The third annual Humboldt Emergency Services Golf Tournament was another successful joint effort for Humboldt’s RCMP, Ambulance, and Fire services but it is also a sign of something more.
Sixty-eight members of the public and all three Humboldt based services made up 18 teams to take in 18 holes at the Humboldt Golf Club to raise money $1,100 for a local charity.
David Mortensen with Humboldt and District Ambulance Service says that while the numbers are down from last year, organizers are looking forward to the tournament continuing to catch on.
“We keep on getting great weather and great sponsors that come out...hopefully that will catch on and we see more and more. That’s what we’re trying to build.”
While it is a great opportunity to raise some money, this was also a chance for the members to have some fun together in the community in a non-emergency capacity.
“People get to see us all in a different light than we do on a day to day basis,” says Humboldt RCMP Staff Sergeant Adare Guest, “and we get to meet and visit with some local people that we may not get a chance to see.”
This is a big reason for putting in the tournament, says Mortensen, to give members a chance to get out in the community together and have some fun. It is not all doom and gloom, he says, and having the opportunity to spend time with the community is the best part of the day.
“We like to go out and have fun, too, we like to hang out with the community, and that’s what it really is about. We want to let them see us other than just when we’re at emergency calls.”
Mortensen says that seeing everyone have a good time while raising money for local charities makes all the work that goes into the tournament worthwhile.
Humboldt Fire Chief Mike Kwasnica says he does not know where this strong bond between the agencies came from, especially considering the unique RCMP member turnaround situation with members staying a short period of time. Even members who are new to the area adopt this strong bond, says Kwasnica.
“It’s been going on for quite a few years now and we just seem to work well together. Working well and playing well together helps us do our job together better.”
Guest says they are fortunate in Humboldt to have such a strong relationship between the different services and that speaks to the professionalism between the services.
“You can really notice it when we go and respond to calls for services in the community. I don’t want to say it’s seamless but when things are smooth between the agencies it tends to go smoother at the scenes.”
While there was still a full RCMP detachment keeping watch over Humboldt, Guest says they are had good representation from the RCMP out on the golf course with around 15 members from Humboldt and neighbouring detachments out golfing for a cause.
Guest, Mortensen, and Kwasnica say that the support they received from the community by way of golfers and prizes were also very much appreciated.
“Without all those people, this never happens,” says Mortensen.
Organizers will decide at a later date where the funds raised will go but it will be staying in Humboldt and area going to local organizations.
