LABELLE, R.F. (Russell)
The Gallery
The Nameplates
Troop Number and Year: TR. 4 1965/66
The Bricks
The Stories
I was sworn into the RCMP in October 1965 in Vancouver, BC, and took my nine months of Recruit Training at “N” Division, in Rockcliffe, ON. Equitation was still part of the training syllabus. I graduated in June 1966 and was posted to A" Division Protective Sub/Division in Ottawa, ON. Duties included patrolling Parliament Hill Detachment, Alarms, patrolling Federal Government buildings and parks as well as Security at the Bank of Canada.
In the fall of 1967, I was transferred back to “N” Division; this time as a member of the 1968-1969 Musical Ride. In 1968 we toured the Midwest United States, by bus, horse truck and railway, ending up in Washington D.C. From there we flew the horses (for the first time) to our final performances in Hamilton, Bermuda. In 1969 we flew the horses for the second time, this time by KLM Airlines, to London, England for a tour of England, Wales & Scotland. We performed at Agriculture Exhibitions and major Military Tattoos and of course, a major highlight was presenting PSH Burmese to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
In September 1969, I was transferred to "K" Division and posted to Innisfail, AB. In February 1970, I was posted to Coronation, AB. Nine months later, in October 1970, I was transferred to Stettler, AB.
On May 1st, 1971, I married Rosemary Phillips, an Australian nurse, whom I met back in Innisfail.
In July 1975, I was promoted to Corporal and transferred to Valleyview, AB. and in June 1978, we transferred Lake Louise AB. In March 1980, I was Promoted to Sergeant and transferred to CPIC in Regina, SK. In July 1983 we were transferred back to "K" Division, where I was the Operational NCO at Bonnyville, AB. In August of 1986, I promoted to S/Sgt. at Bonnyville Detachment as NCO I/C. Two years later, in July of 1988, we transferred to "G" Division, at Yellowknife, NWT, where I served as Subdivision NCO. In August 1989 we took our final transfer, to I/C Yellowknife Detachment. One year later, in August 1990, with 25 years service, I retired to pension.
I did not stop working, however. Instead, I began a new career when I was hired by the City of Naniamo, BC, where I stayed for eleven years in various capacities, including Manager of Bylaw Services, Human Resources Officer and Municipal Manager at the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment.
From 2001-2006 we lived in Australia, then returned to Canada in 2006 and settled down on Gabriola Island in British Columbia.
Story Submitted by Russ LaBelle
June 17, 2025
Divisions Served: A, N, K, F, G
Medals and Honours: RCMP Long Service Medal
Regimental Number: #24267
Training Division: "N" Div.
Troop Number and Year: TR. 4 1965/66
Home Town: Vancouver, BC
Engagement Date: Oct 20, 1965