The RCMP has a storied 150-year history, and this Thursday, August 31 the local detachment is inviting the community to celebrate this milestone.
The detachment has been planning an event to celebrate the history of the force in Canada, and also raise awareness of the service it provides in the modern era.
“It is our 150th anniversary, and in the spirit of one of our detachment’s priorities of continuous engagement with the community, on the 31st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. we are going to have an open house and barbecue for the public,” said Staff Sargent Robert Harms. “It gives us a chance to interact with the public, and the opportunity to come meet the officers and staff of the detachment.”
They are planning a barbecue as well as games for kids, and the recruiting unit.
“We are hiring and are looking for a lot of people,” says Harms.
The RCMP Tactical Armoured Vehicle unit and RCMP Motorcycle traffic members have also been invited, as well as the RCMP police dog unit.
They will also showcase some of the local initiatives by local members including the traffic unit, bike unit, forensics, Safety Bear, Victim Services, and other partners.
He does note most of these units are on call and there is always a chance calls influence their presence. He adds he is grateful for the support from the Town of Drumheller as well as Freson Bros, and Tim Hortons.
Harms is a proud RCMP member.
“The RCMP was established in 1873 and has been serving Canada since then. We are really proud of our heritage and background, and the ties we have to our county, not to mention to Alberta. I am very proud of that and so are the members,” he said.
A big part of the formation of the RCMP is the peaceful establishment of Western Canada.
“You look at the Great March West, which happened when the RCMP was established as the Northwest Mounted Police. We came from east to west to this area for different reasons. We established sovereignty and peace, and dealt with some legal issues that were already ongoing in Western Canada,” shares Harms. “We are proud to be in Drumheller and serving Drumheller and Area. This is an opportunity for us to be able to give a little bit back to the community as well.”
“Any time we can spend some time with our community we love doing that.”
