Home »
Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By S/Sgt. Marko Shehovac
Detachment volunteers
Does it take 11 police officers and three public servants to operate a RCMP detachment and keep our community safe? Can we do it all?
Clearly the answer is, try and you will fail. I mentioned I want to chip away at some thanks. Columbia Valley Detachment has numerous emergency response volunteers and organizations in the community that come to our aid in times of disasters and emergencies on the road.
Our other community volunteers who work closely with the detachment are mostly unseen: Citizens on Patrol, Windermere Valley Range Patrol, Restorative Justice, Victim Services and our guards and matrons. I also include our local Search and Rescue volunteers. I have had the pleasure of working closely with these volunteers over the last several years and I thank them for all their support.
Stranded visitors rescued
At 3:48 p.m. on Jan. 11, Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment received a call from a concerned citizen advising of what appeared to be a rental vehicle broken down on Highway 93/95 north of Radium Hot Springs, blocking a portion of the northbound lane. Police attended and assisted in arranging a tow truck and driving the family to the Best Western.
Ongoing conflict forces couple outside in cold
At 1:15 a.m. on Jan. 15, two residences in the 800 block of 13th Street had a young female knocking on the door looking for a ride to Calgary. Both homeowners were concerned for the safety of the female, given the cold temperature at the time. Police attended the area and located the female and a male friend. Both advised that they had to leave a family residence due to ongoing conflict. Police were able to assist by driving the couple to another family member in the community.
Patrols for erratic driver
At 7:41 p.m. on Jan. 15, police received a report of an erratic driver operating a white Toyota Sienna minivan, cutting off drivers, braking erratically and using the high beams. The vehicle was last seen turning into Fairmont Hot Springs. Patrols in the area were negative.
Vandalous drunk asks for and gets night in cells
At 10:37 p.m. on Jan. 16, police were called to a disturbance in the area of the 1200 block 10th Street involving an intoxicated male destroying items in a house. The 22-year-old male from Fort St James was located on 10th Avenue with a sober friend. Cst Mazerolle and the friend attempted to persuade the male to grab a hotel and sleep it off. The male walked to the police vehicle put his hands on the vehicle and insisted he be taken to jail. So, he went to jail. He was released the next morning with a ticket for being drunk in public.
Minor injuries in assault; no charges sought
At 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 18, police responded to an assault/disturbance complaint in the 300 block of Borden Street. The investigation revealed that an adult male and female were in an argument and the male was assaulted resulting in minor injuries. The suspect at the time had departed the scene. The victim of the assault did not wish to pursue charges.
Hazards of Red Serge Duty
We very seldom get to have the pleasure of wearing the Red Serge, unless you are not working in Ottawa or on the Musical Ride.
Out in the field it will be Remembrance Day, July 1, weddings and funerals.
Over the years the material tends to shrink and you order a new Serge. Think mine has shrunk three times over the last 40 years.
In our young days we often get to stand in Red Serge at weddings. In the lead image above, that’s me with my hands out and Earl Banks to my right. The fact that I remember Wally and Wendy’s wedding so well is the fact that I don’t recall much of it.
With a Polish wedding you don’t get a personal invite, it is expected that the entire Polish community will attend. Before the wedding is officially started everyone lines up and passes by the table dropping off an envelope with money to the bride.
Then, they get to the end of the table where Earl and I hand out shots of brandy. Do you know how often the person in line will look at Earl and I and want us to share a salute to the bride and groom. Polish wedding; lots. Earl and I both believed it to be an insult to not salute the bride and groom when asked to join in. I think in this photo I’m saying to Earl, “Please tell me the lineup is almost done.” It was a blurr!
– Marko
