2010 Just Around the Corner

2009 is ending on a sad note. The tragic death of Constable Eric Czapnik in Ottawa this week sent shock waves across Canada at the first death of an officer the capital has seen in over a quarter of a century. Four paramedics standing nearby who witnessed the attack intervened to subdue the suspect. Although the attacker had already caused critical injuries, their heroism needs to applauded.

From all of IAWP Region 12 our heartfelt condolences to the family of Constable Czapnik, the Ottawa Police Service family he leaves behind, and the citizens of Ottawa who grieve alongside his family and friends.

Looking Forward to 2010 because....

A New Year brings new hope and renewed spirit!

Although tragedy has struck many police families this year, hundreds of officers get up every day and return to work despite the risk. They work through their own personal pain, through long tiring dark hours on night shift, and through inclement weather. To me, that represents the dedication and the spirit of a police officer. And to me, that represents a reason to have hope that better things will come for all police officers, all around the world, in 2010.

IAWP Secretary Michelle Lish recently posted this on the Board of Directors server:

"Let us all pray that 2010 brings peace, love, calmness and safety for us all."

The Olympics are coming to Canada in 43 days!

The Olympics will be not only be a significant event for athletes but also for police officers from all around Canada. There are hundreds of officers from all across the country who will be moving to Vancouver and the surrounding communities starting in January to assist the RCMP with security operations for the games.

IAWP will be at the Olympics and I will be be bringing you news and photos from them. IAWP First Vice President, Staff Sergeant Margaret Shorter has been already been working behind the scenes on planning committee for security operations. IAWP Second Vice President, Detective Myra James has taken leave of absence from the Hamilton Police Service to take a position at the Olympics. Both Margaret and Mrya have already agreed to feed me updates which I will be passing along starting the first week of January.

There has been lots of excitement in Canada regarding the Olympic Torch Relay. IAWP Region 12 member, Corporal Gertrude Maxwell has been working the Olympic Torch Committee for her area. The group recently had a promo luncheon that she and IAWP Region 12 member Joan MCCUSTER attended.

Happy New Year to everyone. To all officers who are working, be warm and safe on your watch.

Where does the time go?

It probably seems like just yesterday to her, but 35 years is a long time to spend chasing criminals. This week, Staff Sergeant Kathie King, RCMP Division D will retire. Kathie is highly respected by fellow police officers, crown attorneys, public officials and advocates alike. Kathie was a member of the second RCMP Troop that was trained by the agency back in 1974, when females were first hired by the RCMP. Good luck in all your new endeavours Kathie.

Speaking of time flying....

We are only 14 days away from Christmas. Is anyone else in a panic? I have a tree, I have Christmas cookies, I even have the eggnog. What is missing is are the presents under the tree. Every year I plan to be more organized but work, hockey and just about everything else life throws at us seems to get in the way. Good thing I won all those Christmas ornaments at the 2009 Seattle Conference silent auction. Like it or not....everyone gets a snowman dressed up in a blue uniform this year!

Congratulations to Staff Sergeant Gay Jones #57 of the Brandon Police Service. Today marks the end of one year of probation making her promotion to this rank official. With this promotion, Gay becomes the highest ranking female officer serving the City of Brandon and the second most senior (with 27 years) female in their ranks.

For those of you not familiar with the city, Brandon is the second largest city in Manitoba and the Brandon Police Service is a 76 member department. I recently enjoyed a coffee and chat with Gay and she reminded me that her commanding officer, Chief Keith Atkinson presided over the IAWP Opening Parade in Saskatoon, 2006.

Prayers and thoughts go out to families in Seattle
I tunned into the television yesterday morning to hear the horrific news of the four Lakeview Police officers who were killed while sitting in a coffee shop. As one officer from my own department stated today, "This is certainly a time of reflection on the sacrifices all Police Officers make daily and the ultimate sacrifice these four Police Officers made." (Staff Sergeant Bob Irwin, Winnipeg Police Service). I invite all Region 12 members to visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund website to post a tribute or to make a donation in memory of the officers:

1. If you have not already received yours, click here to request your free 2010 National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund window decal to show you support America's peace officers — especially our fallen heroes. Upon receipt, display your decal on your car or home window where everyone can see.

2. Click here to leave a tribute to the fallen Lakewood officers or any officer you wish. You can also browse other tribute messages.

Please be safe.

Condolences

It with sadness that I post the news of the passing of Phyllis Emily Mortimore. In 1943 Phyllis joined the Vancouver Police Department, making her the first female constable in the ranks. Phyllis was a member of IAWP in addition to being a life member of the Superannuated Police Officers Association and an honouray director of the Vancouver Police Credit Union.

Anyone wishing to sign the on line guest book can do so at:
http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=5914305965989

Your many friends from Region 12, and all of IAWP, will miss you Phyllis.

We Shall Remember...Always

The 2009 Recipients of the BEVERLEY MacLEAN LEGACY FUND Cst. Alana Compo (RCMP - Grand Prairie Detachment) on left & Cst Michelle Greening (EPS) on right at the IAWP Awards Lunch.

Region 12 Remembers Beverley MacLean

On January 5, 1981, Beverley began her 22-year career with the Edmonton Police Service as a member of Class #61. She had to apply repeatedly to beat the size restrictions that eliminated her as being too small. The determination she demonstrated to simply get hired showed throughout Beverley's entire career.

Beverley worked in uniform and undercover duties. She liked either as much as the other and always came to work prepared to get the job done. To enhance her own and other member's undercover work, Beverley studied and became very proficient at theatrical makeup and costuming. She was considered an expert in this field and was called upon by numerous other police agencies to provide training and/or actual work on undercover investigators. Beverley also lectured on make-up at the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Conferences.

The IAWP held significant importance in Beverley's life, from the first time she attended a Conference in 1983 in her hometown of Vancouver. Attending future conferences was a must thereafter, and Beverley traveled the world, making global friends through her annual attendance. She was thrilled when, in September 2001, her many friends joined her and a Legacy founder, Sharon Bach, to learn and celebrate with them as they co-chaired the annual IAWP conference, “A Voyage of Discovery”. Beverley's dreams were realized that year, by bringing the IAWP home.

Beverley passed away on January 23, 2002, one week after her 47th birthday, following a valiant fight with the breast cancer that was diagnosed on November 30, 1998. Throughout her illness she never gave up hope, and her determination shone through once again. Beverley was convinced there was still a chance to win.

The BEVERLEY MacLEAN LEGACY FUND was established in Beverley's honour to encourage police officers to join the IAWP and attend the annual training conferences. The fund came about as a Legacy of the 2001 IAWP conference committee and their successful fund raising drive. Throughout the planning of IAWP 2001, it was envisaged that something perpetual remain in the community, for local female officers and the IAWP. The object of the fund is to provide financial support to officers to attend future annual conferences. Selection is made through an application process which begins in the early spring. The process will enable identification of the most suitable candidates.

Your IAWP friends will always remember you Beverley.

Remembering Other Women on the Front Lines

Today is the eve before Remembrance Day, Veterans Day for our neighbours in the United States. This is a time to reflect and remember many heroes, like Bev MacLean, who have worked the front lines.

Although Canada has suffered many lost loved ones in Afghanistan, I feel I must pay special respects to Captain Nichola Goddard, the 16th Canadian soldier lost in the Afghanistan Mission, the first Canadian female soldier killed in combat. Like all of us in law enforcement she took on her role with pride, knowing the risk. Nichola was a trailblazer but she was also doing what she wanted to do most. She wanted to work the front lines. As tribute to her life as a soldier her husband has received the Memorial Cross, Meritorious Service Medal and the Sacrifice Medal. We remember and honor you now, Captain Goddard.

There has only been one other Canadian female soldier killed in combat. The second is Karine Blais. She was only 21 years old and was recently killed in an IED blast to the LAV she and three of her fellow soldiers were patrolling in. We remember and honor you Karine.

I think I can speak on behalf of all Region 12 members in saying that we are praying for the safe return of all law enforcement officers who have take leave to serve our Country overseas. And, we are thinking of fellow officers who have loved ones currently on deployment.

Stay safe everyone.

New Challenges

Wow...this is harder than it looks! For those of you who know me, you know that finding something to say is not my weak point. The challenge has been for me to figure out the technical side of blogging. I am slowly finding my way around the blogspot site. Chaplain Dow and Region 9 Coordinator, Janet Wilson have set the blog bar pretty high. In the coming weeks I promise this will blog take shape and have some photos and colour added to it.

It is hard to believe that over a month has passed since the Seattle conference. What a spectacular city and a great conference! At the combined Region 11 and 12 meeting we discussed the purpose of the blog. For those who were not able to attend, the IAWP has begun to change the format of Women Police, our official publication. In the past format, updates on news, promotions and awards were printed under a Regional update. Now, we will be using Regional Blogs to provide news from around our region. This means that as soon as you can send me an email, I can post the announcements. I am looking forward to this mode of communication and to hearing your views.

The blog is not my only new challenge. I am new to the Board of IAWP and have slowly been getting up to speed on my new responsibilities. I would like to thank Shelly Ballard-McKinlay for her vote of confidence in asking me to take over. I know have some very big shoes to fill, but with Shelly only a phone call away, the transition will be much easier. Thanks for three years of hard work Shelly!

I have challenged myself to post something new every week. I challenge you to keep in touch and send me your news, announcements, ideas, thoughts and pictures. Stay safe everyone.