Grand opening of Kindersley's RCMP detachment
By Joan Janzen
The grand opening of Kindersley's detachment at 610 - 9th Street West occurred on Thursday morning, October 3rd. While guests and dignitaries were seated outside the detachment, Kindersley Detachment members marched from the old detachment to the new one along with flag bearers from the Legion. With the help of Assistant Commissionaire Blackmore and Constable Garjiwan Kaila, the flag was raised on the new flagpole.
Kindersley Detachment members marched from the old detachment to the new one along with flag bearers from the Legion. The Canadian flag was then raised on the new flagpole. Photo by Joan Janzen
Kindersley Detachment Members and dignitaries posed for photos after the formal grand opening ceremony had concluded. Photo by Joan Janzen
Everyone was invited to partake in a BBQ after the grand opening ceremony. Photo by Joan Janzen
Guests lined up waiting for their turn to have a tour of the new detachment. "I just want to see what it looks like inside," was a repeatedly voiced comment. Photo by Joan Janzen
High school student Leslie Mackie played the trumpet for the national anthem before an Elder's blessing given by Marcella Bird from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation. Corporal Amy Blyth welcomed everyone and invited Rhonda Blackmore, Commanding Officer of Saskatchewan RCMP, to the podium.
She described Saskatchewan as Canada's hidden gem and the support received in Kindersley as "second to none." Kindersley is fortunate to have such dedicated officers, she noted. The new building represents the future, and the detachment is here to have the community's best interests in mind.
Mayor Rod Perkins expressed similar thoughts. The common theme was that the building represented much more than brick and mortar.
Chaplain Tom McCullagh from the Saskatchewan RCMP was invited to the podium. In his closing remarks, he gave a brief history of Kindersley and blessed the union of the community and the RCMP as they worked together. "Make them instruments of your peace," the Chaplain concluded.
The formal portion of the ceremony ended with the ribbon cutting by Assistant Commissionaire Blackmore, Mayor Rod Perkins, Marcella Bird, Corporal Blyth and Superintendent Brent Olberg.
Everyone was invited to stay for a barbecue lunch and tours of the new detachment. Curious guests lined up, waiting for their turn to see the interior of the new facility.
The interior included a spacious office area, a gym, interview rooms, a video room and a meeting room. However, the highlight for many onlookers was seeing the five cells and drunk tank for the first time. The cells were simple structures, except the drunk tank had no bench. The Corporal explained it was because the occupants could fall off of it.
Outside the building, representatives from Citizens on Patrol, Sask Central Victim Services, and RCMP Careers had information available. There was also a table with art supplies for visiting children.
It was definitely a cool day, but everyone received a warm welcome at the new Kindersley detachment.