Feb. 17, 2023, Dauphin, Manitoba – As temperatures dip throughout the province, the RCMP receives calls for assistance from those who are stranded and facing the elements. On Feb. 15, four such calls came into RCMP detachments throughout Manitoba West District.
The first call came into Minnedosa RCMP at 12:45 a.m. Two travellers were stranded at a rest stop north of Minnedosa. The restrooms were heated, but the individuals were cold and had no way to get home. Cold temperatures and snowy conditions made for a dangerous situation, and officers knew they couldn’t let the male and female spend the night there. The officers assisted the people and ensured they were safe and out of the cold.
The second assistance call came at 9:10 a.m. to Portage la Prairie RCMP. A dog was seen outside a residence in the city for quite some time. Officers were able to attend to check on the animal. When officers arrived, Chloe was safe and sound inside the house. “We spoke with Chloe,” said the attending officer, “and she disclosed she was happy to be inside and that she would like more treats.”
At 2:11 p.m., Swan River RCMP had a female and her dog attend the detachment. No matter what she tried, she could not get the door to her residence open. They were extremely cold and needed help. Officers attended and were able to help her with her door, getting them inside their home and out of the cold weather.
The final assistance call came at 11:30 p.m. to McCreary RCMP. A male with no means to get home called police from the vestibule of a business, where he was staying to keep warm. Police could not leave the male there overnight with the drop in temperatures, so they assisted him out of the cold and ensured he was safe.
“Emergent calls are always our priority, but we are there when people need help, especially when the temperatures drop,” said Superintendent Jeff Asmundson, Officer in Charge of Manitoba RCMP West District. “Our officers go above and beyond to assist the public – if that means checking on the welfare of an animal or helping someone get home when they are stranded in dangerously low temperatures. I am so glad that people reach out to us in their time of need. We are here to protect and serve.”
As temperatures remain low throughout Manitoba, the RCMP would like to remind everyone to take proper precautions – dress for the elements, ensure someone knows your arrival time and route if you are travelling, and don’t leave animals outside without appropriate shelter.
Stay safe!
