AWLE President
Greetings, and welcome to our website!
This year marks the 40th anniversary of women as members in the RCMP. There are several celebrations planned to commemorate the contributions that women have made since 1974 when we were first sworn in as RCMP regular members. In all facets of policing women have made substantial contributions and continue to excel in this challenging and rewarding career.
The tragic events that occurred recently in Moncton underline just how dangerous a policing career can be and how quickly a situation can turn into a disaster. The AWLE has made a donation to the Fallen RCMP Members Fund in support of the families of Cst. Dave Ross, Cst. Doug Larche, and Cst. Fabrice Gevaudan, the members who were killed on duty. We wish good health to injured members Cst. Darlene Goguen and Cst. Eric Dubois.
Plans are progressing for this year’s AWLE conference that will be held in Saint John, NB from October 7-10. Co-chairs Cst. Gillian Holden of the J Division RCMP and Cst. Katie Roy of the Saint John Police and their committee have selected the theme “Healthy Heroes Helping Others” and have several interesting speakers and sessions planned. The keynote speaker is Chief Leanne Fitch of Fredericton Police Force, a longtime AWLE member and former executive member. We hope you’re able to attend and participate. More information regarding the conference can be found in the conference section.
The International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Conference will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba from September 28-October 2 and will focus on issues of law enforcement and human rights. The theme of the conference is “The Strength of Many -Embracing Human Rights” and the keynote address will be given by the Right Honorable Michaelle Jean, former Governor General. For more information check out their website www.iawp2014.org.
This is my last President’s Report for the website. I retired from the RCMP after 25 years of service and at the next conference will also retire as President of AWLE. I joined the executive in 2004 and have been President since 2007. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the executive and my involvement in such a unique and professional association. It has enhanced both my career and my personal life and I will miss it.
I look forward to seeing you all at the conference in Saint John! Stay safe!
Paula Raymond
AWLE President
paula.raymond@hotmail.com