As we close of 2012 I thought it would be fitting to review some highlights of the past year. From my perspective, 2012 was busy for the IAWP and across Region 12.
In January the very first female police officer in Brandon, Manitoba retired after 33 years of service. Sergeant Carol Fisher is humble about her career but she is considered a pioneer for the 12 women who currently work for the Brandon Police Service. Carol is featured on the Brando Police Service web page.
http://police.brandon.ca/history/women-behind-the-badge
At the end of February IAWP First Vice President Margaret Shorter (right) and I (center), along with IAWP Second Vice President Myra James (left) began our journey over to the United Arab Emirates to take part in the First Emirates Women Police Conference. This was one of Mrya’s last official duties as IAWP Second Vice President as she has now retired after 11 years on the Board of Directors. Rumour has it that IAWP President Jane Townsley has convinced her to continue her liasion role with the board so we will continue to benefit from her experience, leadership and warm smile!
The First Emirates Women Police Conference took place in Abu Dhabi. Newly elected IAWP Second Vice President Steph Harding (left) and IAWP Region 16 Coordinator Amna M. Khami Al Belooshi (right) pulled together an outstanding training and cultural program. Just before leaving Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Policewomen Association was officially welcomed as an IAWP affiliate. I am sure we will see further outstanding IAWP events in this region!
The board continued with our overseas travel schedule into March as we travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dhaka, Bangladesh for the IAWOP early board meeting and the First Asia Region Women Police Conference. This is one of the last “official” photos of Margaret in her iconic RCMP red serge with Sadia Rowan (right) of the Bangladesh Police Service. Sadia was one of the organizers for our time in Dhaka and made us all feel welcome at the Police Staff College where she is currently working.
Other highlights from Dhaka included the Dahka Declaration and the board took part in an International Women’s Day celebration on March 8th for the first time. I hope
In April, shortly after returning home from my IAWP adventures, my own agency, the Winnipeg Police Service, hosted our 10th Annual Policewomen’s Network Conference. This year set a record attendance and received great reviews from everyone who attended. IAWP 2014 Conference committee members Lisa Mandziak (left) and Andree Huberdeau (right) provided an overview of our planning process and encouraged everyone to get involved in this event. (More details on the progress for IAWP 2014 to come in another blog….soon!)
The Winnipeg Police Service held our annual Awards Day in early May. Patrol Sergeant Edith Turner was honored with the James Toal Award of Excellence. Further details on Edith and her achievements are noted in this story from the Winnipeg Free Press.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/award-winning-female-officer-made-history-151229165.html
Some of you may also remember Edith from the 2012 IAWP Training Conference. Edit (left) is featured here with Myra (right) during a break at the Annual IAWP Awards Luncheon. After Edith’s presentation, regarding her assistance to the Hamilton Police Service, she and Myra realized they have several connections in common and took time to pose for this photo.
The accolades for Region 12 members continued into June. RCMP Corporal Gertrude Maxwell (proudly displaying her medal in photograph below) was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal. RCMP Staff Sergeant Margaret Shorter also received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee for her 35 years of public service as a police officer. I am sure I speak for all of us across Region 12 when I say we are very proud of both women.
July marked the start of celebrations across western Canada to mark 100 years of women in policing. To start us off the Vancouver Police marked 100 years of women in policing on July 18th, the anniversary of the first two women hired by the department. Vancouver Police Museum celebrated with an exhibit in honor of women in policing and later in September the Vancouver Police Service hosted the Evolution of Policing Conference. See more about the museum exhibit through the link below.
http://www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca/wime.html
As I was searching the web to research my blog I was amused to find that there was even a theatrical performance to pay homage to the first women cops. See more on the story through the link below.
http://www.canada.com/entertainment/Canada+first+female+police+officers+their/7507938/story.htm
Jumping ahead in the calendar to October, the Calgary Police Service helped honor the 100 year milestone by hosting a conference on women in policing. And the Edmonton Police Service also celebrated 100 years of women in policing with a photo exhibit. Read more on this with the news links below.
Calgary Police Service Women in Policing to celebrate 100 years in Edmonton and Vancouver
http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/10/13/special-canada-celebrates-100-years-of-women-in-policing
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/city/story.html?id=d26f3044-95e8-4cae-8304-185bc35d6bd1
Edmonton Police celebrate the first female officer in Canada! October 1, 1912.
http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=898d5861-891e-4d27-bed7-1392af7986f1
http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/399761/new-photo-exhibit-marks-100-years-of-female-cops/
I am not sure if you recall my previous article in the Women Police magazine, but (Retired) Deputy Chief Carolyn Daley of the Vancouver Police Department was busy researching the accuracy of the history of women in policing across Canada. I have ear marked my calendar to touch base with her in the coming year to see what her research has uncovered so be sure to check back for updates. Or, if you have some historical information to send me I would love to post it on the blog.
September definitely capped off a successful business year for IAWP. A new board is now in place. Thanks for your support to allow me to continue in another term as Region 12 Coordinator. Margaret Shorter is continuing in her role as First Vice President and Linda Cunningham was re-elected as Sergeant at Arms. So…our region continues to be well represented! I look forward to continue working with both of these women (and the entire board) to represent your interests on a global level. Be sure to keep in touch with any one (or all!) of us to pass along your thoughts.
The global reach of IAWP continued in 2012 with the 2015 IAWP Conference big being awarded to Cardiff, Wales. The conference has previously been hosted in the UK but this will mark a first for Wales. Congratulations to IAWP 2015! With the experience of Region 13 Coordinator Julia Jaeger and Conference Director Carolyn Williamson to lead the team, this is sure to be a great venue to mark 100 years of IAWP!
Region 12 had a strong representation at the 50th Annual IAWP Training Conference. Thanks to all who attended. Sharp looking group!
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During the 2012 Conference I was invited to help celebrate the retirement of Inspector Shelly Ballard-McKinley (right) from the Saskatoon Police Service and Staff Sergeant Margaret Shorter (right) from the RCMP E Division. Other notable Region 12 retirees included Sergeant Sharon Bach from the Edmonton Police Service, Superintendent Corrine Scott from the Winnipeg Police Service and Sergeant Anne Drennan from the Vancouver Police Service. Collectively these women represent hundreds of years of police experience and will be missed among police colleagues.
These were the big stories from our Region for this year. As we close off 2012 I am reminded of how fortunate we, and our families and friends, are to be healthy and safe. Best wishes for a safe, prosperous and healthy New Year everyone!
