“Let’s thank our RCMP for the job they do and let them know that we support them in their efforts to do that job.”

Flagstaff Family and Community Services (FFCS), as the human services agency serving Flagstaff, was asked to organize an uplifting event to recognize local RCMP members.

Invitations were issued in person and via email, with a request to spread the news, but with one proviso, “Don’t tell the RCMP,” as the impromptu gesture was intended as a surprise.

The event in question was a surprise drive-by parade, meant to pass in front of the Killam RCMP Detachment at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 26, right when members were scheduled to do a shift change.

FFCS Executive Director Lynne Jenkinson says, “We wanted to do something as a community to thank them.”

Organizers even invited Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely, who happened to be in the area. She says, “I was impressed at how many people participated in the parade!”

The parade featured lots of honking vehicles, and was led by Lovely, who says, “It was so nice to see the look of surprise and appreciation on the Member’s faces.”

As members came out of the detachment to see what all the commotion was about, led by Flagstaff Victim Services Unit Coordinator Noreen Metz and the detachment admin staff, who were in on the surprise, the impact of Friday’s gesture was clear.

Members Corporal Trent Cleveland, Constable David Boisvert-Cormier, Constable Jacob Ott, and Constable Jake Rains were full of smiles and waving back at the passing vehicles.