After 45 years and 192 days of service for the RCMP, Cpl. Dave Heaslip is stepping down and taking time for his retirement.
Heaslip, a resident of Ponoka, is one of the RCMP’s longest serving members who had a unique position of being a plain-clothes officer for K-Division’s livestock investigations under the umbrella of the serious crime unit. He says being in Ponoka, home to VJV Auction and many ranchers, was an ideal place to be.
“It really makes sense to have a livestock position to where all the activity is,” said Heaslip.
Being able to have an office at the Ponoka detachment worked well for Heaslip who says a camaraderie with local farmers and emergency workers is just as important as his investigative work. “All my friends are farmers and ranchers.”
“A uniform in my position is a detriment,” added Heaslip.
The way he works, Heaslip said he could walk into an auction market and strike up a conversation with a farmer with little hesitation. He would take time to help farmers out during harvest season or during calving time all with the goal to create a positive relationship with farmers.
It is an area of work where a person’s name and reputation means as much as a contract. He praised Fire Chief Ted Dillon and firefighter Donna Noble with working with him.
For the future, he sees branding and tagging with the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency as important aspects for a producer. Without the proper ownership, it will be difficult for investigators to find stolen cattle. “The good producers, they brand the cattle,” he explained.
He likened the issue to a person that records the receipts and serial numbers of their electronics equipment. If the items are stolen, it is easier to prove the theft with those serial numbers.
“There’s so many black Angus out there for example,” he said.
He takes a community-based policing approach with farmers. “You educate somebody about the legislation. You warn them and you charge them as a very last resort.”
Working with other detachments
Heaslip’s southern Alberta counterpart is Cpl. Christian Reister in Calgary and between the two, they have a lot of ground to cover. Heaslip said he worked closely with other detachments on investigations.
To ensure that continues, he has mentored eight or nine Mounties who have the aptitude for the work. “It enhances their career path,” he said.
A lot has changed since Heaslip first started as a Mountie; when he started, women were not allowed to be police officers. He also did some work with the RCMP Musical Ride.
“I got off the Ride and I’ve had horses ever since,” said Heaslip.
What’s next? For now, Heaslip said he was looking forward to retirement and taking care of his horses at home. He hopes to help his grandchildren improve their horse riding skills.
“I’ve got lots of work to do at home with my horses,” he said.
He has become well recognized in the community. Indeed, while interviewing Heaslip, several people offered a greeting to him.
A farewell party is set for Saturday, April 18 at the Hudson Green Nature and Activity Centre. For tickets, call the Ponoka detachment.