Premier Brad Wall proclaimed 2010 as Year of the RCMP in recognition of the 125th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy, commonly known as "Depot" Division.
"The RCMP and Depot are an integral part of the history and development of our province and our country," Wall said. "It is with great pride that I sign this proclamation to mark this historic milestone and demonstrate our appreciation for 125 years of training and service excellence from Depot and its members."
To commemorate the occasion, Wall has presented Her Majesty The Queen with an official gift from the province in Ottawa today; a bronze statue entitled "Riding Master" created by Saskatchewan sculptor and RCMP Officer Dallas Allinson. The Queen is the Honorary Commissioner of the RCMP.Depot Division in Regina has trained 57,000 members of the national police force since 1885. It is the oldest RCMP Division and boasts the oldest standing building in Regina. It has served as headquarters of the North West Mounted Police and then the Royal North West Mounted Police.
Today, Depot is recognized as a world-class training facility and, along with the RCMP Heritage Centre, is among the top attractions in North America.