“I started recruit training on August 14, 1978, the year Edmonton hosted the Commonwealth Games,” notes retired Const. Palle Nicolajsen.
Even though he wasn’t involved in policing the games, he was presented with an EPS Commonwealth Games Certificate of Appreciation.
“That certificate exemplifies the spirit of the EPS – it recognizes and honours its own for dedication, hard work and innovation,” said Nicolajsen.
Over the years, he saw the development of numerous outstanding award-winning programs and units. One program in particular stands out for Nicolajsen: the Elder Abuse Intervention Team (EAIT).
He spent the last four years of his EPS career with the team, where he was partnered with non-police professionals from the City of Edmonton Community Services and Catholic Social Services. The team undertook community development programs, educational initiatives, and case work.
“The time that I spent with the EAIT was by far the most challenging, demanding and rewarding work I had ever done, and it was very hard to leave there when I retired,” remarked Nicolajsen.
Leaving was made a bit easier because he only took one day off for retirement, and then returned to work in Communications.
“I found working in Communications to be fast-paced, challenging and fun.”
Part of his ‘retirement’ plans included joining the Canadian Forces Reserves.
“I was actually a Reservist until I joined the EPS in 1978,” explained Nicolajsen. “The only deployment I had under my belt was a four-month attachment with Canadian troops in Lahr, Germany.”
Having enjoyed his stint as a Reservist, he was thrilled when the EPS started sending members on UN police missions in 1999. He managed to get a spot on one of the tour lists, but as missions in Bosnia, East Timor and Sierra Leone closed, support for the program dwindled.
As retirement approached, Nicolajsen applied and was accepted as a Reservist with the Military Police in March 2006. That summer, he did the Basic and Soldier Qualification courses, side-by-side with recruits aged 17 – 22 years.
His EPS retirement job in Communications allowed him the flexibility to take advantage of reserve training opportunities in 2007 and 2008.
“Then I started full-time work-up training for Afghanistan Task Force 3-09 in February 2009,” he noted.
Initially, Nicolajsen trained to work at the DTF (Detention Transfer Facility) at the Kandahar Air Field (the main base for Kandahar Province) but was switched to the Canadian Police Mentoring Team shortly before deploying to Afghanistan in October 2009.
“We’re stationed in Panjwayi, where policing is still in its infancy. We’re addressing mainly security issues, and doing a lot less mentoring than I had hoped for,” he remarked.
Mid-way through his deployment, Nicolajsen was given a brief break, as is standard practice for the Canadian Forces. He was given the option of flying home, or going to a third location. His wife, who has been incredibly supportive, joined him in Bali.
“We had a wonderful time together, but I sure miss the rest of my family,” said Nicolajsen. With three daughters, the youngest of whom is 18, a son-in-law, and a soon-to-be son-in-law, he has a strong support system on the home front.
“I’ll be home in May 2010, just in time for the June wedding of daughter number two.”