On the 140th anniversary of the RCMP, history and appreciation of service was the focus of a special ceremony. The grounds of the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, an integral part of the RCMP’s past, was the perfect backdrop under sunny skies to honour those who have shown service to the community as well as dedication and loyalty to the Force.
140th anniversary of the RCMP ceremony at the grounds of the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site.
Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Commanding Officer of “D” Division, presented several awards, including bravery, outstanding service and certificates of appreciation. The Honourable Philip S. Lee, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, presented three Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals.
“RCMP officers often face hazardous, dangerous and harrowing situations. They do this because they care about the people and the communities they live and work in. This same care is also reflected in the heroic actions of RCMP employees and members of the community,” said Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Commanding Officer of “D” Division. “It is an honour to be here today to recognize their contributions and outstanding efforts.”
Regular members, civilian members and public service employees received Long Service Awards for celebrating 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service.
Two regular members, a public service employee and two civilians received the Commanding Officer’s Commendation for Bravery. These members, employees and citizens demonstrated courage and bravery in the face of very dangerous circumstances that gave rise to the potential for grievous harm, bodily injury or death.
The recipients were:
Corporal Colby Argue and Constable Andre Leclerc were recognized for their courageous and meritorious actions. On January 22, 2010, while on-duty in The Pas, Corporal Argue and Constable Leclerc came upon a vehicle on fire. The doors were locked, and there was an injured male in the driver’s seat. The pair broke the window of the vehicle and were able to pull the unconscious man to safety before the entire vehicle was consumed by the flames.
Public Service Employee Melody Harper was recognized for her courageous and meritorious efforts in the rescue of two children. While off-duty in the community of Garden Hill, Melody and her daughter, Kalvina, saw two young children playing near the water’s edge. Moments later, Melody witnessed both children fall into the water. Melody drove quickly to the area and discovered two boys face down in the water. Without hesitation, she jumped into the water and was able to pull both boys to safety. The first child was conscious; the second boy was unconscious and not breathing when she pulled him out of the water. Melody performed CPR on the child, and both boys recovered from this terrifying incident. Her daughter, Kalvina Harper, received a Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation for her assistance in the rescue.
Civilians Colin and Mike Owens were recognized for their courageous and meritorious efforts. On November 30, 2011, Colin and Mike Owens were patrolling Pauingassi First Nation, where they were employed as night watchmen. While on patrol, they noticed smoke coming from a residence. The two men entered the burning home and located a man sleeping on a bed. Braving flames and thick smoke, they dragged him to safety before the house was completely destroyed by fire.
In addition, two Regular Members received the Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation for their continuing commitment to service in the community.
Rick Hiebert, Chief of the Winkler Police Service; Brad Neduzak, Chief of the Morden Police Service; and Ian Grant, Chief of the Brandon Police Service were recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The presentation of this medal is in recognition of their significant achievements and continuous contributions to the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police mandate of “leading progressive change in policing.” The criteria for this medal included continuous leadership in achieving the mandate of the C.A.C.P., continuous and diligent effort toward the betterment of the C.A.C.P., and committee and function participation.
