Teamwork is key when it comes to keeping the community safe.
For Cpl. Mike Garton with the Stonewall RCMP, one of the highlights 2023 was being able to work with other police officers who have the same goals in mind.
“Several calls for service that I attended were successful due to the teamwork amongst the RCMP members,” he said.
“I am proud to work alongside these members that are out day and night to keep Stonewall and surrounding communities safe.”
At the same time, the RCMP members face many challenges, such as dealing with property crime.
“The Stonewall area has been hit hard by property crime over the last several months. Detachment members have been able to arrest and charge numerous individuals responsible for these crimes and are continuing to find ways to curb this type of crime in our area,” he said.
“I want to continue to make stopping the property crime a priority. Also, I would like to increase patrols in the other communities in the Stonewall RCMP service area.”
Coming up in 2024, Garton is looking forward to another fun-filled Quarry Days weekend.
“Quarry Days is always the main event in the summer in Stonewall,” he said. “We will have extra resources in the area during this time to help make the event fun and safe for everyone.”
At the same time, Garton offers a few more tips for keeping safe and well in the new year ahead.
“Unfortunately, in my career I have seen a lot of tragedy in a variety of circumstances such motor vehicle accidents, drug overdoses, suicides and mental health crisis,” he said.
“I have learned to always wear my seatbelt, look both ways when approaching an intersection or a green light, reach out to a friend or family member when you are experiencing a mental health crisis — and always end your interactions with people on a positive note. These are some of the main lessons I have learned during my career.”
Community members are reminded to call RCMP dispatch 24/7 at 204-467-5591 if they need to report an emergency.
