Dave Joyes joined the RCMP in 1974 and was stationed in Andrew, Alta. for two years before moving on to Sherwood Park in 1976 until 1978. In 1978 he went to Fort McMurray before his career took him to Ponoka in 1982 where he would remain for the next 14 years of his life until his showing his commitment to the community. He began participating in the Ponoka Stampede Parade and Grand Entry shortly after his arrival and was involved in both events until 2006/2007. During his time in Ponoka partaking in these prestigious events he never once had a horse get away from underneath him - a great feat that sounds much more simplistic then it actually is.
Joyes was transferred to Hobbema in 1996 and remained there for five years until his retirement in 2001. He would have kept participating in the parade and grand entry longer had policy not changed that year allowing only non retired RCMP members to participate.
On April 3 at the old Iron Horse Restaurant, Joyese’s colleagues and friends wanted to show their appreciation of his dedicated service to the community, and while in Red Surge at the Ponoka Stampede. After memories and laughs were shared and kind words were spoken, he was presented with a beautiful, large, framed print titled “Serge on Honour”. He was also presented with a rodeo statue and named the honorary president for the 2009 Ponoka Stampede by the board members and friends who were in attendance at the dinner as well.
In 2001, Joeyes became chief of police for the Louis Bull police service and in 2003 he worked for Alberta Sheriffs in the court services section until 2008. He is now with Nisku security patrol and a business and development coordinator and it is clear his dedication to and involvement in Ponoka hasn’t changed.