Richmond RCMP have got themselves a new launch - and they want the city's younger generation to name it.
After announcing the arrival of a marine asset to its fleet last fall, the local detachment is now seeking the help of Richmond's youth in naming its patrol boat.
The boat is a 7.3 metre rigid hull inflatable zodiac, which was donated to the detachment by the Steveston Office of the Department of Fisheries & Oceans.
Last year's acquisition of the patrol boat now enables Richmond RCMP to patrol the north and south arms of the Fraser River, as well as the coastal regions surrounding the community.
"Over 30 patrols were conducted last summer in the waters surrounding Richmond," said Cpl. Sherrdean Turley, media relations officer.
"Our boat was also present at a number of special events throughout the year such as Ships to Shore, Celebration of Lights, Steveston Maritime Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival."
Richmond RCMP has now partnered with the Richmond School Board to get local youth involved by helping to name the new boat.
Const. Veronica Fox, of Richmond's Youth Section, said the goal is for the police to partner with Richmond's youth and "engage them in participating in something police related and fun."
Grade 5, 6 and 7 students have been encouraged to enter the "Help Name Our Boat" contest in two categories.
Students can either submit a written essay with a suggested name for the boat as well as, outlining how they think the patrol boat will assist the Richmond RCMP serve their community, or they can produce a piece of visual art representative of how the vessel will be utilized by officers with what they would name the boat.
The contest opens March 1 and submissions will be collected through Richmond elementary schools and the Richmond RCMP Detachment.
Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place entries in both categories. First place winners win a pizza party for their class.
In addition, a student's suggested patrol boat name, art or essay may be used for a display or other RCMP projects.
Entries can be submitted through Richmond public schools or the Richmond RCMP detachment at 11411 No 5 Rd.
Entries will be collected from 8 a.m. March 1 until 5 p.m. March 30. Contest winners will be notified at their respective school.
For a list of contest rules, see the full story at www.richmond-news.com.
