| Vol. 1 No. 6 1999-05-28 | |
Bell Island Community Policing Newsletter Community Policing - Everyone’s Business |
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| CONTENTS Two arrest for Arson |
Police Week |
Community Effort Assist Investigation Two arrested for Arson by Sgt.Wayne Hebb Residents of Bell Island experienced some anxious hours on the 27th of April, 1999 when several fires were deliberately lit in the area of Scotia Number 1 and Middleton Avenue. Six fires were set between 10:45 am and 5:00 pm by two Bell Island men age 29 and 31. Most of the area set consisted of dry grass near wooded areas but one fire caused some residents to start removing furniture from their houses because it was extremely close by. The Bell Island Fire Department and the RCMP Bell Island Community Policing office were kept busy running from one site to the next in a desperate effort to extinguish the fire and apprehend the culprits. One of the last fires set, posed a difficult problem for firefighters as it was in an area that was inaccessible to the fire vehicles. Fortunately, the residents of this community weren’t going to take this lying down. There were people out with binoculars, people searching through the woods for the culprits and extinguishing fires, people notifying the police of new sightings of the two arsonists and people assisting in the apprehension of one of the suspects. As a result of this tremendous community effort, the fires were extinguished and both suspects were arrested and incarcerated. On 99-04-30, one of the suspects a 29 year old Bell Island man entered pleas of guilty to charges of Arson and was sentenced to serve one year in jail. The other individual, a 31 year old Bell Island man entered pleas of not guilty in court on 99-05-12 and a date of 99-10-07 has been set for trial. I would like to express sincere gratitude for all those who helped in this matter. Without your help this situation could have had much more serious consequences. You are an example of the quality of people who live on this island.
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From Sarge's DeskBy Sgt. Wayne Hebb I came across this story from an anonymous author which might give those that drive
while impaired a little something to think about. DEATH OF AN INNOCENT ----------------------------------- I'm lying here dying, mom, I wish you'd get here soon. Every time you drink and get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle you take a chance on
taking someone's life. Don't give me the, "Oh that will never happen" story
because it does happen all too often. Remember, if you drink that's your business. If you
drink and drive it is everyone's business.
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Special Olympicsby Hazel Duncan T -shirts are available for $12.00 each at the RCMP Office and Sponser Sheets are also
available. For more information please visit our office or telephone 709-488-3312.
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April Statsby Sgt. Wayne Hebb Here is a sample of the calls received during April: On 99-04-01 a girl's white ten speed bicycle was stolen from a residence in West Mines.
The bicycle was stolen between midnight and 11:00 am on 99-04-01. On 99-04-17, a 13 year old Bell Island boy was charged with mischief after a report was
received from a Bell Island woman. The woman reported the boy had taken a lighter and had
set fire to some towels in her residence. Minimal damage occurred and the boy will appear
in court at a later date. On 99-04-18 around 8:45 pm, a 79 year old Bell Island woman was turning into her
driveway on Bennett St, when the vehicle she was driving was struck by a 3 wheel All
Terrain Vehicle. The driver, a male believed to be in his twenties, failed to remain on
the scene and left without identifying himself. Investigation is continuing. On 99-04-24 , a female resident of Bell Island reported her vehicle had been damaged
while it was parked in her driveway. The rear window of the vehicle was broken out
sometime overnight. On 99-04-25 at 6:45 pm the Bell Island Fire Department received a call reporting a fire
in progress at a local residence and persons were trapped in the residence. Fire fighters
responded and found the report to be false and referred the matter to police for
investigation. A 13 year old Bell Island boy and a 10 year old Bell Island boy were
apprehended as a result. The 13 year old boy has been charged for making a false fire call
and will appear in court on 99-06-09. The 10 year old boy has not been charged as he is
under 12 years of age.
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Bell Island Fire DepartmentChief Jim Pendergast wishes to stress the importance of having a fire safety plan. If
fire strikes in your home or business your survival is dependant on how quickly you can
get out and stay out. Here are a few pointers for your safety plan: 2) Know two ways out. Examine your residence and ensure you are familiar with at least
two routes of escape. 3) Get out fast. Don't stop for possessions. Ensure the safety of yourself and your
family before anything else. 4) Crawl low under the smoke. Smoke contains deadly gases and is hot, so it will rise
to fill the room from the top down. If you encounter smoke or flames on your way out, turn
around and use your alternative route. If you must escape through an area filled with
smoke, get down on your hands and knees and crawl quickly to the exit. 7)Choose a meeting place when developing a plan. Once outside everyone will go to that
place and be accounted for. 8) Expect the unexpected. Develop a plan of action and practise it with your family on
a regular basis. In an emergency situation you often don't have a lot of time to think, so
it is better if you know your plan well enough that you can do it without thinking. A simple plan practised regularly can avoid a tragedy. Your safety and your family's safety is important. Take it seriously.
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May's Police Car1964 Volkswagen Beetle used by the Saint John Police Force in 1964 for traffic patrol
duties. The above vehicle has been restored to original condition for the celebration of
this force's 150th Anniversary. |
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Seniors Newsby Dorothy Bonnell Joan Marshall, on behalf of the Bell Island Peer Advocates for Seniors, gave a
presentation on Bereavement and other topics on Tuesday May 25th, 1999, at 2:30 P.M. at
the Royal Canadian Legion.
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Unsolved Crime of the MonthBy Cst. Hazel Duncan On 99-03-20 between 1:00am and 4:00am the pumphouse at Scotia No 1 was illegally
entered. Once inside the culprit or culprits damaged an electrical outlet and cut the
waterpipe resulting in numerous houses on Scotia No 1 going without water. On 98-11-13 the
pumphouse electrical metre on Main Street was struck by a rock and subsequently ripped
out. One hundred and fifty houses were without water for a few hours. Investigations into
both incidents were conducted and are continuing. Anyone with any information is urged to
contact the RCMP Bell Island Community Policing Office at telephone # 709-488-3312 or
Crime Stoppers at telephone # 1-800-363-8477. Your identity will be kept confidential. |
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The Running Ladyby Sgt. Wayne Hebb She did complete the race and she did exceptionally well. Her finishing time for the 26 mile race was 3 hours and 22 minutes which placed her 269th amongst the 4000 women entrants. This might be telling her age but she also placed 40th out of 950 women masters competitors (masters is 40years of age and older) and 2nd among the Canadian women masters entrants. This was Marie's first entry in the Boston Marathon and already she is planning to return in the year 2000. Judging from her excellent performance her, next year's race should be even better. Hats off to Marie for a job well done.
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Meet Your PoliceOur feature member this month is Kerry Lynn Thistle. Kerry is involved in the summer student program and started with the RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing Office on Monday 99-05-10. She will be involved in policing duties here until the latter part of August 1999. Kerry was born in Oromocto, New Brunswick in 1973 to proud parents Ronald and Joseva Thistle. Ronald Thistle was born in St. John's, Nfld and Joseva was born in Kippens, Nfld. In 1974, Kerry and her family moved to Mount Pearl where they reside today. Kerry graduated from O'Donnell High school in Mount Pearl and later attended Memorial University where she completed her degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry in 1997. She was then accepted to Dalhousie University to complete her law degree. She will be returning in September 1999 to finish her third and final year. Kerry enjoys many different sports. She plays intramural soccer, flag football, and broom ball at university. She was a member of the Mount Pearl Synchro Team for about eight years and then coached for two years. Kerry loves animals and volunteered at the SPCA in St. John's for three years. She also volunteered at the Janeway hospital for a year keeping sick child occupied and happy. Kerry has a great love of children and has worked with them in the capacity of a day camp counsellor and as a coach. The members of the RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing Office welcome Kerry's
involvement with our office and hope that she has a very enjoyable summer working with us.
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Bicycle SafetyBy Sgt. Wayne Hebb The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) estimates that our young people are involved in about 2000 bicycle accidents every year, 50 of which result in death. In fact, one quarter of these deaths result from a fall from a bicycle. However, the good news is that helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85%. Not just any helmet will do-- it must be an approved cycling helmet which is fitted and worn correctly. When purchasing a helmet a good indicator for a proper helmet would be a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification sticker. This would mean it has been tested and approved for use. The question I would imagine that most parents might ask as they read this article is
"How am I going to get my child to wear a helmet?" Here is a few tips which
should help you out: 1) Get your child a helmet as soon as they start riding a bicycle 2) Make sure it is properly fitted. 3) If you are a bicyclist, wear a helmet yourself. Don't be a "Do as I say not as I do." parent. Set a good example. 4) Talk to your children about the use of helmets and the protection they offer. 5) Don't let them ride their bicycles without their helmets. 6) Encourage their friends to wear helmets. 7) Reward your child for wearing a helmet.
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Bike RodeoBy Cst. Boyd Decker The RCMP Bell Island Community Policing office in partnership with the Bell Island
Kiwanis Club will be having their annual Bike Rodeo at the Monsignor Bartlett Arena on
Saturday the 12th of June, 1999 between the hours of 11: 00 am and 2:00 pm. Bicycles will
also be marked at this time with the engraver. There will be a draw for two bicycles (one
boys and one girls) which have been donated by the VOCM Cares Foundation. There will be
other draws for prizes which have been donated by various businesses on Bell Island.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the RCMP office in person or by
telephone at 709-488-3312.
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Police WeekBy Sgt. Wayne Hebb National Police Week was celebrated this year on May 9th to 15th. Police departments
across Canada and the United States participated in events which reflected on the past,
present and future of policing. The members of the RCMPolice Bell Island Community
Policing Office had a very full week of participation during this week. The following are
the events which took place on Bell Island: 99-05-10 Open house at the policing office on Memorial Street Approximately 140 primary
and elementary students were given a tour of the police station and were treated to candy
and a magazine. About 20 adults visited the office during this day as well. 99-05-12 Seniors meet and greet. This event had to be postponed until Monday 99-05-17.
It was held at the office and was a great opportunity for the members of the Bell Island
Community policing office to meet the seniors from the community. About 12 seniors
attended this function and were given a tour of the detachment after which they enjoyed a
small luncheon. An interesting thing occurred as a result of this service. On 99-05-14, we received a
call from ex-Cst Alex Smith He had heard about the service and called to inquire about it.
He had served with Cpl. Hollett and was on Bell Island when Cpl. Hollett died. He is
presently living in Seal Cove. We will be sure to include him in any future service. Cst. Tony Griffiths of our unit and also a member of the Emergency Response Team assisted in the presentation of this display. 99-05-14, 15 Cst. Hazel Duncan and Lorraine Cahill of the Community Enrichment
Committee travelled to Gander and attended a Crime Prevention Conference. We would like to thank all those who participated and attended these events for helping to make this week such an enjoyable one.
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Court Watchby Sgt. Wayne Hebb A 29 year old Bell Island man entered pleas of guilty to 4 counts of arson on 99-04-30.
This was in relation to a series of fires in the community on 99-04-27. The man was
sentenced to one year in jail and placed on probation for a period of 18 months upon his
release from jail. Another individual was charged in this matter and will appear in court
on 99-10-07 for a trial in relation to this. See third entry below for details. A 55 year old Bell Island man was convicted on 99-05-12 of assault and uttering threats
on a 10 year old Bell Island boy. The offence occurred on 99-04-16 and involved the man
grabbing the boy by the throat and threatening to cut his throat with a knife. The man
received a suspended sentence and was placed on probation for a period of one year. He was
also given a victim fine surcharge of $35.00. A 19 year old Bell Island man was convicted on 99-05-12 of mischief. He was charged as a result of a grass fire which was deliberately set on 99-03-25. Two other young offenders were involved and are proceeding through the youth diversion
program. The man was fined $250.00 and given a victim fined surcharge of $25.00. He was
also placed on probation for a period of one year. A 31 year old Bell Island man entered pleas of not guilty on 99-05-12 to six counts of
arson. The charges are in relation to a series of deliberately set fires in the community
on 99-04-27. The man is presently released on conditions until a trial date of 99-10-07. A trial for a 22 year old Bell Island man charged with possession of stolen property
was held on 99-05-13. The offence occurred in November of 1998 in the East End of Bell
Island. The man was apprehended by a local resident and found to be in possession of a
quantity of items. The resident questioned the man who dropped the items and ran. The
items were found to be stolen from the garage of a nearby residence. Two other individuals
were seen with the man but were not identified. The man was convicted and fined $500.00
and given a victim fine surcharge of $50.00. He was placed on supervised probation for a
period of one year. One of the conditions of the probation is a curfew imposed on the man
not to be out after midnight.
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2410 RCACC ARMY CADET CORPS NEWSThe 1998/1999 Cadet year is swiftly drawing to a close. Both staff and cadets are
looking forward to a well deserved break, before embarking on summer camp activities. Our
final parade will be held at St. Michael's High School Gym and Cafeteria at 2:30 P.M. on
Sunday May 30th, 1999. All are welcome to attend, whether you have a child in cadets or
not. The cadets, officers, and volunteers of 2410 have worked hard throughout the year and
the cadets will be proud to "strut their stuff" on this special afternoon. Capt. Wayne Fitzgerald
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Community Enrichment Committeeby Kay Crane The Bell Island Community Enrichment Committee (BI-CEC) was officially formed in March,
1999. The first project the Committe is undertaking is a major clean-up of all the streets
and side roads . This will create a more positive image for the residents and tourists.
With the co-operation and assistance of the Town of Wabana and the Adult Corrections , the
project started on May 24 and will continue until all areas are free of litter. All cans
and bottles collected will be donated to the Wabana Boys' and Girls' Club. Let's hope when
this clean-up is done that all residents will continue to maintain a litter free Island to
show their pride of the beauty that exists here. Another project is ready to go when the summer grants are started. Any senior citizen can take advantage of this worthwhile , free of charge , labour. Forms are available. Just fill them out and return them to any member of the Committee. Your name will be on file, and you will be contacted when a worker is ready to do light, general outside maintenance of your property, i.e. mow the lawn, paint the fence, etc. Co-operation, dedication, and support are necessary for any venture. If all residents have a sense of pride , and contribute to other upcoming projects, the Committee feels that so much can be done to continue to improve this Island.
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Heroes in our Midstby Sgt. Wayne Hebb Griffin Lilly's Mother by Wayne Mabes As a youngster I lived in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia and attended the local elementary school. Money was scarce in my family, mainly because my father had been disabled in a coal mine cave-in. Christmas was a particularly painful time for my family. My parents agonized about how they could give us kids gifts for Christmas. Of course, participating in the tradition of "drawing names" in school to exchange gifts with other children was not a possibility. For me, there were no talks with friends about who got whose name and "what were you gonna get" for that kid. I felt so left out. But the most painful part came on the day when the long-awaited gifts were brought to school for exchange and I had none to give---and I knew that I alone would not receive a gift. I knew, as well as an eight year old kid could know, this was just another thing that I would miss out on because my family was poor. The party started and the opening of the gifts was the first order of business. Our teacher picked up the first gift and read my name! I was so excited! This happened three more times during my elementary years. And, years later I found that the gifts came from Mrs. Lily, the mother of Griffin, one of my classmates. And I was not the only child to whom she had given gifts-- there were several others. I now live far away from the hills of West Virginia and far away from the poverty I had
suffered as a child. Her kindness and generosity made a deep impression on me and I try
often to recognize, as she did, other people's needs and to help them as well. And in
1997, while visiting family "back home", I stopped by and thanked Mrs. Lily
personally. But now, I'd like to let the whole world know that "there's gold in them
thar hills. It is Griffin Lily's mother."
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On the WebThe Bell Island Community Policing Newsletter is now on the Internet. It is on the Bell Island web page and can be found at www.bellisland.net/bicpn/. Issues number three, four and five have been entered, thanks to the hard work and generosity of Reg Durdle. Reg did a fantastic job of the layout of the newsletter on this page so it is worth a view. Many thanks to Reg Durdle for his efforts. Here are a couple of sites that might also be worth a view: www.BlueLine.ca - Canada's National Law
Enforcement Magazine - Contains articles on case law, criminal law amendments, new and old
crime trends, investigative techniques, equipment, and other police related items. www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/html/quarterl.htm RCMP Quartley Magazine - this is a magazine which is distributed four times yearly and contains interesting articles and information of RCMPolicing in Canada.
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CoptoonsFive things not to say to a police officer 1) What do you mean have I been drinking? You're the trained specialist.
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Council NewsThe Wabana Town Council is having difficulties with persons who are lighting fires at
the dump site. The present dump site is in a temporary location and operates between the
hours of 7:30 am and 3:30 pm on Monday to Friday. During operation hours, council
employees maintain a fire in the temporary incinerator providing wind conditions will take
the smoke away from the community. The problem exists when unauthorized person enter the
dump site after hours and remove materials from the dump and set fires on the dump site.
This creates a problem for residents as often the smoke will flow towards the nearby
houses. Anyone who is hanging out clothing find this particularly annoying. More
importantly, persons who suffer from respitory illnesses such as asthma are affected by
the smoke and fumes caused by fires in the dump. Persons who are doing this are reminded
that under the town of Wabana Waste Disposal Regulations it is an offence to enter the
dump site when unauthorized to do so. Regulation 14 states as follows: The following is a list of council meetings for the remainder of 1999: May 27 10:00 am June 24 7:00 pm July 22 10:00 am August 19 7:00 pm September 30 10:00 am October 29 7:00 pm November 26 10:00 am December 22 7:00 pm
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Policing Stories from the Pastby Sgt. Wayne Hebb
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Battle of the AtlanticBy Sgt. Wayne Hebb
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RCMP Auxiliary Cst ProgramBy Sgt. Wayne Hebb The RCMP Auxiliary Constable Program has been in existence in the province of Newfound since the 1960's. It is a program in which persons volunteer a minimum of 100 hours of their time performing the police function. The volunteers wear the uniform of the RCMP and receive some law enforcement training. They patrol with a regular RCMPolice officer and assist the officer in routine duties, vehicle checks, business checks. As well they are involved in other aspects of police work such as crime prevention and police community relations. They offer assistance in traffic control in such situations as parades and other situations which arise. The RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing Office has three persons who are actively involved in the role as Auxiliary Cst. They are: A/Cst. Keith King A/Cst. Norm King A/Cst. Jenny Reid
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May 24 th WeekendRCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing Office had a quiet holiday weekend this year. Police responded to a number of minor calls and made vehicle and foot patrols during the weekend. Only one report of any consequence was received. On Friday night 99-05-21 around 9:40 pm a report of a break and enter into a vacant house on Carbage's Loop was received. Persons entered the residence sometime between 99-05-16 and the time of the report and caused extensive damage to the residence. An investigation is continuing. A number of charges were issued over the weekend. Two persons were charged for operating unregistered vehicles, two persons were charged for liquor act offences and a resident of St. John's was charged with impaired driving and suspended driving.
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Closing RemarksIf you have any comments about this newsletter or wish to discuss a personal or
community problem, by all means contact us at the following: Telephone 709-488-3312 Everyone is Worthy of Respect
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