In recognition of its 125 years of service to the people of Saskatchewan, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police "Depot" Division will be honoured by the University of Regina on November 24. At a public ceremony to be held that evening, University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Vianne Timmons will present Assistant Commissioner Roger L. Brown, Commanding Officer of "Depot" Division, with the inaugural President's Community Award.

The President's Community Award was created this year in keeping with the University's commitment to serve the provincial community and to recognize those who have a strong history of working to better the lives of others in Saskatchewan. It honours individuals or organizations whose values, history of service to Saskatchewan and concern for communities have made a lasting impact on the province.

"Few organizations in Saskatchewan - let alone in Canada - have such a long and distinguished history of public service as ‘Depot' Division does," says President Timmons. "Over the past 125 years ‘Depot' Division has become part of our cultural landscape, and more importantly, it has helped train generations of police officers who continue to serve the public with integrity and courage in Saskatchewan, across Canada, and even beyond our national borders."

"As the sole basic training facility for the RCMP since 1885, we have the responsibility of training cadets to not only rise to the challenges of modern-day policing, but also to work and live according to the principles of community policing," states Assistant Commissioner Brown. "This award reminds us that our graduates have improved and continue to improve the lives of others by becoming active members of their communities and by making tangible contributions to society as a whole. We will continue to ensure that the Force's future members serve in a manner worthy of those who came before and those who will follow in their footsteps."

Brown adds, "I am honoured to accept this award on the behalf of the entire Depot community. We are humbled by this gesture. It will serve as a constant reminder of the value and of the importance of community service in the context of policing."

At the award ceremony, which will be attended by His Honour Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon Barnhart as well as representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Government of Canada and the City of Regina, Assistant Commissioner Brown will present a public lecture on "Depot" Division's history in the province. The ceremony and public lecture, which are open to the public at no charge, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Rotunda of the Terrace Building at 10 Research Drive. Complimentary parking is available at Innovation Place in Lot B and at meters.