Some members of the Board of Police Commissioners became emotional during the group’s recent meeting while discussing the upcoming retirement of the police service’s Victim Services co-ordinator and her facilities dog.
Mayor Fraser Tolmie, board chairman, choked up while introducing the topic during the June 8 meeting, prompting him to give the floor to Police Chief Rick Bourassa.
“I recognize that sentiment,” said Bourassa. “It’s a happy day but also a sad day.”
Donna Blondeau has been the Victim Services co-ordinator for the Moose Jaw region since 1994, and under her guidance, the program has met the needs of victims across the city and area, the police chief explained. Blondeau has decided to retire after more than 27 years and will finish in July.
Not only was Blondeau instrumental in developing the program, but she also helped incorporate a support canine program into the service delivery model, Bourassa continued. She brought forward the idea in 2014 to the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Moose Jaw Police Service about creating a trauma dog program. This vision came into effect in 2015 with the arrival of Kane following a rigorous selection and training program.
Kane will also be joining Blondeau in retirement once she hangs up her badge in July.
“Donna, we can’t thank you enough … you will be missed,” added Bourassa.
“It’s been a ride. I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people,” replied Blondeau, noting she enjoyed some of the activities in which she participated, such as furthering her education. She also received plenty of support from her colleagues.
Blondeau has appreciated receiving many compliments from residents who told her how much she and Kane touched their lives. Being able to help others and make a difference were reasons she took on the role.
In retirement, Blondeau plans to move further north to be closer to family.
Tolmie expressed his gratitude for his encounters with Blondeau and Kane, particularly when he met them in the parking lot behind city hall. The board chairman explained that Kane would come up to him in a gentle manner, which Tolmie believed reflected Blondeau’s passion for caring for the community.
“I’m going to miss the parking lot chats because I’d always know what level of stress I was at because that’s what Kane does; he gauges that stress, and I know if I was having a good day or a bad day,” Tolmie continued. “Honestly, that wouldn’t have happened with you. And the impact you’ve had on other people’s lives, including my own.”
The storybook that Blondeau created about Kane and his role with victim services — which made clear that the dog was a friend — is also something that Tolmie appreciated.
“Donna, you’re a friend of the city and we love you very much,” he added.
There is a second book about Kane coming out soon, Blondeau replied. It will be given to students in pre-kindergarten to Grade 4 in both school divisions.
Commissioner Mary Lee Booth also expressed her appreciation for the work of Blondeau and Kane.
“You should know you have made a great impact. Having Kane was great,” Booth added.
Terri Roney has been selected as the new victim services co-ordinator. The search continues for a new trauma dog.
The next Board of Police Commissioners meeting is Tuesday, July 13.
