Columbia Valley RCMP Report

As was done last year Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment will be hosting an open house. More information will be provided next week with full particulars. Just giving everyone a heads up. Date will be May 24 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Windermere Lions club will be hosting a BBQ. Tim Horton’s will be providing treats. Further sponsors will be announced.  More information to follow.

Invermere COP needs more volunteers

Invermere Citizens on Patrol needs more volunteers. The turnout for Radium Hot Springs was a success and this program will get started in the near future.  Invermere is looking for more volunteers for this valuable program.

Think about volunteering. An information session will be organized in the near future.  Just planting the bug in your ear to think about it.

Disturbance sent packing

On April 27, at 1:20 a.m., Columbia Valley Detachment officers responded to a complaint of disturbance in the parking lot of Tim Horton’s. On arrival a group of people had organized a get together over Facebook. The group was co-operative and moved once advised that the noise was disturbing residents in the area.

Beyond the call of duty

At 1 p.m. on April 28 Cst. Ralph risked life and limb to ensure the well being of a husky dog that was left in a vehicle at the pools in Radium. The rear windows were half way down and although the inside of the vehicle was hot, the evaluation was that the dog was not in immediate distress.  Cst Ralph observed that there was a bowl in the car and he reached in to unlock the car to retrieve the bowl and supply water for the dog. The thought was: his hand was about to be ripped up or the dog would co-operate. Although the dog appreciated the assistance, Cst Ralph advised the dog refused to identify himself when asked. Beyond the call of duty.

Fairmont B&E being investigated

Columbia Valley Detachment April 28 received a 10 p.m. report of an insecure residence in the 5000 block of Raven Road in Fairmont Hot Springs.  A window was found broken and entry appeared to have been gained. The owner of the residence was not located at the time. It is believed that a TV may have been stolen from the residence. The investigation is continuing.

Drunk in a public place

At 2:50 a.m. on April 29 a 59-year-old male from Invermere was found intoxicated and lying down on the sidewalk in front of the local bars in town. The male was arrested for being drunk in public and released in the morning with a ticket for drunk in a public place.

Deer killed near Dry Gulch

Columbia Valley Detachment was advised of a single vehicle accident with a deer on Hwy 93/95 near Dry Gulch at 7 p.m. on April 29. The deer was killed as a result of the impact.  The driver was not injured and the vehicle was able to be driven away.

KNP adventurers get help

A Columbia Valley Detachment member was advised April 29 of two stranded skiers who were on a five-day trek from Alberta to B.C. through Kootenay National Park in the area of Mount McQuade/Elk Lakes. One of the skiers had lost their skis when it fell off a cliff. Search and Rescue was contacted and it was determined that since the two hikers were not in any emergency or lost there was no need for immediate attendance. The experienced hikers remained at their location and Parks Canada was able to fly in and drop off skis. The hikers were able to communicate their problem via a satellite phone.  Our thanks to the Park Wardens for looking after this problem.

Bike Rodeo

I had the pleasure of doing a bike rodeo for the kids at Eileen Madson Elementary School. I laid out the bike course to make it as challenging as possible to have a good look at the kids’ ability to control their bikes. We also practiced our hand signals.  However, I also had to play with their minds.

Nearing the last class before they started the obstacle course I mentioned to the children that the course was challenging and so far only three kids had to be taken to the hospital. I could see that one of the girl’s reactions went from all smiles to all gloom.  After my talk, I took questions and the one that went gloom on me raised her hand.  She asked if I was serious that three kids went to the hospital. You would think that my parental, loving, and kind instincts would kick in but I guess now with my son, all grown up and no longer home, these instincts seem to be lacking and informed the child it was true.

As she was going through the most difficult course, I informed her to be careful as this is the obstacle that sent the three to the hospital. She made it. I Also informed the kids that part of the obstacle was to cross the crosswalk near the school ensuring that they walk the bike across the road. As I stood nearby and the kids approached the crosswalk I would tell some of them who were behind schedule to go ahead and ride the bike across rather than walk it across. As they were about to fall for my trick, I grabbed them by the scruff of the neck and advised them even adults don’t know it all.

Tried that on some other kids and got the response “don’t think so.” To those kids I admonished them with, “I’m a policeman, you don’t listen to the police?”

My thanks to all the staff, parent volunteers, Grade 7 Leadership Class for helping out with the rodeo. Also thanks to Columbia Cycle and Bike Works for inspecting the bikes.

S/Sgt. Marko Shehovac, Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment NCO

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