RCMP Emergency Responce Team - Prince George?

[GregN]

Hi all, I spent last week in Northern BC on business and came across this badge. It has been on something, not an official uniform of the RCMP, maybe a ball cap or blazer. I think it is associated with the Prince George ERT team that was stationed there some time ago but I'm not sure. Can anyone give me thier thoughts on what it might be? I have a buddy who is serving on the team in Vancouver and I am going to ask him but considering he's maybe 30, I suspect this badge may be older than he is!

Regards,

Greg

[geezer#199]

Greg

The Force did not have an official badge for ERT until recently, I am going to say the last 12 years. A member by the name of Lee Sedore had campaigned for one and it was approved after he passed away from cancer. Then, Commissioner Zaccardelli, approved the badge for wearing on the uniform and personally came to Surrey and presented the first issued one to Lee's wife. It is a crossed rifle and sword in gold with seven maple leafs in a circle. I have some and if you want I can scan one and you can see for yourself what it looks like.

I have no idea what you have other then as you say one for a ballcap.

Jack

[geezer#199]

The crossed sabres are worn on an RCMP uniform to designate a drill Cpl, Sgt, etc. The fact that the badge has Tactical could mean the tactical troop or when I was on it we called it, "stick fighters" that goes out in riot situations. The right marker of the troop would call out the drill formations for deployment in a real riot situation and would have some idea of drill.

Jack

[geezer#199]

Greg

Here is the ERT Badge that was approved by Zaccardelli

Jack

[GregN]

Thanks Jack for all your help. The ERT badge seems quite politically correct - you would never know what it was unless you really did your research. I agree that my badge is unofficial. Is there still a PG ERT?

Greg

[geezer#199]

Greg

I don't know what they have done up north as I retired in 2005, but in the Lower Mainland they formed a permanent team. They ran a competition and initially formed a team of 36 I think and it has been expanded from there. They go out on patrol working a shift in various Municipalities. They answer calls and have their ERT equipment with them. If they are required they can respond quicker then responding from home. If they need more members then they can call them out. I would think they have a similar situation up north.

Are you in the Lower Mainland and are you going to the Historical Arms Show in Abbotsford on the 10th March

Jack

[GregN]

Hi Jack, yes, I'll be at the HACS gunshow but it's in Chilliwack on the 10,11th!

Look for the lances with the red/black pennants, that will be my table.

Cheers,

Greg

[geezer#199]

Greg

Yes sorry my mistake, Chilliwack.

See you there

Jack

[GregN]

Hi Jack and all, I was in a surplus shop today and saw this "mystery" badge on the wall. The dealer didn't know what it was but thanks to geezer#199, I knew what it was. If it's legit, I suspect it's for the dress uniform, or maybe a unofficial ball cap.

Cheers,

Greg

[geezer#199]

Greg

At one point, a long time ago, the Force did issue gold wire patches for dress uniforms, long before this ERT Patch was thought of, or designed. A local tailor in New Westminster, Gastaldo's, who is Force accredited, has had gold wire badges made for years for wearing on our Red Serge. I suspect that he is not the only one that has made gold wire badges. I know that he has a gold wire ERT badge but, from my recollection it does not have a red maple leaf, all seven are gold. In any event it is the gold wire version of the RCMP ERT Patch but is not an issue patch.

On a side note, Gastaldo's daughter, if you follow the news, is the one who accused her S/Sgt boss of rape and has been in the news of late.

See you on the 10th.

Jack

[Tanker Mike]

Does anyone collect the division community patches (the kind usually on baseball hats)? I have some from Inuvik and Tuk for trade.

[geezer#199]

Tanker

Sorry, I have a couple but I do not collect them.

Jack