Air Cadets recognize Police and Peace Officers' Memorial week and hold welcome back party

  Sergeant Lincez leads cadets and recruits on the march 

Photos courtesy Danny VandenBroek

859 Crowsnest Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets

The Military Police Air Cadets from 859 Squadron welcomed back their returning members and introduced themselves to potential recruits with a pizza night at the Coleman Legion on Monday night, September 22nd. A number of potential recruits from both Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek attended to learn more, and each left with an application package and the intent to register.

Flight Corporals Clarke and Danaf stand sentry outside the APP Barracks

 Cadets who had just recently completed optional summer training courses each gave the recruits an impromptu talk about their experience. Sergeant Chase Lincez recently completed a 6-week Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course and is the newly appointed top cadet, or Squadron Warrant Officer. He explained, “I attended my course at the Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre…and I consider the guys I bunked with to be like family now.”

The night wasn’t all about pizza and recruiting, however. The cadets formed up with flags and marched to the nearby Alberta Provincial Police (APP) Barracks for a brief ceremony in honour of Constable Stephen Lawson’s untimely death there 93 years ago. The ceremony kicked off Police & Peace Officers’ Memorial Week in the lead up to the national memorial service on Parliament Hill on September 28th. Two cadets were posted as sentries in front of the APP Barracks and each of the cadets and guests wore a Police & Peace Officers’ Memorial Ribbon.

Captain Desrosiers addresses the cadets as Flight Corporal Danaf stands sentry

Sergeant Randy Dixon of the RCMP was appreciative of the efforts put forth by the cadets and took time to address them on parade. He noted the loss of 3 RCMP members earlier this year in New Brunswick as an example of the risk inherent in policing duties, and how there is nonetheless a duty to “Maintain the Right”.

After their return to the Legion for cocoa and desserts, the cadets and guests learned about the Military Police Fund for Blind Children. That led to an informal “passing of the hat” among those in attendance - and many generous members of the Legion - and over $120 raised towards the cause.

Cadets and recruits enjoy refreshments

859 Crowsnest Squadron trains every Monday night at the Elks Hall in Blairmore from 6:45 PM to 9:15 PM, September through June for youth aged 12–18 years old. New recruits are always welcome. There is no cost to join and uniforms are provided free of charge. Pincher Creek youth have the option of van transportation from the Pincher Creek Legion to the Elks Hall in Blairmore each week.

Related link: www.cadets.ca