RCMP officers (File photo 166431238 © Lostafichuk | Dreamstime.com

By Pete McIntyre

Feb. 1

Thank a Mountie: Fifth annual RCMP Appreciation Day began in Vernon

Feb 1, 2024 | 5:00 AM

B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety is inviting residents to show their support for the RCMP — and all police officers serving across the province — and thank them for the incredible work they do every day.

Mike Farnworth made the statement as part of the fifth annual RCMP Appreciation Day on Thursday Feb. 1, an event that started in 2020 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada.

The effort to hold an annual day of appreciation was driven by a citizen-led movement in Vernon.

Local organizers, including Martin von Holst and Guy Bailey, led a petition that generated more than 1,000 names in support of an appreciation event for the Mounties. The petition was handed over to Eric Foster, the MLA for Vernon-Monashee at that time in 2019, and Foster worked to get his colleagues in Victoria to support the idea.

RCMP Appreciation committee members in Vernon: left to right: Guy Bailey, Steve Fleck, Teresa Durning, Martin von Holst and Andrew Wylie (file photo/Facebook)

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The day was officially proclaimed by the province on Feb. 1, 2020. Other provinces now recognize the day as well.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police was established on Feb. 1, 1920 when the Royal Northwest Mounted Police, founded in 1873, and the Dominion Police, founded in 1868, merged.

Minister Farnworth said communities across B.C. depend on police officers to protect our neighbourhoods and businesses, while strengthening community connections.

“Every day they courageously uphold public safety, putting their lives at risk so the rest of us can live in peace.”

Farnworth said the demands on police officers continue to grow.

“Policing is becoming more complicated, yet every day they demonstrate their dedication in responding to challenges with professionalism. Exceptional officers throughout the province continue to answer the call, showing their adaptability in their work to keep our communities safe.”

The minister said the past year has been exceptionally difficult for policing across Canada as numerous officers have died in the line of duty.

“Those losses resonate deeply with British Columbians and are a wrenching reminder of the risks officers face every day as they protect us from crime and violence. These fallen officers were our friends, family members and pillars of our communities, and we will honour their sacrifice and service always.”