By Jenna Jensen and Cpl. Don Erichsen
The RCMP initiated, “Caught Being Good” community safety program began its first week of operation on September 9 when Cpl. D. Erichsen began a series of school talks and ‘enforcement activities’ designed to identify persons within the community of Fernie who are acting as positive role models to others in the community by demonstrating safe biking practices.
The program, which has been financially supported by Falkins Insurance, East Kootenay Insurance, the Toronto Dominion Bank, The Beanpod Chocolate Shop and the Fernie Chiropractic Clinic, offers young people an opportunity to have their name entered into a draw to win a new bike simply by being identified by a police officer as following bicycle safety laws and regulations.
McDonald’s and Dairy Queen have also agreed to participate in the youth program by providing vouchers for a free ice cream cone to youth who are awarded a ballot in order to ensure that everyone who is ‘Caught Being Good’ comes away a winner.
Cpl. Erichsen of the Elk Valley Detachment states that response to the program has been very positive and that already he has been observing changing habits among the biking populace of the community as word of the program spreads.
“I believe that community support and enthusiasm will only grow in the community, particularly with the unveiling of the adult prize package which will be given to one adult in the community who is found being a positive role model to youth,” he says. In addition to a gift certificate from The Brick House Restaurant and two day passes to the Fernie Alpine Resort, the Island Lake Lodge has thrown their support behind the program offering a nights stay complete with breakfast to the lucky winner.
The program will continue to run through October 10, 2011 in the community of Fernie.