The RCMP in Drumheller are and have always been very busy patrolling the community and working to keep our community safe. Many may not know that there is a group that helps out the RCMP, Drumheller Citizens On Patrol.
Doug Lubinski is one of the volunteers with Citizens On Patrol and shares exactly what the group does. “We patrol all of the residential, commercial, neighbourhoods, parks, roadways, and industrial areas, and are an extra set of eyes out there to support the RCMP. We roughly cover 45 kilometres in the valley from Nacmine to East Coulee and Wayne. We report any suspicious or extra-ordinary activities directly to the RCMP. As well, we do assist the police in emergency situations, like Amber Alerts.”
Drumheller Citizens on Patrol have been around for many years but Lubinski notes that the numbers have dropped since COVID. “We were at about 20 members, but now we are at 8 members. That is why we are doing this blitz, trying to get more members working with us. With fewer members, we can’t do as many patrols as we would like to. With more members, more patrols can be done.”
The group is currently on a membership drive and Lubinski shares that it is a fairly simple process to be involved. “You can start by contacting one of our members. You have to fill out an application. Ask the RCMP for a criminal check and once that comes back, we provide the training. New members will ride along with the existing members for two to three patrols to get a better understanding on how things are done before going out and working in pairs.”
The group is a non-profit organization and with the funds that they have raised, they have been able to support other organizations within Drumheller, like the Big Country Anti-Violence Association. “We invite anyone who might be interested, to come and talk to us. We have a meeting happening on Thursday, February 5th.” If you are interested in being involved, reach out to Gary Greaves at 403-823-0170 or reach out through their Facebook page.
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