Rtd.), 69, died Jan. 5, 2025, at Springhill, N.S. Born Aug. 17, 1955, at Springhill, N.S., he joined the Force Dec. 9, 1980, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F and H Divs., until retiring Jan. 13, 2011. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars.
OBITUARIES | 87
MOYES | Reg. No. C/1638 C/M Ronald Trevor Moyes, 98, died Jan. 4, 2025, at Ottawa, Ont. Born Feb. 11, 1926, at Vancouver, B.C., he joined the Force Nov. 5, 1974, at Ottawa, Ont. He served at HQ Div., until retiring Dec. 1, 1989. He previously served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1943 – 1972; he was a World War II veteran, serving as an air gunner in bomber command in England. MYERS | Reg. No. 25444 Sgt. James Stephen Myers (Rtd.), 78, died June 29, 2024, at Mount Pearl, Nfld. Born May 3, 1946, at St. John’s, Nfld., he joined the Force Jan. 26, 1967, at St. John’s, Nfld. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at O and B Divs., until retiring Jan. 26, 1994. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. NORTON | Reg. No. 28583, (O.1465) Insp. Robert John Norton (Rtd.), 78, died July 4, 2024, at Winnipeg, Man. Born May 13, 1946, at Montreal, Que., he joined the Force Dec. 1, 1970, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at D, K and HQ Divs., until retiring Dec. 1, 1994. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. He was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for professionalism and dedication as assistant federal security coordinator (OPS) during the Calgary Olympics in 1988. OLFERT | Reg. No. 18876 S/Sgt. Edward Isaac Olfert (Rtd.), 89, died May 15, 2025, at Abbottsford, B.C. Born July 12, 1935, at Wymark, Sask., he joined the Force March 11, 1955, at Lethbridge, Alta. He purchased his discharge Feb. 14, 1962. He reengaged Sept. 20, 1965, at Regina, Sask. He served at F and E Divs., until retiring April 13, 1992. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. ORICHOWSKI | Reg. No. 20112 S/Sgt. Joseph Peter Orichowski (Rtd.), 87, died Nov. 8, 2024, at Kamloops, B.C. Born May 16, 1937, at High Prairie, Alta., he joined the Force July 29, 1957, at Edmonton, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E Div., until retiring Oct. 6, 1993. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Stars.
88 | THE QUARTERLY WINTER 2026
PATERSON | Reg. No. 33757 Cpl. Nigel Ross Paterson (Rtd.), 69, died July 7, 2024, at Nanaimo, B.C. Born June 14, 1955, at Bedford, England, he joined the Force April 1, 1977, at Nanaimo, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K and Depot Divs., until retiring April 3, 2002. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star. He was awarded a Commanding Officer's Commendation for "dedication, tenacity, and ingenuity displayed in the investigation of the Lucie Turmel homicide at Banff, Alta.," in 1994. He was also awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation of Canada, Alberta Centennial Medal, Alberta Police Officer Long Service Medal, and was appointed as a member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. PEARSON | Reg. No. 24576 S/Sgt. Kenneth William Pearson (Rtd.), 79, died July 10, 2024, at Vernon, B.C. Born Dec. 8, 1944, at Medicine Hat, Alta., he joined the Force Feb. 11, 1966, at Lethbridge, Alta. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at E and HQ Divs., until retiring July 31, 1996. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. POULIOT | Reg. No. 17997 S/Sgt. Joseph Reynald March-Andre Pouliot (Rtd.), 93, died March 28, 2025, at Montreal, Que. Born Nov. 4, 1931, at St Saveur, Que., he joined the Force Dec. 1, 1952, at Quebec City, Que. Upon completion of training at Fairmont, he served at C and HQ Divs., until retiring July 31, 1977. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. PRYSUNKA | Reg. No. C/426 C/M Arnold Stanley Prysunka (Rtd.), 79, died July 4, 2024, at Kelowna, B.C. Born Aug. 14, 1944, at Calgary, Alta., he joined the Force Sept. 6, 1966, at Calgary, Alta. He served at G, J, HQ, A and E Divs., until retiring April 12, 1995. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Award, 25-year pin. REID | Reg. No. 30895 Cst. Thomas Charles Reid (Rtd.), 69, died June 11, 2024, at Kingston, Ont. Born Sept. 16, 1954, at Saint John, N.B., he joined the Force Sept. 19, 1973, at Fredericton, N.B. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at H and L Divs., until retiring May 3, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal.
RIDDLE | Reg. No. M/166, 21073 Sgt. John Allan Riddle (Rtd.), 85, died Jan. 11, 2025, at Kitimat, B.C. Born May 25, 1939, at Vancouver, B.C., he joined the Force Oct. 14, 1959, at Vancouver, B.C. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at K and Marine Divs., until retiring Oct. 31, 1983. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. ROBERGE | Reg. No. 20123 Cst. Joseph Jean Rene Andre Roberge, 85, died May 15, 2025, at Levis, Que. Born May 16, 1939, at Montreal, Que., he joined the Force Aug. 7, 1957, at Montreal, Que. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at HQ, H, and C Divs., until purchasing his discharge Feb. 25, 1966. ROWAN | Reg. No. 20083 S/Sgt. William Denten Coleman (Rtd.), 89, died Oct. 27, 2024, at Winchester, Ont. Born April 9, 1935, at Bethany, Ont., he joined the Force July 15, 1957, at Toronto, Ont. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at L and H Divs., until retiring July 16, 1990. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. ROY | Reg. No. C/1463 C/M Joseph Aime Michel Roy (Rtd.), 72, died June 14, 2024, at Montreal, Que. Born Aug. 26, 1951, at Montreal, Que., he joined the Force Feb. 11, 1974, at Montreal, Que., as an ident technician. He served at C Div., until retiring Aug. 26, 2006. He was awarded the RCMP CM Medallion and 25-year pin. RUTTER | Reg. No. 40177, S/3132 Cst. Arnold Stephen Rutter, 87, died July 9, 2024, at Kelowna, B.C. Born Sept. 17, 1936, at Manchester, U.K., he joined the Force April 18, 1986, at Regina, Sask., as a S/Cst. He was promoted to a Regular Member June 27, 1988. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at F and E Divs., until retiring Sept. 16, 1996. SHEEHY | Reg. No. 28536 Cst. Vernon Phillip Sheehy (Rtd.), 75, died Sept. 30, 2024, at Falmouth, N.S. Born Aug. 19, 1949, at Windsor, N.S., he joined the Force Nov. 4, 1970, at Halifax, N.S. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at J and H Divs., until retiring Jan. 5, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
SMYTH | Reg. No. 38748 Cst. Wayne Frederick Smyth, 67, died Nov. 7, 2024, at Whitehorse, Yukon. Born Oct. 27, 1957, at Ottawa, Ont., he joined the Force March 14, 1986, at Whitehorse, Yukon. He resigned Oct. 15, 1992. He re-engaged July 10, 2000, at Whitehorse, Yukon. Upon completion of training at Depot, he served at M and K Divs., until being discharged March 1, 2006. TANNER | Reg. No. 29407 Sgt. Donald Charles Tanner (Rtd.), 73, died July 15, 2024, at Ottawa, Ont. Born July 27, 1950, at Saskatoon, Sask., he joined the Force Nov. 2, 1971, at Ottawa, Ont. He re-engaged April 4, 1986, at Ottawa, Ont. He served at O, E and HQ Divs., until transferring to CSIS July 16, 1984. He transferred back to HQ on March 27, 1986, until retiring Oct. 7, 2005. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Silver Clasp and Stars. TKACHIK | Reg. No. C/221 C/M Anton Tkachik, 88, died Aug. 21, 2024, at Milton, Ont. Born March 2, 1936, at Matlock, Man., he joined the Force April 28, 1961, at Winnipeg, Man., as a fingerprint technician. He served at HQ Div., until retiring due due to workforce adjustment March 6, 1998. He was awarded the RCMP CM Medallion, and the 35-year pin. VESH | Reg. No. S/136 S/Cst. Louis Paul Vesh (Rtd.), 93, died July 14, 2024, at Thunder Bay, Ont. Born July 26, 1930, at Rouyn, Que., he joined the Force Feb. 3, 1961, at Toronto, Ont. He served at O Div., until transferring to CSIS July 16, 1984. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal. WEBB | Reg. No. C/1642 C/M Timothy Stewart Webb (Rtd.), 82, died Aug. 3, 2024, at Tatamagouche, N.S. Born May 15, 1942, at Economy, N.S., he joined the Force Nov. 12, 1974, at Ottawa, Ont., as an alarm technician. He served at HQ and H Divs., until retiring July 5, 2000. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Award, 25-year pin. WHITE | Reg. No. 20725 Sgt. Robert Glenwood White (Rtd.), 84, died Sept. 30, 2024, at Squamish, B.C. Born Oct. 13, 1939, at Gull Lake, Sask., he joined the Force Jan. 7, 1959, at Kamloops, B.C. Upon completion of training at N Div., he served at A, F, M and E Divs., until retiring Oct. 1, 1985. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Bronze Clasp and Star.
OBITUARIES | 89
PROMOTIONS JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2025
NAME & RANK
REG. NO.
DIV.
DATE
NAME & RANK
REG. NO.
DIV.
Anderson, Cpl. S.
60369
Bec, Cpl. J. Bélanger, S/Sgt. G. Bergerman, Supt. S.
DATE
E
2025-08-30
Jones, Cpl. M.
62706
F
2025-07-03
63178
F
2025-07-09
Kainth, Cpl. J.
64248
D
2025-07-07
54446
J
2025-09-12
Ladouceur, Sgt. P.
53089
J
2025-08-10
O.3581
M
2025-07-04
Lafreniere, Insp. J.
O.3742
E
2025-08-08
Bertrand, Sgt. J.
60173
O
2025-07-09
LeBlanc, Cpl. R.
60897
J
2025-08-05
Boeglin, Cpl. K.
55162
E
2025-08-12
Lee, Cpl. T.
60665
O
2025-08-01
Boermann, H.
C/8161
D
2025-07-14
Lew, Insp. H.
O.3740
E
2025-09-19
Bowles, S/Sgt. G.
56996
K
2025-07-25
Loeppky, Insp. J.
O.3743
E
2025-08-28
Brand, S/Sgt. A.
54136
K
2025-08-27
Lowe, Cpl. J.
60299
H
2025-07-20
Carr, S/Sgt. S.
52257
K
2025-09-01
Lowe, Sgt. C.
54741
M
2025-08-03
Chouinard, Cpl. F.
63725
C
2025-08-19
MacIsaac, Cpl. K.
54827
B
2025-09-26
Christopher, S/Sgt. P.
56440
B
2025-08-20
MacMillan, Sgt. A.
59525
HQ
2025-08-22
Cooke, Insp. J.
O.3739
HQ
2025-08-01
Mamchur, Sgt. C.
54546
K
2025-08-26
Copeland, Cpl. G.
60235
E
2025-08-06
Martel, Insp. N.
O.3733
C
2025-07-11
Côté, Cpl. V.
51777
J
2025-08-08
Massart, Supt. C.
O.3607
D
2025-07-14
Crooks, Cpl. P.
53833
H
2025-07-20
McLean, Cpl. C.
50036
O
2025-09-09
Daley, Cpl. A.
60458
V
2025-07-04
McMorrow, Cpl. B.
47344
E
2025-08-30
Daroux, D/Commr. T.
O.3106
K
2025-09-18
Ménard, Cpl. V.
64765
J
2025-09-14
De Montbrun, Cpl. D.
56186
E
2025-08-13
Moore Woroniuk, Cpl. A.
60841
D
2025-07-07
De Paola, Sgt. F.
54659
HQ
2025-07-25
Mugford, Cpl. E.
43974
H
2025-08-26
DeRusha, Insp. D.
O.3741
E
2025-07-23
Newans, Sgt. T.
59763
D
2025-08-18
Desjardins Robitaille, Sgt. U.
HQ
Nichols, A/Commr. W. 2025-08-08
O.3165
K
58064
2025-07-31
Desjardins, Sgt. M.
2025-07-16
64256
HQ
58373
HQ
Nsairi, Cpl. W.
2025-08-15
Devereaux, S/Sgt. L.
2025-08-10
54912
K
49263
B
Paronuzzi, Cpl. A.
2025-07-18
Dos Santos, Cpl. C.
K
Penney, Sgt. C.
2025-07-02
53919
G
63790
2025-08-14
Drissi, Sgt. D.
2025-07-11
47950
E
56348
O
Peppler, S/Sgt. D.
2025-07-31
Drouin, Cpl. G.
A
Persson, Cpl. C.
2025-07-21
54808
E
59370
2025-09-09
Duchesneau, Supt. D.
2025-08-29
49944
E
O.3557
HQ
Philion, Sgt. M.
2025-09-03
Duhaime, Supt. J.
2025-07-20
55618
E
O.3517
HQ
Pinfold, Cpl. H.
2025-07-29
Evans, Supt. D.
2025-08-01
62685
G
O.3341
HQ
Poohachoff, Cpl. S.
2025-07-16
Forget, Cpl. M.
2025-08-26
61423
M
53338
A
Proulx, Sgt. C.
2025-09-14
Gear, S/Sgt. B.
2025-09-22
65020
D
59400
HQ
Reimer, Cpl. K.
2025-09-23
Gilbert, Supt. J.
F
Richard, Cpl. J.
2025-08-27
56490
HQ
O.3492
2025-08-08
Rukhra, Sgt. N.
50597
D
2025-08-05
Graham, Sgt. K.
47747
E
2025-07-26
Hamadene, Cpl. M.
HQ
Rushowick, Cpl. J.
2025-07-02
56328
F
57255
2025-08-22
Scott, M.
C/7030
O
2025-07-14
Hamel, Cpl. D.
65191
J
2025-08-05
Hamm, Cpl. D.
D
Sévigny, S/Sgt. M.
2025-08-22
58749
HQ
54485
2025-09-11
Hannon, Sgt. R.
2025-07-09
62227
C
54197
HQ
Sherriffs, Cpl. E.
2025-07-29
Hillock, Cpl. V.
F
Simon, Cpl. T.
2025-07-15
60791
O
64444
2025-07-25
Hobson, S/Sgt. D.
2025-09-12
O.3417
E
53665
O
Siou, Supt. R.
2025-08-22
Hood, Cpl. S.
G
Starzynski, S/Sgt. R.
2025-08-18
48721
K
61825
2025-07-14
Hundt, Sgt. S.
2025-08-12
59591
E
52493
E
Strohm, Cpl. N.
2025-09-03
Irwin, Cpl. A.
2025-07-23
O.3737
E
64217
HQ
Tait, Insp. D.
2025-07-17
Issa, Supt. I.
HQ
Tkachuk, Insp. M.
2025-07-16
O.3738
D
O.3409
2025-08-08
Joevenazzo, Sgt. D.
2025-07-25
O.3734
E
55557
K
Tomiye, Insp. T.
2025-07-03
Torgunrud, Cpl. C.
55976
K
2025-08-24
90 | THE QUARTERLY WINTER 2026
PROMOTIONS JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2025
NAME & RANK
REG. NO.
DIV.
DATE
NAME & RANK
REG. NO.
DIV.
DATE
Vermette, S/Cst. M.
275088
E
2025-07-11
Yoshiyama, Insp. E.
O.3735
E
2025-09-07
Whalen, Sgt. E.
62107
V
2025-07-09
Zaganas, Cpl. A.
63638
E
2025-07-31
Whynot, S/Sgt. C.
58303
G
2025-07-25
Zakaria, M.
C/6792
HQ
2025-07-31
Wood, Cpl. J.
54465
J
2025-08-22
RETIREMENTS JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2025
NAME & RANK
REG. NO.
DIV.
DATE
NAME & RANK
REG. NO.
DIV.
DATE
Allen, Sgt. D.
46949
HQ
2025-07-12
Christensen, Cst. I.
46581
E
2025-08-23
Allen, Sgt. T.
46363
H
2025-07-10
Christensen, Cst. P.
50349
E
2025-08-22
Anderson, Cpl. M.
60003
K
2025-07-08
Clark, Cst. A.
58990
A
2025-07-13
Armstrong, Insp. D.
O.3438
E
2025-08-06
Clements, Cst. C.
58873
E
2025-08-21
Arsenault, Cst. T.
54165
H
2025-08-09
Comeau, Sgt. A.
42064
J
2025-08-02
Audet, S/Sgt. P.
42833
O
2025-08-30
Dabit, Insp. L.
O.3146
O
2025-09-11
Barr, C.
C/9885
HQ
2025-09-02
Daoud, C.
C/7374
A
2025-07-15
Baskier, Sgt. C.
47766
O
2025-09-16
de la Mothe, Cst. L.
48428
H
2025-09-25
Bernard, Insp. B.
O.3478
F
2025-09-19
Degirmentas, Cst. S.
59459
E
2025-09-01
Betts, Cpl. B.
50026
H
2025-09-06
Desmet, Cst.
48914
E
2025-09-06
Bickel, Cst. N.
65513
E
2025-08-05
Desmond, Cpl. P.
51549
H
2025-07-09
Bidochka, Cpl. D.
46763
HQ
2025-08-30
Dimopoulos, Cst. S.
49761
E
2025-09-02
Bingley, Sgt. J.
48611
E
2025-08-21
Dinsdale, Cpl. S.
46108
H
2025-09-27
Bissenden, Cpl. A.
58008
E
2025-07-18
Dodge, S/Sgt. D.
48945
E
2025-09-18
Blanchard, S/Sgt. S.
47672
J
2025-08-16
Dolman, Cpl. A.
47612
T
2025-08-02
Bono, Cst. A.
63470
K
2025-08-02
Dornstauder, Sgt. L.
46824
F
2025-09-20
Boreland, Cst. C.
56152
J
2025-07-01
Dubnyk, Cpl. T.
52918
E
2025-07-24
Bowden, Cpl. T.
45992
E
2025-09-18
Dugas, Cpl. P.
55343
J
2025-09-18
Boyes, Cpl. S.
38409
E
2025-09-25
Eagles, S/Sgt. S.
39754
E
2025-09-10
Bracken, Cst. T.
48736
HQ
2025-07-12
Efford, C/Supt. S.
O.3058
HQ
2025-09-30
Branker, Sgt. P.
40972
A
2025-09-02
Ellis, Cpl. P.
48740
E
2025-07-11 2025-09-06
Britton, Cst. J.
61667
E
2025-07-24
Estrada, Cpl. M.
49973
D
Brongel, Supt. J.
O.3256
C
2025-07-04
Evans, Cst. P.
52726
E
2025-07-08
Brown, A/Commr. P.
O.2524
HQ
2025-08-21
Ewanyshyn, Cst. J. 5
1262
E
2025-08-13
Brown, A/Commr. W.
O.2754
HQ
2025-09-20
Exantus, S/Sgt. R.
48742
HQ
2025-07-08
Brown, Cst. K.
58780
K
2025-08-01
Farah, Sgt. H.
52261
O
2025-07-15
Bryson, Sgt. G.
46659
HQ
2025-09-19
Fassbender, S/Cst. S.
46645
D
2025-07-16
Burton, Supt. A.
O.3306
E
2025-08-21
Fenc, Cpl. C.
47715
K
2025-09-03
Byrne, L.
C/8641
H
2025-07-08
Flanagan, S/Sgt.
48892
D
2025-09-20
Champagne, I.
D0006
F
2025-09-18
Fonseca Da Silva, Cst. F.
66977
K
2025-07-28
Chantelois, Cpl. M.
56183
H
2025-07-18
Formaniuk, E.
C/4540
G
2025-08-08
Chappell, Cst. R.
53001
B
2025-09-02
Fournier, S/Sgt. B.
41132
HQ
2025-09-25
Charette, S/Sgt. N.
40098
HQ
2025-09-30
Friesen, Cst. D.
56565
E
2025-07-29
PROMOTIONS/RETIREMENTS | 91
RETIREMENTS JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2025
NAME & RANK
REG. NO.
DIV.
DATE
NAME & RANK
REG. NO.
DIV.
Frye, Cst. K.
51117
Gagnon, Sgt. Y.
54350
Gavel, Cpl. A.
DATE
E
2025-09-04
Lucier, S/Sgt. T.
46024
D
2025-08-21
J
2025-07-21
Ly, Cpl. S.
47804
E
2025-07-17
51558
G
2025-07-01
Mack, J.
C/6128
HQ
2025-07-10
Gerrard, Sgt. L.
45141
HQ
2025-08-21
MacLeod, Cpl. J.D.
42740
E
2025-08-03
Gillan, S/Sgt. I.
40808
K
2025-09-06
Maguire, Cst. C.
63050
E
2025-08-21
Gillard, Cst. M.
54372
L
2025-09-13
Malanowich, Cpl. K.
48058
D
2025-09-02
Gobeil, Cst. F.
47746
C
2025-08-30
Mancini, S/Sgt. S.
49799
E
2025-08-15
Goodwin, Cst. J.
60927
H
2025-07-23
Marginson, Cpl. S.
47550
E
2025-07-24
Gougeon, Cst. G.
42634
A
2025-09-18
Marohn, K.
C/5536
D
2025-07-05
Grandbois, Cpl. É.
50673
HQ
2025-07-29
Massé, Supt. P.
O.3105
C
2025-07-04
Grant, Cpl. K.
51256
E
2025-08-30
Massey, Cst. M.
47551
E
2025-07-24
Greening, Cst. K.
51171
B
2025-07-03
Mazur, Sgt. A.
39812
T
2025-07-31
Halligan, Cst. D.
52892
E
2025-09-04
McCarron, Sgt. P.
47168
H
2025-09-23
Handoga, Insp. B.
O.2810
D
2025-09-03
McGean, Cst. D.
51279
O
2025-09-03
Hayward, Cst. J.
46648
E
2025-09-30
McLeod, Insp. A.
O.3373
T
2025-09-01
Henderson, S/Sgt. B.
39089
E
2025-07-24
Melanson, Sgt. D.
47595
J
2025-09-04
Henschel, Cst. T.
49351
K
2025-09-01
Mercier, J.
C/4305
HQ
2025-08-07
Heppell, S/Sgt. R.
44691
T
2025-09-27
Miles, Sgt. M.
55448
E
2025-07-10
Heron, Cst. J.
55743
E
2025-08-08
Milne, M.
C/6923
HQ
2025-09-02
Hilditch, Cst. T.
58347
E
2025-07-31
Minty, Sgt. W.
47596
F
2025-08-09
Hodges, Sgt. P.
47453
HQ
2025-07-25
Mlait, Cst. P.
45561
E
2025-09-04
House, C.
C/9690
HQ
2025-08-02
Montour, Cpl. B.
52270
D
2025-09-12
Howe, Cst. L.
50357
H
2025-09-27
Morash, Cpl. M.
52616
O
2025-09-10
Huot, Sgt. M.
44114
HQ
2025-08-21
Moreau, Cst. C.
48715
V
2025-08-21
Hussey, Insp. J.
O.3461
E
2025-08-28
Morisset, J.
C/8059
T
2025-09-12
Jodrey, Insp. R.
O.3500
H
2025-08-11
Morrish, S/Sgt. D.
48438
HQ
2025-09-18
Johnson, Sgt. J.
42197
E
2025-07-24
Murphy, Cpl. T.
48841
K
2025-09-18
Johnston, Cst. V.
57411
E
2025-07-09
Murphy, S/Sgt. C.
47808
K
2025-09-13
Johnstone, Cpl. C.
48803
F
2025-09-11
Murphy, Sgt. C.
47733
F
2025-07-09
Jung, Sgt. C.
47829
E
2025-08-07
Murray, Cpl. C.
47684
E
2025-08-15
Kim, S/Sgt. D.
42010
O
2025-07-19
Napper, Sgt. B.
39891
O
2025-09-16
King, Cpl. D.
54117
E
2025-09-24
Narraway, Cst. C.
55347
E
2025-09-18
Kinney, Sgt. S.
47830
E
2025-09-27
Nguyen, Cst. L.
46627
D
2025-09-03
Koenig, Supt. A.
O.2853
O
2025-08-19
Nicholls, Cst. L.
54997
E
2025-07-11
Lambertsen, Cst. T.
54377
O
2025-09-05
Nordstrom, Cst. J.
42328
D
2025-08-03
Lamoureux, Cpl. G.
58449
K
2025-09-03
O’Donnell, Supt. K.
O.3359
E
2025-08-26
Lang, Cst. T.
58635
E
2025-09-27
O’halloran, Cpl. G.
47784
H
2025-07-18
Larochelle, F.
C/4864
C
2025-09-15
Oster, Cpl. B.
37748
K
2025-08-23
Lebrun, Cpl. M.
45858
E
2025-09-18
Pageau, Cst. J.
48842
C
2025-09-20
Legary, S/Sgt. H.
46209
E
2025-07-24
Paine, Sgt. S.
43707
O
2025-09-13
Levesque, Sgt. L.
47318
HQ
2025-08-16
Paquin, Cst. N.
48900
C
2025-08-29
Lichacz, M.
C/3975
O
2025-09-30
Park, Cst. J.
64465
E
2025-09-01
Lidstone, Sgt. J.
38900
H
2025-08-30
Paynter, Cst. M.
62451
E
2025-09-26
Ligget, Cst. W.
55897
E
2025-08-07
Perron, Cst. F.
61626
E
2025-08-21
Loeb, Cst. T.
58886
F
2025-09-01
Persichetti, Sgt. J.
45851
O
2025-09-03
Lubain, Cst. E.
56467
O
2025-09-20
Peyton, Sgt. L.
49361
HQ
2025-09-26
92 | THE QUARTERLY WINTER 2026
RETIREMENTS JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2025
NAME & RANK
REG. NO.
DIV.
DATE
NAME & RANK
REG. NO.
DIV.
DATE
Platt, Cst. M.
52623
E
2025-07-24
Souque, Sgt. R.
47110
HQ
2025-07-31
Poaps, R.
C/4187
HQ
2025-09-30
Starkey-Foerster, S.
C/8909
F
2025-08-21
Postle, Cpl. K.
49500
E
2025-07-24
Stranger, Cst. D.
46138
K
2025-07-18
Pynn, Cst. W.
46525
B
2025-08-02
Swetlishoff, Cpl. D.
52414
D
2025-09-12
Quallie, Cst. A.
59823
K
2025-07-08
Taplin, Supt. K.
O.3018
HQ
2025-09-23
Quick, Cst. N.
57077
K
2025-07-04
Tease, Sgt. S.
46725
HQ
2025-08-21
Ramsay, Cst. K.
47865
E
2025-08-08
Thériault, Cst. J-F.
54551
H
2025-07-30
Reddick, Cst. C.
47297
A
2025-08-19
Thomson, Cpl. J.
58176
HQ
2025-07-10
Reid, Cst. S.
55954
F
2025-09-01
Thorneloe, Cst. B.
54443
E
2025-07-24
Richardson, Cpl. K.
48961
F
2025-09-12
Townsend, Cst. H.
57142
K
2025-09-13
Rizvi, Cst. A.
64120
E
2025-08-07
Triance, Supt. K.
O.3086
E
2025-07-24
Roach, Supt. M.
O.3400
HQ
2025-09-19
Trousdell, S/Sgt. D.
47466
E
2025-08-21
Robertson, S/Sgt. J.
48933
F
2025-09-06
Trudeau, S/Sgt. M.
41857
E
2025-09-21
Robinson, Cst. M.
49808
E
2025-07-16
Trudel, Sgt. I.
46925
HQ
2025-09-09
Rockhill, Cst. C.
44985
E
2025-08-06
Tucker, S/Sgt. L.
44521
E
2025-09-18
Rubuliak, Sgt. R.
48693
K
2025-09-06
Vachon, Sgt. M.
44647
J
2025-09-08
Sampson, Cpl. C.
47657
HQ
2025-08-12
Vardy, S/Sgt. K.
42985
B
2025-09-23
Schroeder, Sgt. R.
51849
E
2025-07-24
Villers, Cpl. B.
47669
J
2025-07-31
Schuhmacher, Cst. R.
58550
E
2025-08-06
Walker, Cst. S.
45811
F
2025-09-07
Scoretz, Cst. M.
58172
E
2025-09-02
Wamsteeker, Cpl. T.
52566
E
2025-08-07
Sharma, Cst. N.
47695
E
2025-08-21
White, Cpl. C.
47597
K
2025-07-26
Shaw, Cst. M.
48634
E
2025-07-26
White, N.
C/9693
D
2025-09-02
Shmyr, Cst. A.
52244
F
2025-07-05
Whynot, K.
C/4430
HQ
2025-08-15
Short, Sgt. C.
45319
F
2025-08-21
Wiese, Cpl. B.
52302
E
2025-07-24
Simmons, Cpl. A.
60056
E
2025-07-26
Wilcox, L.
C/4822
HQ
2025-07-31
Slater, Cpl. J.
50154
E
2025-08-02
Willcocks, Cst. E.
51752
E
2025-08-01
Smith, S/Sgt. K.
51732
E
2025-08-23
Willushaw, Cst. M.
52200
K
2025-09-04
Smith, S/Sgt. S.
48580
D
2025-08-16
Wilton, Sgt. R.
51102
E
2025-07-12
Smits, Cst. H.
43689
K
2025-09-17
Wiltshire, Sgt. J.
45111
HQ
2025-09-16
Sneddon, Cpl. I.
51069
H
2025-07-25
Wood, J.
C/4817
F
2025-09-01
Sorensen, Cst. C.
55369
J
2025-07-09
Zahorejko, Cst. C.
64340
E
2025-08-21
RETIREMENTS | 93
THE LAST WORD
F
RCMP HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
ACROSS CANADA
FEW ORGANIZATIONS celebrate the year-end holidays like the RCMP. Canada’s federal police force has a cornucopia of holiday traditions and gifts, many of which stretch back more than 100 years. The RCMP Heritage Centre leads the gift giving for the Force over the holidays with a litany of items available to purchase. These gift items include everything from RCMP coffee mugs to hoodies, sweatpants, toques, scarves, and even socks, key chains and fridge magnets that make for great stocking stuffers. All of the items are emblazoned with the RCMP logo or traditional crests from over the years. Beyond the swag, the RCMP is known for many different holiday traditions that occur across Canada and are carried out in communities large and small. Many of the traditions stretch back decades and might seem odd to the uninitiated. But they have helped to cement the “Esprit de Corps” among Force members and the civilians they serve. Most of the traditions that revolve around the holidays and New Year’s fall into three distinct categories – professional services, community support, and social in nature. These traditions, or combinations and versions of them, are carried out at nearly all RCMP detachments to this day. In the professional services bucket, you’ll find Force members conducting sobriety tests
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on roads and highways, as well as running “Operation Red Nose,” a volunteer driving service that provides safe rides home for those who have been drinking at holiday parties and family gatherings, with donations going to local charities and youth organizations. Where the RCMP really shines during the holidays is in the category of community support. This sees Force members and their families run local food and toy drives for the needy and less fortunate. Many detachments collect and donate food and toys to food banks and Christmas bureaus, often in partnership with other first responders. Many RCMP attachments also run “Adopt an Elder” programs over the holidays. This is a community program where officers help connect community members with local senior citizens to provide gifts and ensure they are not lonely during the holidays. In many communities, the RCMP is known for running
the “Santa Squad,” which sees Force members surprise the public with small gifts such as candy and gift cards in public areas and at local events. The RCMP also regularly engages in hospital visits, often in their red serge, visiting sick children and other community members who need an emotional lift during the festive season. Of course, it’s not all work during the holidays. Most detachments find time for social gatherings among their members too. The most famous social tradition in the RCMP at Christmas and New Year’s is what’s known as “Sticky Floor” events, where
senior officers allow members to socialize and celebrate the season with a beverage or two. Many RCMP detachments have developed their own holiday traditions over the years, some of which have become quite well-known. The detachment in Sylvan Lake, Alta., for example, delivers Yuletide fruit baskets to families of fallen veterans each December. Whatever the tradition, the RCMP are extremely visible during the year-end holidays. Almost as visible as another person whose known for wearing a bright red uniform. Ho, Ho, Ho.
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