Hello again everyone. Well, everything is full-speed ahead for a season of community events. If you were participating in Western Cup I hope you were successful but, more importantly, that you had fun and made some amazing connections.

I can confirm that I will be in attendance next month at the ARGRA rodeo in Strathmore. I can’t say in what capacity, but I am scheduled to have a meeting shortly with the organizers to discuss. I will certainly be there in uniform, so I look forward to mingling with you around the rodeo grounds and campgrounds. Stop me and say "hi", and I am always available for photo opportunities!

I can tell you that we have some exciting plans for our Pride entry in September. I can’t divulge exactly, because a lot of it is in the planning stage, but it would most definitely be the most visually amazing entry that we have ever had if we can pull everything together. I can tell you that, as a direct result of the incredible support that you have shown us with our entries over the past couple of years, I am getting more and more inquiries from police staff wanting to take part in the parade. I hate to make predictions, but after going from 3 to 30-something to 60-something participants, I would love to see us with 100 members of CPS taking part in the parade this year. That would be truly wonderful, and further demonstrate our commitment to diversity and the LGBTQ community. I have verbal commitments from some pretty high-ranking officers, so watch this space!

I have some exciting news in that I have secured the necessary permission from the CPS executive and the City of Calgary to fly the Pride flag at police headquarters again this year to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. You will be able to see the flag flying proudly over the weekend of May 16th and 17th.

I also want to tell you of an event that is taking place later this month. You may remember me telling you about Constable Tad Milmine, the openly gay officer that we recruited from the RCMP? Well, his charity, Bullying Ends Here ( http://www.bullyingendshere.ca ), is hosting a fundraiser at Webber Academy on the evening of Saturday, May 23rd. The one and only Rick Mercer is coming to town to provide an evening of entertainment, and every penny raised goes directly to the charity. Please see the website, or contact me for further details.

In the meantime please look out for each other, look after each other, and stay safe. Get in touch if you have any questions, comments or concerns, and I will speak with you again next month.