Smoky Lake Rural Crime Watch Association receives prestigious award

By Haylee Winger
The Smoky Lake Rural Crime Watch Association (SLRCWA) has been honoured with the Alberta Farmers’ Advocate John Fuga Award, along with a generous $1,000 donation from Janet Patriguia, Deputy Farmers’ Advocate. This prestigious award is presented annually to one Rural Crime Watch Association in Alberta, recognizing their exceptional contributions to crime prevention and community safety. With over 40 associations across the province, the SLRCWA’s efforts stood out in their commitment to reducing and preventing crime, particularly among youth.
The award was presented in recognition of the SLRCWA’s outstanding efforts to raise awareness and understanding of crime prevention among local youth. These efforts were made possible through a provincial crime prevention grant, which was jointly received by the SLRCWA and the Vilna Bellis Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.) groups. With the support of this funding, the association collaborated with a puppetry company from Athabasca to deliver an innovative crime prevention program in local schools.
The puppetry company developed a captivating script, bringing to life key themes such as bullying, respect, and the importance of reporting vandalism. The half-hour presentations, which were performed for elementary students across the four county schools, were well-received by both students and staff. Each presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session, offering students an opportunity to engage with the material and further their understanding of crime prevention.
As part of the grant, a video was also produced to extend the reach of the program and ensure the message of crime prevention continues to resonate with youth for years to come. Additionally, the annual poster contest was held in county schools, encouraging students to express their creativity while promoting crime prevention. The winners of the contest, who received awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, were featured in a beautiful calendar designed to further spread awareness in the community.
The Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association (APRCWA) was also recognized during the award ceremony for celebrating 30 years of dedicated service to rural crime prevention (1995-2025). The APRCWA has been a pivotal organization in supporting rural communities throughout the province and continues to be a leader in crime prevention education.
The recent APRCWA Symposium, held in Nisku on March 14th and 15th, brought together members and community partners to discuss effective rural crime prevention strategies. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event a success,” said Marylou Savic, Vice President of the Smoky Lake Rural Crime Watch Association. “The event was enjoyed by all, featuring a range of insightful speakers covering topics such as human trafficking, cyber security, Alberta Search & Rescue, and Edge Marketing & Design.”

The SLRCWA’s commitment to creating a safer and more informed community for all is truly inspiring. The Alberta Farmers’ Advocate John Fuga Award is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and their efforts continue to make a lasting impact on the youth of Smoky Lake and surrounding areas.