Al Roy Habberfield

Divisions Served: “E”

Pillar Location: Pillar VI, Row 16, Column E

Story: 

My name is Al Habberfield (Habby).  I was raised on a farm in the Airdrie area, and went to school in Airdrie, Alberta.  I wanted to join the RCMP when I was in high school, and speaking with the RCMP members in Airdrie, I was sure that was what I wanted to do.  I joined when I was 19 years old, and left Calgary HQ for Regina on my birthday, April 3, 1970.

I completed training and graduated in October 1970.  I was posted to Williams Lake, B.C., but received a call before I got there, and my posting was changed to Golden, B.C.  I completed my field training as a general duty officer and continued with general duties until I was transferred to Salmon Arm, B.C. for general duties.  I completed several courses while in Salmon Arm including Breathalyzer, Traffic accident reconstruction, small vessel operation, police supervisor course and several others.  I trained several new members with their field training.  One of the member’s field training was very rewarding and a challenge at the same time.  I was fortunate to train one of the first female members to graduate from “Depot”.  The member’s name was Bev Busson.  Bev had an excellent career in the RCMP and was the first female member to become the RCMP Commissioner.  

I was transferred to Highway Patrol while stationed in Salmon Arm.  I also worked as a crown prosecutor for a short time.  

After leaving the RCMP, I continued with regulatory work including Livestock Investigation in northern BC and Municipal Police in Alberta.  Looking back, I have no regrets joining the RCMP, and would do it again.  Being an RCMP officer was very rewarding no matter what you did.  

As a member of the RCMP I remember an incident that has always been the most rewarding one for me.  The incident was a large forest fire and people were told to evacuate.  I was patrolling in the area, and there was a report of a mother and daughter that were missing, and not at their house.  I patrolled the area and found both in good condition and got them out of area, receiving thanks from the entire family.  

I met and made a lot of friends in the RCMP and I am now an active member on the executive of the Calgary Veterans Association.  Being a spouse of a police officer is very stressful when they leave the house to work their shift protecting and keeping them safe.  There are several life-long rewards from being in the RCMP, including knowing you did your job as a person protecting and upholding the law for everyone.