In Eastern Saskatchewan, north and south of Highways #16 and 22, you will find the communities of Esterhazy, Langenburg, Churchbridge and Bangor – among others. There are miles of open land, dotted with farms, acreages and green, hilly valleys part of the Esterhazy and Langenburg RCMP Detachment's patrol area. It's home to many senior citizens who live in the area, some for their entire lives.
"Prior to the pandemic our officers would go to the senior-living residences in our area several times throughout the year for coffee and a visit," explains Sgt. Geoff Stringfellow, Esterhazy/Langenburg RCMP Detachment Commander. In addition to four care homes the police officers visit – two in Esterhazy, one in Langenburg and one in Bangor - the detachment would also meet with a senior's group in the community of Churchbridge.
"It's important to interact with all our community members. This allows us to meet with residents that would not otherwise have many chances to interact with local police. We have found it to be a very effective way to build relationships, while at the same time giving us an opportunity to provide education on subjects such as fraud awareness and local police initiatives," adds Sgt. Stringfellow.
While the pandemic has put a hold on these well-liked gatherings, the detachment chose to do something special to remind these groups they're thinking of them. "During this holiday season we're continuing to build our relationship through personal holiday cards," says Sgt. Stringfellow. "It's important for us to show compassion. Our Detachment Services Assistant had the idea of addressing cards to the residents of the care homes. Hopefully we were able to spread some holiday cheer during what's been a difficult year for everyone." The cards were delivered the week of December 20.
"Our Detachment members have really embraced these meet and greet opportunities and make a point to attend. It's provided us with some very unique insight into the history of the area, including the development of our local communities and economy. I believe its very important to understand the values of our communities and how they were established," says Sgt. Stringfellow. He encourages this type of initiative in other detachment areas as its an effective way to gain community knowledge, pass on crime prevention education and – to put it simply – make someone's day. "Our visits are always well-received!"