COCHRANE— Recognizing years of dedicated service, a Cochranite was awarded for his significant volunteer efforts with the RCMP outside of the Cochrane detachment on Friday (Aug. 6).
Inspector Dave Brunner and Cpl. Troy Savinkoff presented Robert Wambold, a member of the RCMP Auxiliary Program, with a plaque to commemorate over 10 years of service to the province and program, especially with search and rescue operations.
“We’re extremely appreciative,” said Savinkoff while handing over the plaque. “It’s funny, we actually rely on you quite a bit, especially when it comes to the GPS stuff.
“We’re extremely thankful for all the volunteering that you’ve done.”
In addition to the program, Wambold also serves as volunteer logistics director and search manager for Cochrane Search and Rescue, where he plans, coordinates, and oversees search and rescue operations. He also volunteers with Calgary Search and Rescue, where he previously served as president of the organization.
Some of his accomplishments include designing and implementing a new radio communications system that allows live tracking of Search and Rescue teams, as well as instructing other members about GPS use and radio communications.
His volunteer efforts over the past decade have not gone unnoticed by the province. He received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General of Canada in 2017 and Alberta Emergency Services Medal in 2016 from the Alberta Office of the Fire Commissioner
Formerly named the RCMP Auxiliary Constable Program, the RCMP Auxiliary Program is volunteer-based and meant to enhance RCMP service to communities, allowing opportunities for citizens to participate in community policing, crime prevention and public safety activities with an organized approach.
In 2016 the program was reported to consist of about 1,500 volunteers across all provinces and territories, except Nunavut, since its inception in 1963.
In an evaluation report from December 2020, the RCMP National Program Evaluation Services found although some changes are necessary, there is a continued need for the Auxiliary Program as “it addresses gaps in RCMP services, and plays a unique role within the suite of programs available to support RCMP community policing objectives.”
