Locked up for a cause. Multiple Prince Albert law enforcement agencies, including the Prince Albert Police, RCMP, COs and Corrections Canada, raised money for Special Olympics on August 31. (Susan McNeil)

By Susan McNeil

FREE THE FINEST

All cash bail only at law enforcement fundraiser in P.A.

Aug 31, 2023 | 2:37 PM

Getting out of jail was a matter of money for many law enforcement officers and members of the public at the Prince Albert Free the Finest event on Thursday.

Members of eight different law enforcement agencies participated in the effort to raise money for Special Olympics, including Rylan Parenteau, conservation officer and arresting officer.

“We’ve got a lot of criminals in our midst and we’re just trying to do our best to clean up the streets of PA,” Parenteau said in humour referring to the officers participating in the fundraiser.

The jail tent along with police vehicles, a display from conservation officers featuring fish species and some mammals was accompanied by a barbecue, all in the Art Hauser Centre parking lot.

Parenteau had a bit of a tense moment when he arrested his boss, Chief Superintendent Ken Aubi.

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“It was kind of a standoff and ultimately he came to justice and he submitted to arrest but I was a little scared of him so I didn’t take the gun off of him,” Parenteau explained.

Offences ranged from assaulting a peace officer, public defecation, resisting arrest and working too hard.

The arrestees knew in advance that the law was coming for them, so some had their $500 bail ready to go but others had to spend some time on the phone while in jail in order to get enough money together.

All money raised from this fun event goes to Special Olympics, which helps athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities compete in sports.

“No official goal. Everything helps, everything goes to our Special Olympics. We’re just having a good day and any money raised is part of the goal,” Parenteau said.

They were hoping to beat the dollar value of Saskatoon’s recent Free the Finest event which raised $13,000.

The group has other fundraiser ideas in mind such as a floor hockey tournament or polar plunge.

People can learn more by checking out the Law Enforcement Torch Run website.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com