The Kamloops RCMP held its annual barbecue on Wednesday to thank its members and staff (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

APPRECIATION BBQ

Kamloops RCMP hold appreciation BBQ in midst of ‘really tough year’

Jun 12, 2019 | 8:48 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops RCMP served up burgers and hot dogs to its members and staff, as well as other first responders, at its annual appreciation barbecue at the local detachment on Battle Street.

Supt. Syd Lecky says the barbecue commemorates what has been a stressful year for everyone with multiple gang-related incidents in the city.

“This is an annual event, but this year has special meaning for us because we’ve had a really tough year,” noted Lecky. “Not only for our members, but for our civilian staff as well. We all play a role in getting the police service delivered to our community, and I’ve got to tell you this was a tough year.”

In January, most notably, the Kamloops RCMP was on hands on deck when two men were gunned down at separate hotels.

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Deputy mayor Bill Sarai, who was one of many council members and staff on hand at Wednesday’s barbecue, acknowledges the RCMP has been taxed in the last year.

“This last year has been very heavy on them. Work-wise, they were doing 24-hour shifts without any rest. There was no relief coming in,” said Sarai, referring to the shootings on January 23 and the fallout from the incidents. “And the relief that was coming in was dealing with the shootings and the gang violence. It was one after another. Before that, it was issues our city was facing.”

Lecky, who was helping to flip burgers on Wednesday in the back parking lot of the detachment, says it’s nice to be able to interact and thank everyone for their efforts.

“To have an opportunity to talk with community members and have the appreciation from the city representing our community, to let our employees know they are appreciated,” said Lecky. “They really are grateful for what’s happened today. A lot of people it took to get this show on the road, and there’s a lot of gratitude there because I didn’t have to do as much heavy lifting as you might think.”