2014 Pincher Creek Regimental Community Charity Ball

Pincher Creek Detachment Sgt. Randy Dixon and PCES Chief David Cox

Toni Lucas
Photos by T. Lucas, C. Davis, and a number of people who borrowed our cameras.

Pincher Creek RCMP and Pincher Creek Emergency Services (PCES) united to host a Regimental Community Charity Ball on Friday evening, October 3.  Over 220 people attended the event, Friday, including many from various services and related branches, dignitaries, and citizens looking to enjoy a formal evening. The evening's schedule was packed  from beginning to end,  making for a time of formality, dignity, good food, and fun.  The event was also a fundraiser, with the attendees deciding which charity the funds raised were to go to.

This was a formal event with a sea of red serge and other uniforms offset by stunning gowns and formal wear. Many attendees commented that it was nice to see everyone dressed up in their finery.

EMT Michelle Stuart and Cst. Sokoloski

RCMP Constable Doug Sokoloski and EMT Michelle Stuart were the MCs for the evening. The dance at the end of the evening featured Lethbridge cover band The Chevelles.  The Lethbridge Firefighters Pipe and Drum Band piped in the dignitaries and added a lot of flair throughout the evening, even playing one AC/DC song with the Chevelles.  Constable Sokoloski also sat in for a few tunes.

Lethbridge Firefighters Pipe and Drum Band

"We are going to see some of the Regimental Protocols and Policies this evening," said Cst. Sokoloski in his remarks to the crowd.  The leader of the Pipe Band was ceremonially paid with a shot of scotch, presented by RCMP Pincher Creek Detachment Commander Sgt. Randy Dixon.  Cst. Jason Fichtner said grace before the meal.

Cowley Lions Diane Bowen Oczkowski and Tracy Glen

A table set for one was to honour those that have fallen, appropriate as the hosts of the ball frequently risk their lives in the service of the public. There were formal toasts, prayers, and speeches. One wall was lined with silent auction items, a photo booth offered personal mementos, and various organizations in town helped to have the evening run smoothly. Cowley Lions Diane Bowen-Oczkowsi and Tracy Glen checked coats, Citizens On Patrol provided security, and the Pincher Creek Legion offered a shuttle service for the evening.

 "I really want to thank all of our members that created what happens here tonight," said PCES Chief Dave Cox.  "Thanks everyone who attended, I know that some came a long way," said Pincher Creek Detachment Sgt. Dixon. "There have been so many people that assisted to make this night special."

Brian and Lauraine Hammond

"I have never seen so many beautiful people, and so much red in the same room at the same time, for a long time," said Reeve Brian Hammond during his speech.  He thanked the Pincher Creek RCMP Detachment and EMS and Fire Department "For reaching out to our community in a community service role." He talked of the symbolism of the red serge uniforms, saying "It first came to mean the presence of law and order and civil authority." He addressed the history of the North West Mounted Police that became the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. "The serge uniform remains a key symbol of the Canadian identity."

Town Councillors Tammy Rubbelke and Lorne Jackson

"I would like to thank you all, the RCMP, and Pincher Creek Emergency Services on behalf of the citizens and the Town of Pincher Creek," said Town Councillor Tammy Rubbelke during her speech. Recently she attended a Alberta Urban Municipalities Association volunteer fire department dedication meeting. "I had the great pleasure of talking to many of these young men and women that serve their communities throughout Alberta. All I could tell them was thank you." Speaking to to those that serve Pincher Creek and area she said "Your dedication to your community, to the people you serve, will serve you throughout history much better than any negative you could ever hear. Our communities are safe because of what you do. We appreciate that."

K Division Inspector Glenn De Goeij

"It is my pleasure to be here, and bring greetings," said RCMP K Division Inspector Glenn De Goeij. "I have got 34 years of service in the RCMP. Who here that is a member of the RCMP is born after 1980?" Many hands reached up in reply. "After the March West, but before you were born....I had the privilege of being what I call chosen. The RCMP is a calling that people have, as is Emergency Services. These are vital services where we work together to protect the community that we so proudly serve." He had the spouses and family of members stand and be recognized for all that they do being the support to the individuals that support the community.  He also raised the mirth level of the event considerably with his friendly roasting of a certain Cst. "Talkalotski".  He spoke of the work that has to happen for one evneing of formality and fun.  "I can tell you that I have organized many, many Regimental Balls at various locations in the Province of Alberta," he said, in respect of the huge amount of work that is required to put on an event of this size, applauding the planning and work of the volunteers.

Lt. Commander Pierre Comeau

"I spent a career as a military lawyer serving for the Judge Advocate General's Office of the Canadian Forces," said Lt. Commander Pierre Comeau (retired), who was wearing his formal officer's mess kit. "When nations and populations are threatened by the actions of others, and the force of argument fails, then the only solution left at times is the argument of force." He spoke of Afghanistan after 9/11. "Few know that war is actually highly regulated. Where there are regulations, there are, of course lawyers, even on the battlefield." He said that he was sent to Afghanistan and 2008-2009. He has been asked 'Is it all worth it?'.   He compared the timelines of European conflicts that were trying to achieve various human rights from the 15th century when the Holy inquisitions were going on in Europe to women being be recognized as people with a right to vote and own property.    "Than you can conclude the same about our mission in Afghanistan, because we did just that in about 10 years. Your darn right it was worth it. What we accomplished in a decade is what took 500 years in the civilized world."

Auxiliary Cst. Mel Massini

Auxiliary Cst. Mel Massini is the longest serving RCMP Auxiliary Constable in the Province of Alberta, with 36 years of service. He led the Loyalty Toast to the Queen.

Cst. Sokoloski reminded the crowd that the RCMP started in 1874. "Our tradition has always included building partners and strong relationships in the communities that we live and protect."

Cst. Adam Taylor

Constable Adam Taylor did the toast to the force. He talked about a legendary member of the force during the era of prohibition know as Sub-Constable Doug Talkalotski...

After the formalities were over, people hit the dance floor, and door prizes were given out later in the evening.

Photog Jessica Maunsell

Throughout the evening photographer Jessica Maunsell took numerous pictures, both candid and posed.

The last RCMP Ball was held in Pincher Creek 11 years ago, and would not have happened now without the work of committee members Doug Sokoloski, Kim Lissel, Cpl. Jeff Feist, Kate Feist, Sgt. Randy Dixon, Deputy Chief Pat Neumann, Debbie Manley, Michelle Stuart and Nigel Whittington.

At each table there were slips to write in a preferred charity of choice, with three strong contenders. However, as of Thursday, October 9 the charity chosen and final tally of funds raised was not available but will be announced soon.