ROBERTSON, D.S.R. (Darrell Stuart)

Regimental Number: #36653

Pillar Location: N/A

Troop Number and Year: TR. 27 1980/81

Location: "B" Block Rt of Ctr

At 24 years of age my career began in 1978 as an Auxiliary Cst. with the RCMP in Duncan, B.C.

In 1981, married with a 4-year-old daughter, I was enlisted at Victoria B.C. as a Regular member and posted to Depot, Regina, SK. (27 Troop 80-81). Being a west coast boy, it took time to climatize to the Regina winters having arrived in January. Becoming accustomed to sleeping in a 32-man dormitory and not at home took time.

Following Depot, I was fortunate to have been posted to Kamsack, SK. It is a community wrapped in cultural diversity where I was able to develop my skills over the next 5 years with the indigenous culture, as well as the community which has a predominantly Russian and Ukrainian background.

Our next move to "The Battlefords" afforded me the opportunity to work in the largest detachment in "F" Division. There I gained valuable experience working with a large indigenous population while on Municipal, GIS and Rural units.

During 1989, while at The Battlefords, I was seconded with 99 other members as part of a United Nations Peacekeeping team for duties in the African country of S.W. Africa, now Namibia. It was the first time the RCMP had engaged in such duties. During my tenure there I was initially assigned the position of Administration Officer for the Ombalantu Station with 60 police officers from a variety of countries. Later in the mission, performing as a Patrol leader working with police officers from 12 different countries, my duties included implementing patrols to local communities neighboring the Angolan border, monitoring the outgoing South African police force and ensuring free and fair elections.

Following what was then identified as the most successful UN mission to date, I returned home in April 1990, and Maple Creek, SK., a ranching community, was the next posting. It was a fantastic pro-police community with great people and the local ranchers included RCMP members in ranching life. Attending brandings, round ups and other social events added to the most positive of experiences.  All three of my locations in "F" Division were historically significant to the Force and being a part of it was extremely rewarding for myself and family.

In 1995 I accepted a transfer to Rae-Edzo, (Behchoko) a small "Dogrib" community in "G" Div. on the shores of Marion Lake. The transfer of personnel from the location allowed me the opportunity to be directly involved in the day-to-day management of the Detachment. I served for 18 months in an acting capacity both as the Operations NCO and the Sgt. Det. Commander. The Tli Cho First Nations  community was undergoing an economic boom due to the development of the Canadian diamond industry resulting in wealth to the community. Policing in general and the north can be difficult on family life and, with my daughter off to university, it was at this location that my wife decided to depart, and I once again became a single man.

In 1998 with a desire to be involved in Arctic Policing I moved further north to the community of Inuvik. Driving the Yukon and up the Dempster Highway I experienced yet another beautiful part of our vast country. Inuvik was a busy policing location where I worked with Inuvialuit and Gwich'in populations. This fostered learning about and allowed for participating in their cultures. I was afforded many opportunities policing the north; Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk and Inuvik were temporary postings that will forever be in my memory. Travel on the MacKenzie River and beyond imprinted in my memories. It was in Inuvik that I met my soul mate, Wendy and her daughter Jasmine.

In support of the fledgling diamond industry in the north I became one of a 3 member "G" Div. Diamond Protection Service (D.P.S.), based in Yellowknife. We subsequently moved there in the fall of 2001. Within a short while Canada became the 3rd largest producer of diamonds in the world by value. Our unit took a proactive and integrated approach in assisting with the overall fight against terrorism and organized crime, supporting national and global security and safety. Partnerships were forged with local, provincial, national, and international governments and NGO's. One responsibility was to facilitate the collection and management of criminal intelligence pertaining to the Canadian diamond industry. This involved travel and forging international partnerships. Working as part of the D.P.S. was another highlight of my career and a passion which remained with me.

Following my duties with D.P.S. I moved into the Criminal Analytical Section for a period of time before taking on the position of the Planning Analyst for "G" Division, which provided the opportunity to become more knowledgeable regarding administration functions of the RCMP at a Division level, working with government and senior management.

On October 6, 2007 a terrible tragedy occurred in Hay River, NT and our RCMP family lost Cst.Christopher Worden who was shot and killed by drug dealer Emrah Bulatci. I was seconded to Hay River and took over the Det. Commander's duties in the NCO i/c absence, while all members of the detachment were provided time off to grieve the loss of Chris. This was the most horrific of the many tragic events experienced during my policing career. Bulatci was convicted of first-degree murder.

In July 2009 after approximately 14 years in "G" Div., I obtained a transfer to "E" Div. Oceanside Detachment as the Operations NCO. The transfer afforded me the opportunity to return to uniform duties at the 37-member detachment in Parksville.

I retired in 2013 after 32 years service. I have gone full circle back to Vancouver Island. I have been fortunate to have had a varied policing career. I have been successful in satisfying a broad range of goals and priorities, both personal and professional. I believe that I have made a difference, and although I have dealt with many negative incidents during my 32 years, I have been personally rewarded because of my experiences, the people I have served, and the friends I have met along the way.

I stand behind all members past, present and future. “MAINTIENS LE DROIT”.
DS Robertson, Sgt./Rtd.
Reg#36653

Story submitted February 6, 2025

Divisions Served: F, G, E, Depot

Medals and Honours: LSM, 30 year bar, UNTAG 1989-90, Canada Peace Keeping Medal

Pillar Location: N/A

Regimental Number: #36653

Training Division: Depot

Troop Number and Year: TR. 27 1980/81

Home Town: Nanoose Bay, B.C.

Engagement Date: Jan 14, 1981