The grand opening of the new 100 Mile House RCMP Detachment on May 7 was a resounding success, says Staff/Sgt. Blake Ward.
"It was a very satisfying day, weather was fabulous, and a great turnout. We had more than 400 people attend the event."
The day began with a symbolic march by RCMP members who made an impressive sight in their red serge coming from the old detachment on Alpine Avenue to the new building.
"The ceremony went well, aside from a glitch in the sound system. The [Rocky Mountain Rangers Royal Canadian Army Cadets Corps 2887] did a fabulous job as the honour guard," Ward says, adding the cadets also provided excellent security.
"We had Canim Lake Band members performing and students from 100 Mile House Elementary School sing O Canada in both French and English."
The day included speeches from dignitaries. Local Crime Stoppers members cooked buffalo burgers and hotdogs.
There was a cake-cutting ceremony and area residents had an opportunity to take guided tours of the new Detachment.
"I was really pleased, and surprised how many people wanted to take a tour. There were lineups all day.
"They really enjoyed the new technology of our building, including what we use for investigations."
Ward notes another big hit for those gathered at the open house was checking out the police cruisers and ATVs the RCMP use during their day-to-day work protecting 100 Mile House and the surrounding area.
He adds it wasn't just the children who enjoyed the lights and sirens.
"The best thing of the whole day was watching the interactions with the public and the members.
"The members were relaxed and smiling all day. It was great to see and very important for our members to be seen in such a positive way."