Strathcona County recognizes 35 years of Victim Services

Since its establishment in 1991, the Strathcona County Victim Services Unit (VSU) has worked alongside the RCMP, Enforcement Services, and community agencies to ensure that victims of crime receive timely, compassionate support.

“Reaching 35 years is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, staff, and community partners,” says Derek Stankey, Manager of RCMP Operations Support for Strathcona County. “VSU’s mission has always been to ensure that no one in Strathcona County has to navigate the court system alone, and that commitment remains as strong today as it was in the early days.”

With support from volunteer advocates, the team plays a crucial role in assisting victims understand the court system, providing support through the process, and bridging the gap between law enforcement and specialized support agencies who can provide additional help.

“Strathcona County is stronger when we support one another,” says Tom Sutton, director of RCMP and Enforcement Services. “Navigating the court system and everything that follows can be overwhelming. Community safety is about more than policing. It’s also about having the right supports in place for residents when traumatic events occur.”

Currently, 26 Strathcona County residents provide support as volunteer emergency response or court advocates. In 2025, this small group spent approximately 9,800 hours behind the scenes helping others through crisis.

“This milestone falls during National Volunteer Week, so it’s really the perfect moment to honour our volunteer advocates,” adds Stankey. “It’s not an easy role. It demands emotional resilience, on-going training, and the courage to stand with people at their most vulnerable moments. We are deeply thankful for every advocate who answers that call. The compassion, dedication, and strength they bring is at the heart of everything Victim Services does.”

To learn about how you can become a volunteer advocate, visit Strathcona.ca/advocate

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Contact:
Strathcona County Communications
780-410-6595