Editor:
I was surprised by the tone of Arthur Williams’ story, “Is there justice in small towns?” in the February 16 edition of the Caledonia Courier.
While I am in no position to dispute the B.C. Civil Liberties Association’s contentions, I must say that our experiences with RCMP officers at Sowchea Elementary School has been quite the opposite.
We have appreciated their supportive and approachable demeanour in all their interactions with staff and students as local RCMP officers helped promote personal and public safety in a number of ways.
Among other things, they have helped plan and facilitate Water Safety Fairs, Bike Rodeos, Bully Awareness and Internet Safety presentations, Earthquake and Lockdown procedures, Drug Awareness and Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.).
They keep the roadway safe in front of Sowchea School with regular traffic patrols.
They have responded on numerous occasions when we have had bears on or near the school property, and they regularly stop in during non-instructional times such as recess and lunch to circulate and chat informally with students. I am uncertain where the RCMP officers are that the story refers to, but feel fortunate that the RCMP officers we deal with in our small town honour their commitment to “serve and protect.”
Cam McCormick
Principal, Sowchea Elementary School