Sirens, flashing lights and the unforgettable sound of rumbling motorcycles were heard June 6 as a motorcade made its way through Cochrane.
Or was it important at all?
Turns out, the lights and sirens that came along with the large motorcade through Cochrane were part of a large training session in conjunction with the Calgary Police Services and RCMP.
“We absolutely draw a lot of attention, especially with the lights and sirens,” said Greg Parr one of four officers with the RCMP protective services unit.
“This particular scenario was a simulation of a critical incident, which occurred in Calgary.
“We look after internationally protected people and what we’re doing today is a joint forces training day in conjunction with Calgary Police Service police escorts and our trained RCMP motorcade operators through the VIP program,” Parr said.
More than 20 vehicular units and more than 35 officers rolled into town, giving locals more than a head scratch and even had a few people worried.
“Did someone die? Is Stephen Harper in town?” said one onlooker.
For the joint unit known only as VIP, the training is an integral part of what they do. Timing is key, so planning for actual events is important.
“We’re just honing our skills so that when we actually have a guest, we know what we’re doing,” said Parr.
The VIP unit consisting of multiple armoured limos, motorcycles and squad cars took part in two full days of training in the special unit including real life scenarios such as physical threats.
For a high profile city like Calgary, RCMP said it’s important that they have the ability to handle changing circumstances at the drop of a hat and that will include much of the training they employ over the two days.
“The motorcycles do extensive training outside of these training days, but whenever we can get them all together and do something like this, it’s going to be beneficial,” said Parr.
From time to time Cochrane does get a visit from an important guest and if that day comes again when Cochrane see’s the flashing lights, Parr said not to worry, they’re not the bad guys.
“We have been through Cochrane before. We deal with all levels of visits that come through the province of Alberta and on occasion I think we’ve even had to stop for some ice cream here,” laughed Parr.
