On March 1, 2015 an awards ceremony was held by the Canadian Forces to acknowledge the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. Wollaston Lake RCMP and the RCMP North District, “F” Division, saw this as an opportunity to also recognize the hard work and dedication of this very important partner group and requested to participate.
Supt. Grant St. Germaine, “F” Division North District Commander, S/Sgt. Gordon Stewart and Wollaston Lake Detachment Commander Sgt. Jennifer Mateush, presented 27 members of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group with District Commander Commendation certificates.
“I want to thank the Canadian Ranger Patrol Group for their outstanding community service and valuable contributions. The RCMP would like to recognize the group for their service and dedication to their program and the support they have given to Wollaston Lake RCMP,” says Supt. St. Germaine. “In one of many situations, in October, 2014, four boaters became stranded on Wollaston Lake in very poor weather conditions. As a result of the Ranger Patrol Group’s response, the four individuals were located. Their action and commitment to the community resulted in a rescue and positive outcome in a potentially grave situation.”
“Living in a remote community is very unique. There are many aspects to the surrounding environment, including extensive areas of water and forest and temperatures can be extreme. I have personally worked with the Ranger Patrol Group many times. The group’s abilities and knowledge of the community and surrounding area is unmatched. This is our opportunity to say thank you,” says Sgt. Mateush.
A District Commander Commendation is presented to recognize outstanding work, appreciation and dedication to one’s service and community.
The Canadian Rangers are a sub-component of the Primary Reserve who are employed on national-security and public-safety missions in remote and sparsely inhabited regions of Canada. The 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group gets called upon regularly to provide assistance with ground search and rescue missions. Wollaston Lake Canadian Ranger Patrol is a First Nations Patrol from the Hatchet Lake Dene Band.
The community is located approx. 600 kilometers north of Prince Albert on the shore of Wollaston Lake which is the third largest lake in SK. Travel from the end of Highway #905 into the community is by barge in the summer and ice road in the winter.
