Three Strathmore RCMP members recognized for service

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Three members of the Strathmore RCMP were recognized for their service during a ceremony held Oct. 8, in Didsbury. 

A total of 46 Alberta RCMP members were awarded with Long Service Awards, Commanding Officer Commendations and Certificates of Appreciation, Special Service awards, and a Chaplain of the Year.

“I think it represents the level of service of members that we have here, the level of experience that, particularly amongst our senior members have here, (and) the level of service that is provided to the community,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Wielgosz. 

“(It) reflects the quality of members that we have here providing service to the community and that in particular … I am very proud of that and including their capacity to provide that high level of service to our residents and surrounding communities.”

Corporal Clint Chisan was awarded the RCMP medal for long service and good conduct, and the Alberta Police Long Service Medal, both in recognition for 20 years of service. 

Chisan was noted to have served Strathmore and surrounding communities in a variety of capacities, with a focus on rural crime prevention for approximately 14 years. 

Corporal Wayne Goetz was also awarded the RCMP medal for long service and good conduct in recognition for his 20 years of service. He has served Strathmore and surrounding communities for five of those years. Goetz focuses on primacy of operations. 

Wielgosz was also recognized, being awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation in recognition of his role as a member of the Division Liaison Team during the Freedom Convoy protests and blockade near the Coutts border crossing in 2022.

He had been tasked to engage directly with multiple public groups involved in the demonstrations. Wielgosz is credited with aiding in the de-escalation of volatile and potentially violent situations, contributing to the peaceful resolution of the protests.

“I suppose it is nice to be recognized for the work that you do in communities, and particularly with large-scale events. Recognition is not something that any of our members set out to achieve or are looking for on their regular day-to-day service or for operational activities,” said Wielgosz. “Certainly, regardless of the amount of time that passed, it is still good, or at least positive, to see that there is some level of acknowledgement and recognition, and certainly speaking personally, I was very humbled to receive the nomination for the commendation itself.”

Within the last several years, Wielgosz added members of the Strathmore detachment have received several accolades, including King Charles Coronation medals, and Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee medals, as well as long service and good conduct medals.