Mountie memories: Morinville Detachment and Sturgeon Victim Services celebrate RCMP’s150th Anniversary 

by Stephen Dafoe 
 
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Morinville Detachment and Sturgeon Victim
Services (SVS) united their efforts on Saturday, Sept. 16, for an afternoon barbecue and open
house to recognize the RCMP’s 150th anniversary and SVS’s partnership in assisting them and
the community for many years. 
The four-hour event was well attended throughout the day and gave area residents the
opportunity to enjoy some barbecue food and snacks, speak with members, and take a close
look at some of the detachment’s vehicles.  
Sturgeon Victim Services, RCMP, and Morinville Enforcement Services all had displays and
personnel on hand.  Additionally, there was a bit of Red Serge on display with an appearance
from Safety Bear and Constable Cole Mccaugherty in the traditional RCMP uniform.  
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2023, marking a
century and a half of dedicated service to Canada. Established on May 23, 1873, the RCMP has
played a pivotal role in maintaining law and order, upholding justice, and ensuring the safety
and security of the nation. 
Staff Sergeant Chris Palfy, who swapped his normal duties to grill burgers on Saturday, said it
was a great day.  
“We’re celebrating 150 years of the RCMP in Canada. There are lots of celebrations going on
throughout the province, and we’re proud to be here and proud to serve our community,” Palfy
said.  
The Staff Sergeant, who has called the Morinville RCMP Detachment home since March of
2018, is scheduled to retire on Nov. 14, with his last day in the office on Oct. 13. 
“I’ve done 26 years. Morinville, I can say, has been the highlight of my career,” he said. “I’ve
loved every moment of it, but it’s time to move on to something else.” 
Palfy said in his time in Morinville, he feels that his focus has been on delivering better service
to the community and helping his fellow officers when they are struggling with mental health or
medical issues.  
The staff sergeant said the RCMP’s relationship with Sturgeon Victim Services is instrumental in
their work. 
“I don’t think we’d be able to do what we do without them,” Palfy said. “Absolutely fantastic
bunch of people. Their only speed is give, give, give.” 
Sturgeon Victim Services is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting and
assisting victims of crime and trauma in the Sturgeon County region. Their mission is to
empower individuals who have experienced crime or traumatic events by offering emotional
support, practical guidance, and access to resources that can help them cope and recover. 
SVS Executive Director Lis Melvin said she and SVS were pleased to participate in the
anniversary event. “This is a big deal because it is celebrating partnerships between the RCMP,
Peace Officers, Victim Services and the community,” Melvin said. “Together, this is how we
make a safer community.” 

Outside Morinville, many detachments held celebrations. Redwater held one earlier this year,
and The Alberta RCMP and the Edmonton Corn Maze held an RCMP Day at the Maze event on
Saturday, Sept. 16, as well.  
This year’s maze was shaped like a Mountie saluting. Additionally, the Alberta RCMP’s Police
Dog Services and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drones) were demonstrated at the event. 
Those interested in learning more about the RCMP’s 150th can visit www.rcmp-
grc.gc.ca/rcmp150.