Drumheller’s top cop was honoured on the occasion of the Queen of England marking 60 years since her coronation.
Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins was among 300 employees of the RCMP who were honoured with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal. The ceremony was held at Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton on Wednesday September 12. His Honour, Colonel (retired), The Honourable Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta presented the Diamond Jubilee medals.
Staff Sergeant Hopkins was proud to receive the medal.
“It has a little shine for me,” said Hopkins, explaining that more than a personal reward, it is an award to document his history and service as an officer, if not for him, but for future generations of his family.
Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins, left, is presented with the
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal by the
Honourable Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
Photo courtesy Mandy Kostiuk, RCMP K Divison
Hopkins has been a member of the RCMP for more than 33 years and has served most of his career in Alberta and Saskatchewan. He worked as a municipal and as a rural officer as well as on traffic. He also worked in criminal intelligence where he had specialized duties. Hopkins served as a senior diving instructor for the RCMP for a number of years and was dive supervisor for Saskatchewan.
“I used to teach diving to police officers on the east coast and the west coast annually,” said Hopkins.
“I am kind of an exception. There are guys who have been in Calgary, or Red Deer or Edmonton for most of their career.”
He has spent the last five years in Drumheller.
According to a press release, employees had to be nominated to receive a medal, which is to recognize a significant achievement, or distinguished service to fellow citizens, the community, or to Canada, both at home and abroad.
The recipients included Regular and Civilian Members, Public Service employees, and Auxiliary Members who volunteer their time to serve the citizens of Alberta.
“I am proud of the members and employees of the RCMP who received this most prestigious recognition from His Honour, the Lt. Governor on behalf of our honourary Commissioner, her majesty the Queen” said C/Supt. Marlin Degrand. “Every day I see examples of the dedication, sacrifice and professionalism of our employees in Alberta. I am pleased to see this recognition of some of the many exemplary and deserving people within the RCMP who contribute, day in and day out, to the betterment of their communities and the safety and security of their fellow citizens.”
