RCMP officers and employees, Indigenous leaders and local dignitaries recently gathered in front of the Swift Current Municipal Detachment to commemorate 50 years of the RCMP's service to the community.
This event was held to acknowledge the RCMP's partnership with the community of Swift Current and provide attendees an opportunity to learn about the history of the detachment.
"When you join a detachment, there is a level of expectation from the public based on the good work that the previous members have done in the community," explains S/Sgt. Evan Gordon, Commander of the Swift Current Municipal Detachment. "Not only has the RCMP been serving the community for 50 years, but the community has been supporting us for 50 years. You think of the number of officers and staff that have worked in the detachment throughout the years and it makes you realize how big of a part this detachment plays in the community."
To begin the event, Elder Sylvia Thorburn gave a blessing and provided a greeting towards the attendees.
Mayor Al Bridal of Swift Current was then invited to speak on behalf of the City and expressed his appreciation for the work and dedication of the officers and employees who serve the city.
Metis Elder Cecile Blanke shared her memories of police officers in the community - stories of officers going for their coffee break and enjoying a slice of homemade pie at a local restaurant some mornings. She jokingly reminded the attendees that there was no such thing as doughnuts back then.
Cst. Anthony Curti, who has served at the Swift Current Municipal Detachment for 8 years, was an integral part of creating a display to be posted at the detachment entry – intended to give all those who enter the building an opportunity to read about the history of the Swift Current RCMP.
Creating this project included collaborating with other policing units, researching the history of the RCMP in Swift Current and collecting photos for a display.
"This project is a way of recognizing past officers and detachment staff. It's important to remember the history of the detachment and to give proper respect and acknowledgement to the land and people who were here before us," says Cpl. Curti. The display acknowledges that the detachment is on the traditional land of the Cree, Ojibwe, Salteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota and the homeland of the Metis Nation.
Highlighting the past and embracing the future
S/Sgt. Gordon spoke about the 50-year milestone and how it highlights the past, showcases the growth of policing and embraces the future.
"The one thing that has not changed in the 50 years is the community service aspect. The community is the eyes and ears of the police. To have the trust of our members of the community to keep it safe, that is something we are very proud of," says S/Sgt. Gordon.
The RCMP became the municipal police service for the city of Swift Current in 1971. Since then, the relationship between the detachment and members of the community has grown, something that S/Sgt. Gordon believes is an integral part of the success of the detachment. He believes that police work goes beyond their day to day roles - that officers and employees need to be active participants in the community.
"The key to a successful and happy detachment is to immerse yourself in the community. Whether you volunteer or attend local events, it allows you to connect and develop positive relationships with the people you serve," says S/Sgt. Gordon.
The Swift Current Municipal RCMP detachment is proud to commemorate 50 years of service to the community of Swift Current and looks forward to continuing its work and ongoing partnership with the community.