Do you live in a community that comes together, in good times and not so good times, to help each other out? If you do, you know the value and importance of a good partnership. Everyone is willing to work together and shares similar goals. The RCMP often works together with partners during calls for service and times of crisis. The Maidstone RCMP Detachment is thankful to have a strong partnership with the Lloydminster Rescue Squad.
Who is the Lloydminster Rescue Squad?
The Lloydminster Rescue Squad (LRS) started in 1984 and Chief Namur was one of the original members. "I've been here since that beginning day," says Chief Namur, "We were EMT's and thought, let's start a rescue group and we've grown to 2020. Our equipment is unbelievable and the communities have been really good to us."
The LRS is a diverse team of around 20 people. They have a list of divers, boat and side by side operators, drone pilots and searchers. "We break off into different groups and funnel people into different areas to be called out to things such as ice rescue, search and rescue or vehicle extrications. We also have a therapy dog in training right now and we're excited about that," said Chief Namur.
Working Together: A partnership with the RCMP
"We can call (the LRS) on any kind of call," says Maidstone RCMP Detachment Commander, Sgt. Jolyne Harrison, "They have state of the art equipment, are very flexible and are willing to help us anytime. They are very experienced and they know what they're doing. To have a resource like that in our area…they bring their boat, side by side, drone to put up with infrared, to put it over top of rugged terrain…our partnership is a real asset."
"I think its essential that we form a great relationship," says Chief Namur, "It's important to harness that relationship and build that trust up between organizations. We go out to calls, we understand the line between what we can do and can't do, so we understand the boundaries."
Cst. Best of Maidstone RCMP echoes the sentiments of Sgt. Harrison, "The partnership we have with (the LRS) is phenomenal. Being able to call them any time of day, weather, year and they're always there and willing to help."
A collaboration that benefits local communities and RMs:
"I think its important for the community to know the partnership we have with the RCMP," says Chief Namur, "Just because, you know, the equipment we can provide, we can work with and we welcome collaboration. There's that trust and understanding about what each organization can do."
Cst. Best emphasizes how critical the teamwork is when the teams are on a cooperative call for service, "Whether its in the air, on the water or ground helping a search…(the teamwork) is like nothing I've ever seen before. Their positive attitudes and lending a helping hand…its something else." Cst. Best stressed how all partners have a common goal of working together in order to serve the public and keep them safe.
Chief Namur stresses how important it is that community members know their equipment is community equipment and is used to keep community members safe, "The public doesn't realize how important it is that there is cohesive trust and a partnership and relationship. Just knowing the partnership does exist (between the LRS and RCMP), creates a better security for residents to see the resources that, together and as a team effort, we can make a difference in whatever the situation might be."