OTTAWA – June 8, 2009 – Today, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was presented with a golden Labrador named Suzanna from Her Majesty The Queen, in celebration of the long-standing relationship between the RCMP and the Royal Family.
Suzanna, was presented to the RCMP by His Royal Highness (HRH) The Earl of Wessex during a Long Service Award Presentation in Calgary, Alberta. Commissioner William J.S. Elliott accepted the one year old canine on behalf of the RCMP.
“The RCMP is honoured to accept this wonderful gift from The Queen,” said Commissioner Elliott. “With her fine pedigree and the level of training she will receive, Suzanna will no doubt be a valuable contributing member of the RCMP.”
Suzanna was born February 19, 2008, at The Queen’s kennels at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. She will be trained at the RCMP Police Dog Training Centre (PDSTC) in Innisfail, Alberta under the guidance of Cpl. Alex Mann. PDSTC is the national training centre for all RCMP dogs and handlers.
The RCMP and the Royal Family share a strong relationship founded on history and tradition. The Queen is the Honourary Commissioner of the RCMP and her son, HRH The Earl of Wessex, was designated the Honourary Deputy Commissioner in 2007.
“It is fitting that this gift was presented during a Long Service Award Presentation,” added Commissioner Elliott. “2009 marks the 75th anniversary of the RCMP Long Service Medal, an award that was approved by King George V.”
In 1925, the RCMP Long Service Medal was first conceived by then-RCMP Commissioner Cortlandt Starnes. Almost a decade later, it was approved by King George V on March 6, 1934. The RCMP Long Service Medal is awarded to all RCMP officers who have completed 20 years of loyal service with the Force.
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