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The
Mounted Police continue this summer the tradition established in
1874 of welcoming newcomers to this part of the world.
Members of the Fort Macleod RCMP detachment form the Red Serge
Patrol on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer to greet
visitors at The Fort — Museum of the North West Mounted Police, on
Main Street and at other points around town.
“It’s nice,” said Sgt. Jennifer Turner, who is in charge of the
Fort Macleod RCMP detachment. “It’s positive contact with the
public, which is nice for us. It makes you remember why you
joined, and your place in the organization.”
Now in its fifth year, the Red Serge Patrol is supported by the
Town of Fort Macleod and the Chamber of Commerce as a tribute to
the community’s place in history as the birthplace of the force.
The North West Mounted Police made the trek west in 1874 to stop
the whisky trade and bring law and order to the territory. The
fort became the trading centre for the district and the community
grew into a thriving town that was the hub of southern Alberta.
Turner said the Mounted Police force has a sense of pride in its
history, which goes back 135 years.
“There is a sense of integrity that people expect from the RCMP,”
Turner said. “We know we’re held to a higher standard.”
Through its legendary exploits, and thanks to the portrayal of the
Mounted Police by Hollywood, the red serge uniforms are closely
linked with the country the police serve.
“We represent Canada,” Turner said, explaining the Mounted Police
uniform is a Canadian symbol just like the maple leaf and the
beaver. “The uniform represents integrity.”
Members of the local detachment don their dress uniforms to greet
visitors and pose for photographs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on
Saturdays and Sundays from June 21 to Sept. 1. The RCMP members
enjoy the contact with the public.
“It’s a time when people thank you for the job that you are doing,”
Turner said. “It really makes you feel like you’re part of the
community.”
The Red Serge Patrol is particularly active at The Fort — Museum of
the North West Mounted Police on Canada Day on July 1.
Members of the Fort Macleod RCMP detachment assist with the Canada
Day flag-raising ceremony at the Fort Museum and inspect the Fort
Museum’s mounted patrol before it makes its annual debut in the
Musical Ride. |
