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Family rescued from GPS detour into bush
Cranbrook RCMP officers recently rescued a family of four from a GPS-led detour that took them deep into the backcountry southwest of Cranbrook.
Rather than describe the events in a basic press release, the detachment has taken a Christmas angle to tell the story.
Twas Three Nights Before Christmas
Twas three nights before Christmas when outside the city, people were stuck, so the police took pity.
Cranbrook RCMP received a 911 call from a family travelling from Calgary to San Francisco.
The family had taken a GPS “shortcut” that took them on a route that might be used by a hobo.
This wonderful technology took the family of four –
On an adventure where their SUV became stuck and over was the tour.
A father of four set out on his mighty trek
To call for assistance, instead of receiving heck.
The patriarch of the family walked for an hour,
Sunrise Forest Service Road was where he could finally get cell power.
This was his most worrisome and quietest his day was going to be…
And was praying and hoping to be found by the RCMP.
The Mounties charged to Sunrise where the cell phone was pinging
When they arrived, no one could be seen the only noise, birdies singing.
The Mounties were not discouraged and headed off to Gold Creek,
To the end of the Tepee FSR, to find and to seek.
To find this family of four, Constable Hagen, Corporal Sullivan and their faithful dog Denim
Went off into the night to find them and get them.
They got stuck, they might have swore, but they didn’t give up
When they came upon the vehicle, 20 kms up.
The family of four were located safe and sound
They were impressed with the Mounties
Who persisted like hounds.
At the end of the day the family was glad
They got back on their way
(I bet THAT mom was mad!)
Tonight the Grinch definitely did not steal Holiday plans
Thanks to the Cranbrook Mounties who always get their man.
Although this story ends happily, there are many more stories that end in tragedy
The highway was bare, as bare as can be – Why follow GPS technology?
Follow the road, its safer you know
To get where you’re going, go the route you know!
The family could hear a voice as they drove out of site
Happy Holidays to All and to All a Safe Night!
Have a safe and wonderful Christmas everyone!
– A Collaborative piece by Cst. Katie Forgeron and S/Sgt. Hector Lee, Cranbrook RCMP
