Pubdate: Mon, 07 Mar 2005 Source: Clearwater Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Clearwater Times Contact: http://www.clearwatertimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1448 Author: Keith McNeill Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Rochfort+Bridge (Rochfort Bridge) THOSE WHO RISK ALL DESERVE OUR SUPPORT A Times editorial by Keith McNeill - We join the rest of the community in expressing our shock, sorrow, sympathy and support for the four young RCMP officers recently killed in Alberta, their families and their fellow members of the force. Police work can be a dangerous way to make a living. Certainly there are other jobs that statistically are more risky (hand-falling comes to mind), but there are few occupations in which the dangers can be so personal, sudden and unpredictable. There are also few jobs in which the risks are so closely tied to helping others, whether it's saving an individual in distress, or protecting society in general. Every day members of the local detachment stop vehicles on the highway. The officers follow procedures before approaching the stopped car or truck, but they still really never can tell what sort of a situation they are walking into. Similarly, the local police have taken down a number of major marijuana grow operations during the past few years, including one last fall that was located in a series of buried bunkers. The police have to deal with, on a regular basis, criminals, thugs and other people whom most of us would not invite into our homes. For the most part, they do this fairly, dispassionately and professionally. We sometimes hear that, in the RCMP, Canada has the best police force in the world. Having seen some of the world's other police forces in operation, we believe that statement may be true. They deserve our support in this time of trial. LATE NEWS FLASH Clearwater Chamber of Commerce president Sheena van Dyk informs us that Wells Grey Community Resource Society and Clearwater Secondary School will hold a Community Resource Day for Youth on Friday, March 11. The day is designed to provide youth with an awareness of the programs, services and career options available within the Clearwater area. If any businesses would like to profile themselves to the youth of CSS, they may do so free of charge. Information on your business may also be displayed for the Pow Wow at CSS on March 12 and 13. For more information or to register please contact Cheryl Thomas at 674-3260. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom