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Police
The Town Police in Bonnyville
George Spring, 1960
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The first policeman of Bonnyville
town was Wilfrid Laplante. He attended conscienciously to
his duties but he was such a gentleman and diplomat that
he gained the cooperation of all concerned and the life
of a policeman with him seemed to roll along like a song.
He was followed by a young man by the name of McLaren who
did not seem to be attracted by the routine of his duties
and consequently, retained his position for only a short
time.
Another man came along by the name of Art Jones who was
appointed chief constable. He was a good policeman but he
was rather strict. His successors were in turn, Guy Marcotte
and Bernard Ouimet who are still remembered as popular men.
Towards the close of our historical period. Freeman Nicholson
was appointed town constable in 1957 and held the position
until 1972. He was a kindly man, but whenever he met oppostion
in the course of his duties, he was able, through his weight
and power, to add eloquence to his arguments.
Here, the first uniform worn by a police officer consisted
of a blue suit of clothes and a badge on his cap. Later,
the blue suit was changed for a khaki-coloured one. For
a vehicle he had at first a Pontiac car and then, a Volkswagen.
Later, the town Council bought a sedan delivery Ford which
served also as an ambulance for many years.
The town office was across the street from the Legion hall
and the police office was in the same building. The cases
that came up before the court were, in general, those of
break-ins by young kids and the abuse of alcoholic beverages.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Bonnyville Detachment was opened April 18, 1932 by Constable
C.E. Hay, Regimental Number 11593. Quarters were rented
from Mrs. Eva LaRivière and were located on LaPointe
Avenue. Though the Force does not maintain any of the records
of the Alberta Provincial Police, it would appear that the
A.P.P. had used this house for their detachment quarters.
The Alberta Provincial Police policed the province from
1917 to 1932 until it was absorbed by the Force in April
of 1932. About a year later, the detachment was moved to
a new building owned by Miss Bertha Ouimet on the corner
of Ouimet Avenue and Armandine Street. Within a very short
time, however, it became evident that more space was needed
for the detachment. The Dubord property on Main street was
considered but rejected. It was not until October 25, 1951
that the old quarters were vacated. The Force moved into
the newly constructed Federal Building on Main Street. By
1958, eleven rooms were being used by the Force and space
was once again at a premium. In October of 1964, it was
decided to enter into a build for lease arrangement with
Stiven Management Company Limited of Edmonton. A one storey
building consisting of offices, cellroom, single living
quarters for one man and an annexed three bedroom married
quarters was commenced on October 29, 1964 and occupied
March 1, 1965. In 1970 renovations were carried out to make
room for the new municipal detail. As of May 1, 1970 three
men were involved in municipal policing.
Click here to learn more about the Royal Canadien Mounted Police
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