Father, son join forces, RCMP - style

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When Alex Courtorielle tells his son Shayne about the joys and hardships of Shayne's choice of careers, he knows what he's talking about. Alex is a constable with the RCMP detachment in Slave Lake. And for the summer, his 18-year-old son will also be his partner in crime-fighting.

What better Father's Day gift?

Alex admits he's very pleased and proud that Shayne might -- some day -- follow in his footsteps and mount up for the Royal Reds.

"Part of my goal when I went into the RCMP was to set an example for my sons to follow," he said. Now Shayne, the eldest of three boys, is a special constable, part of the Aboriginal Summer Student Program. As such, he's empowered to carry out most of the duties of a regular member. He wears the uniform, he does the job. The only thing that's missing is his side-arm

The two-year-old program promoted by the RCMP's K-Division in Edmonton invites interested aboriginal students to try the Royal Reds on for size. They're sent to a week-long crash course in policing at the RCMP training depot in Regina. Then, they're sent to work in their home detachments for the summer.

Shayne said he first heard about the program from a friend at Augustana University College in Camrose, where he's going into the second year of a degree course, majoring in Sociology.

"My friend did it last year, and said it was quite an experience," said Shayne.

So when someone from K-Division in Edmonton asked him if he knew anyone who might be interested in the summer program, Alex didn't hesitate.

"I had heard about the program, but I never thought we'd get it out in Slave Lake."

Alex helped.

"I put the bug in Shayne's head," he admitted sheepishly.

Applications and interviews took place last January. Finally the younger Courtorielle got word he'd been accepted into the program. In May, he went to depot to learn everything from note-taking to investigations, from self-defense to the powers of arrest. In short, he got six month's worth in training in two hectic weeks.

The two Courtorielles now ride together on a regular basis - something Slave Lake staff sergeant Lance Steward said is relatively unheard of.

Alex was born and raised in Slave Lake and joined the Royal Reds about five years ago. He was a Special Constable first but soon decided to opt for full constable status. As a result he stood in line for a transfer, which came through earlier this spring. He'll move to the Pincher Creek detachment some time this summer.

When Alex joined the RCMP, his dream was that one of his sons would eventually decide to mount up. This is just a first step, but Shayne hopes to follow through. He'll fill out his application to become a permanent member in September when he turns 19.

"I wanted to do this even before (dad) joined up. I just wanted to do it ever since

I was a little kid."

Being an active part of the force is impressive, said Shayne shortly after his first week of duty in Slave Lake. He's done everything from check-stops to bike safety programs to investigations and working on files. He even talked to the students at Roland Michener High School in Slave Lake.

That, admitted Shayne, was a little unnerving. Walking into the halls where he'd completed his high school less than two years earlier felt a little strange.

Alex smiles knowingly. He grew up in this small town and was well into his twenties when he decided to join the force.

"He'll have to accept being treated differently because he's in uniform," said the elder Courtorielle.

In fact, he added, Shayne will have to get used to "seeing a new side to some old faces".