Two Community Safety Officers (CSOs), Keenan Gill from Flying Dust First Nation (left) and Cathie Rosen from Prince Albert, were formally recognized last week at the 2025 Community Safety Officer Conference. (Facebook/Flying Dust First Nation Event and News Board, Facebook/Prince Albert Police Service)

By meadowlakeNOW Staff

PUBLIC SERVANTS

Flying Dust, Prince Albert CSOs honoured for dedication to community safety

Jun 17, 2025 | 12:00 PM

When Keenan Gill got word that someone might pose a threat at the Flying Dust First Nation Powwow last summer, he didn’t hesitate.

The Community Safety Officer (CSO) spotted the individual, kept watch, and relayed information to RCMP until officers arrived. The arrest was made without incident — thanks in large part to Gill’s ‘collaborative approach, adherence to established protocol and procedures and professionalism during the incident.’

He was one of two CSOs honoured last week at the 2025 Community Safety Officer Conference for going above and beyond the call of duty.

“CSO Gill is known by the local community and our detachment as a positive contributor to many aspects of public safety and is dedicated to service,” said Meadow Lake RCMP Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. Carl Dinsdale in a release issued Tuesday.

“This incident is an example of how his local knowledge and relationships with the community only enhance our ability to effectively serve and keep Flying Dust First Nation safe.”

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Cathie Rosen, who patrols Prince Albert’s downtown, was also recognized. This past spring, she came across three people she knew from her community work. One was unresponsive.

She called for help, stayed on scene, and gave police and EMS the information they needed to respond quickly. Her presence offered ‘support to those involved and ensured a caring and professional resolution.’

“CSO Rosen has clearly embraced the vision, mission, and values of our Service and exemplifies these principles in her daily work,” said Prince Albert Police Chief Patrick Nogier.

“As Chief, I could not be prouder.”

Nogier said Prince Albert’s policing model depends on layered response and strong community engagement, with CSOs playing a key role. Rosen’s recognition, he added, reflects the kind of exceptional individuals the service has been able to attract and retain through the program.

Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said the CSO program was designed to enhance local policing in municipalities and First Nations communities, and he welcomed the recognition of front-line officers like Gill and Rosen.

“CSOs address bylaw infractions and less severe criminal offences, such as property damage, that if left unresolved, have a negative impact on their communities,” McLeod said. “We are proud to support programs that continue to build strong relationships between law enforcement and the people they serve.”

More support is on the way. The federal and provincial governments are putting more than $3 million into a First Nations CSO pilot project this year, aimed at strengthening safety and relationships in Indigenous communities.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com