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The RCMP is celebrating its heritage with two interesting events Sunday.
A new book entitled “Faces of the Force: True Stories of C-1966/67” is being released.
It focuses on 31 true stories about the members of one troop, starting with their training in Regina. It then follows individual officers as they continue their careers across the country.
Dan Toppings, the executive director of the RCMP Heritage Centre, hopes the book will give some insight into the lives of Canadian police.
“There are some stories that will make you laugh (and) some that will make you cry a bit,” he said.
“It gives you a really good picture of what policing is all about in different parts of Canada and how it differs between members.”
He hopes the general public will enjoy it, but he believes it’s extra meaningful to the members of the C-1966/67 troop.
“When a troop graduates, they go all across Canada. In many cases, those troopmates never see each other again. It’s a way for them to reconnect through the pages of this book,” he explained.
As a retired officer, Toppings also has a personal connection.
“When I read some of these stories, it makes me think about my career: Some of the calls I went to, some of the good experiences and some of the bad ones,” he said.
He believes this book could have a positive effect on how people perceive police.
“Unfortunately, a lot of the time, all you hear are the bad-news stories. This is an excellent chance for us to tell some of the good stories. I think it will shed the RCMP in a very positive light,” he said.
The book launches Sunday. It can be purchased at the RCMP Heritage Centre gift shop, as well as major retailers like Chapters, Indigo and McNally Robinson.
It’s not just the book that’s celebrating the RCMP this weekend.
The pillars lining the Princess Royal Walk, just by the north gate of the museum, are being dedicated to veterans, current members, public service workers, supportive community members and families.
They will be covered with engraved plaques with the names of those people being honoured.
Anyone with an RCMP connection interested in having their name placed on a plaque can do so for $300. All proceeds go to the museum.
In addition, a virtual display will also go up, which has more information about those on the plaques.
Bob Smart, the president of the RCMP Veterans’ Association Regina branch, thinks it is an important way to preserve history.
“Not only does this initiative provide a lasting legacy to those who serve and provide support, it also ensures the RCMP Heritage Centre has an ever-expanding collection of contemporary stories and financial resources to continue sharing our story with generations to come,” he said in a news release.
Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty and his wife, Donna, will unveil the display on Sunday at 10 a.m., on the Friends of the Mounted Police Heritage Centre’s YouTube Channel.