Two Alberta girls take command of RCMP operations for Kids with Cancer experience

Ten-year-old Maya Ferguson from Spruce Grove and 11-year-old Haley Nedeljak from Edmonton were appointed co-commanders of the Alberta RCMP on Monday, experiencing some of the force's most specialized operations at the Edmonton International Airport hangar.

The pair piloted drones, operated the bomb disposal robot, and rode in an RCMP helicopter to get a bird's-eye view of the region. "It was super cool, it wasn't even nerve-wracking it just felt normal," Nedeljak said. Ferguson added, "At first I was a bit nervous of taking off but once I got up it was beautiful and very nice."

The experience was made possible through an annual partnership between the RCMP and Kids with Cancer Society, which grants unique opportunities to children battling cancer. "Unfortunately a cancer diagnosis can take away a lot of opportunities from children, so being able to give them this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it's something they can look back on and be like, 'Wow how amazing it is I got to do this," said Bailey Karlstrom, family services coordinator with the Kids with Cancer Society.

Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux, commanding officer of the Alberta RCMP, reflected on watching the children experience the day. "It's difficult not to think about what these children and their families have gone through, but then to see the smile on their faces today is great."

Next, the co-commanding officers will travel to RCMP Depot in Regina, where they will be special guests at a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, July 21.