HOWARD, D.L. (Debbie)

Regimental Number: 2nd Man/2e homme 1981

Pillar Location: Pillar VII - 7 (Plaque 22)

Troop Number and Year: 1981

2nd Man Story

My story with the RCMP began in 1981 when I married Cst. Eric Howard.

Our first posting was Vermilion, Alberta. Being newly married, not working and, no children I was available to help with female escorts to the Remand Centre in Edmonton. I also accompanied Eric and sometimes his Sergeant when they wanted to do some surveillance on local drug dealers. Who would suspect a couple of guys and a pregnant lady of anything?

After a year in Vermilion we were transferred to the NWT and Nunavut. Eskimo Point (now Arviat, Nunavut) was a 2 man detachment. Often it was a one man detachment when one member was away on vacation or courses. While there, I became the clerical help. Often filing, answering the phone in our home and cleaning the office. While there, we had a spring storm and Eric had to go out on the land with the local men to find people lost in the storm. As our Corporal and family were on vacation it became my responsibility to watch the detachment and answer the calls, and radio Eric with updates. It was so wonderful to see the tiny town come together in an effort to find and bring everyone home safely.

We were then transferred to Rankin Inlet. The detachment in Rankin Inlet was responsible for many outlying communities. Eric was called to Chesterfield Inlet and myself (8 months pregnant) and our 2 ½ year old son were able to accompany him. We flew to Chesterfield with the thought we may be there for one night. The satellite detachment was an ATCO trailer. At one end of the trailer was a cell. Outside of the cell was a kitchenette and office nook. The other end of the trailer held 2 sets of bunks and a bathroom. Eric found the young person he was looking for the evening we arrived and brought him to the cell. He stayed up all night to do the prisoner checks. Unfortunately, the next morning a storm rolled in and we were storm stayed for 3 days. Eric was not able to guard the prisoner for 3 days and nights by himself so, the day shift became mine. It was quite the adventure! The boy had no place to go; he was being shunned by the community because he had been in trouble before. I just opened the cell door and let my little fellow play in the cell with the boy and had him come to the kitchen for his meals.

Upon our return to Rankin Inlet from Chesterfield Inlet I travelled south to deliver our second child. I delivered in my home town of Innisfail. AB., as we (RCMP wives) were not allowed to remain in the northern community to have our babies at the time.

Once we transferred back to Alberta, I was not required to guard or do prisoner escorts but, I still was called upon to help out at times. Eric became a MEAP Volunteer and then Co-ordinator. I would sometimes accompany him when he had to deliver news to a spouse. Those were always difficult times.

Because of Eric’s trust in me, our marriage was strong and a true partnership. I would not have changed a thing!

Submitted 8 September 2024

Divisions Served: K, G, V

Pillar Location: Pillar VII - 7 (Plaque 22)

Regimental Number: 2nd Man/2e homme 1981

Troop Number and Year: 1981

Home Town: Innisfail. AB

Engagement Date: 1981