After 30 years of service with the RCMP in six different detachments, Sgt. Jim Lank has come to consider Sundre home and has no intention of riding off into the sunset following his impending retirement.
The local top cop was recently recognized for his dedication to serving the public during the inaugural Sundre Tri-Services Regimental Ball, which celebrated emergency responders while raising funds for Sundre Citizens on Patrol Association, Chinook Arch Victim’s Services Society as well as the Sundre Volunteer Search and Rescue Society.
“I’m retiring from this job but I’m staying here,” Lank said to a crowd of about 150 people who on May 5 attended the semi-formal event at the Sundre Community Centre, adding he plans to build a little house along the James River.
As a committed member of organizations such as citizens on patrol as well as search and rescue, Lank expressed a desire to continue contributing to those initiatives any way he can.
“I am still going to stay very rooted and involved in the community.”
Before sharing some thoughts, the sergeant was introduced and invited to the podium by Mayor Terry Leslie, who presented Lank with a plaque in recognition of the officer’s steadfast service to Sundre.
“I’d like to speak for a few minutes about someone who joined the RCMP in 1988,” the mayor said.
“Someone who worked on emergency response teams in Canada for 15 years. Someone who has past experience working with First Nations people in their communities. Someone who has worked with groups like Santas Anonymous, Greenwood Neighbourhood Place, been the RCMP liaison for Sundre Search and Rescue, and for the SPOG mutual aid committee, hosted bike rodeos for kids, assisted in the coordination with elder abuse community response committee in our community, coaches any number of sports, and someone who saw the vision of the rebirth of the Sundre Citizens on Patrol organization.”
The mayor praised Lank’s passion not only for police work but for Sundre as well.
“He’s poured countless hours of his own personal time into our community,” he said.
“In every community he has lived in, his commitment as a professional volunteer always seeking to improve his community is appreciated more than words can express.”
The regimental ball was initially conceived and largely spearheaded by the sergeant as an opportunity to bring people together to celebrate and be grateful for the selfless dedication of those who work or volunteer to help keep their communities safe, he said, calling Lank to the podium as a lengthy standing ovation ensued.
Before passing over the microphone, the mayor expressed a few final words of appreciation.
“Thank you for the priceless gift of peace of mind while we sleep and for your commitment and contributions to the policing services of our community. James Lank, you truly are a hero and a credit to your profession.”
Recounting the span of his 30-year-long career, the sergeant said he was first assigned to Sundre from 1998 to 2006 as a constable and knew right from then that he would, given the opportunity, not hesitate for a moment to return after his retirement or as his last post.
“As it turns out, it’s my last post. The opportunity presented itself in 2014 to come back as the detachment commander, and I didn’t have to think twice about it.”
At the time serving in Maskwacis, formerly known as Hobbema, Lank said he put his name in for the position in Sundre as soon as it became available.
“I was most fortunate to get it so I was very happy about that,” he said.
“Sundre’s always been close to my heart.”
This community has been a great place to not only work in policing, but also to live in and enjoy establishing and building relationships with people both on and off duty, he said, adding that Sundre remains a favourite for him and his family after 30 years of service with the RCMP.
“It’s been an awesome experience here.”
Switching gears to a more serious note about increasing rates of property crime, the sergeant said the issue has been a problem throughout the province.
“It’s not just Sundre, it’s all over Alberta and I want people to know that.”
Police agencies employ a variety of strategic measures to mitigate crime including public education campaigns as well as mobilizing communities through programs such as citizens on patrol, he said.
“It is a community effort, we can’t do it alone.”
Yet there are other places that have endured far worse issues with crime, he said.
“Despite the fact that we’ve had significant increases in property crime, there are other communities that are suffering a whole lot worse than we are.”
All things considered, Sundre remains a great place to call home, he said.
“We have a very good community, and I can speak to that from personal experience.”
He encouraged everyone to have faith and that, as a community working together, Sundre will work through the crime issue.
“We still have a beautiful, beautiful community. That’s why I came back.”
After 30 years with the RCMP, Lank plans to turn over a new leaf and start a fresh chapter as a private sector security consultant.
Serving has been an honour, especially the last three and a half years as the commander of Sundre’s detachment, he said.
“Thank you so much for giving me the privilege to be a part of this community,” said Lank, winding up his address.
“I look forward to the rest of my years living here and enjoying the area and the people."
