Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
Community members in Fort St. James were certainly watching their backs on the evening of Aug. 16.
The Fort St. James RCMP was on a mission.
If you were at home, at work or simply strolling past the numerous vendors at the 4th annual Night Market, the police were ready with their handcuffs.
And so was the makeshift jail downtown that seemed to keep people rolling in and out of it for hours.
There were those who couldn’t wait to put their pals in prison at a cost but for those doing the time, it seemed quite a calamity as they texted away asking for funds and waited for someone, anyone to pay their bail.
But all in all, it seemed a fun time had by all.
“This is always a popular event and one that always brings in a great amount of community support,” said Dave Birdi, councillor for Fort St. James District.
For the police on hand, the turnout and support for the community was overwhelming.
“It’s all for a good cause,” Sgt. Wadelius said.
“We’ve all been touched by cancer in one way or another and police are no different. Lots of hard work and training goes into this and it’s so important that we support it.”
There are two participants from Fort St. James who will be taking part in the annual bike ride to help fight cancer.
Each September, after a strenuous training schedule, over 100 committed law enforcement and emergency services personnel will venture off on a two week cycle across British Columbia.
Funds raised support the Canadian Cancer Society and helps maximize funds directed to childhood cancer research and programs supporting children and their families.
Brendan Nickle, a constable with the RCMP in Fort St. James is excited to take part in the event for the first time this year.
The 34-year-old has been a police officer since 2012 and for the last year has been keeping busy promoting Cops for Cancer in Fort St. James.
“The Cops for Cancer Ride is important to me as I have recently lost my Aunt to cancer. I believe the ride will be a great opportunity to personally help fight cancer.”
Curtis Macdonald, also from Fort St. James is thrilled to take part in the ride.
As member of the B.C. Ambulance Service and a Captain on the Fort St. James Fire Dept., Macdonald is excited to visit various communities along the route of his ride and is thankful for the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
For more information re: Cops for Cancer visit: http://www.cancer.ca/en/get-involved/events-and-participation/find-an-event-near-you/cops-for-cancer-bc/?region=bc