It is lucky day 13 at the Olympics. I have to admit that I have become a bit of an Olympic junkie. If I am not watching the games then I am anxiously awaiting updates and photos from IAWP members about what they are seeing and doing at the Olympics. I am also becoming more and more envious as they are having a great time while serving their departments, and Canada, with pride and enthusiasm.

Yesterday I received an update from Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement President, and RCMP Constable, Paula Raymond. Paula has left the east coast for beautiful Pender Island on the west coast. Pender is one of the Southern Gulf Islands off the coast of Victoria, about a half hour from Sidney, B.C., by boat.

And speaking of boats.......

Paula at the controls of one the vessels used in the Shiprider program.

Paula is working out of Pender Island on the Shiprider program. This is a joint partnership between Canadian police and the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct marine security patrols in the waters between the Canadian and U.S. boarders, in and around the waters and islands off the Gulf Islands on the B.C. coast and the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington. Paula is one of three female RCMP officers in this program.

Here is more from Paula, in her own words:

On the patrol vessels, which are rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs - as pictured below), we have crews from both agencies conduct patrols in the area. The patrols are going well, with a lot of presence and visibility being shown to travellers. We conduct boardings and vessel checks and for the most part the public has been very supportive of the increased security in the area.



The weather has been excellent overall, with only a few shifts having high winds and large waves. Luckily this was not when I was working. The climate here is incredibly different, much more mild, than the east coast of Canada. There is no snow, not even in Vancouver, and everything is green. Temperatures are hovering around 8 degrees Celsius during the day. The trees are budding and the daffodils are blooming. Sure feels like spring is in the air.


On my first trip to Vancouver I met with up Myra James and Margaret Shorter!

Margaret, Paula and Myra showing Canadian Pride with red mittens!

As for the Olympics, I attended the Opening Ceremony and a women's hockey game (Canada vs. Sweden) with Myra. I have also experienced the atmosphere of Robson Square in the downtown area. In the next few days I'll be going to the women's hockey medal games and the Closing Ceremony, again with Myra.

I leave for home on March 1st.

Paula