Those who have committed to serving communities to make them safe and secure were honoured at the RCMP Long Service Award Ceremony at the Jonas Applegarth Theatre in Hobbema on April 30.
From all over Alberta 29 members of the RCMP received recognition for their contributions and dedication to help make better communities in the province.
Dignitaries followed a piper into the theatre and made their way on the stage while Donna Potts-Johnson lead everyone in singing ‘O Canada’.
Professional drum group Northern Cree added to the quality of the event by playing an honour song in respect to RCMP members.
Commissioner William Elliott from Edmonton along with deputy commissioner Rod Knecht presented the awards to each member and thanked them for their active service.
There was recognition for 40, 35, 30, 25 and 20 years of service along with other notable and prestigious commendations.
Cpl. Robert Pitts and Const. Les Squires of the Ponoka RCMP were recognized for having put in 30 years of time with the RCMP.
Cpl. Darrel Bruno of the Hobbema detachment received an award for 20 years of service and was loudly cheered and applauded by the crowd.
Bruno has served a total of 24 years with the RCMP and enjoys being an RCMP member and everything that comes with it.
“Twenty years has gone by really quickly,” said Bruno. “There have been many challenges but I really enjoy my job and trying to help people and the community. I have really been enjoying my time with the RCMP.”
Cpl. Lawrence Whiteman, from the Hobbema RCMP, was also commended for his 20 years of dedication to the RCMP. Whiteman was pleased to receive the recognition and is looking forward to being relocated to Saskatchewan in the summer.
“Any plateau of services is a great recognition with the RCMP,” said Whiteman. “I’m very honoured to receive it.”
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The personal award of the commissioner and the highest award that can be given to an RCMP member was presented to two young members of the Hobbema detachment for their smart strategy in a volatile situation. Const. Dru Abernethy and Const. Curtis Huculak received the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery award for their courage and dedication to duty after being repeatedly fired upon after being dispatched to a complaint.
“I’m very proud to have received this award,” said Huculak. “It’s the highest honour and I’ll wear it with great pride. I’m thankful to be recognized and being given it by the commissioner has made it just that much more special. I want to continue what I’m doing, being an RCMP member has always been something I’ve wanted to do, it’s nice to come to a job that doesn’t feel like a job because it’s what I love.”
Elliott ended the ceremony by thanking Hobbema for hosting the awards and thanked RCMP members for the dedication and level of commitment to duty. Elliott expressed gratitude and pride in the members and conveyed the profound difference the RCMP has made in the lives of Canadians.