Fort Simpson (Dec 10/04) - Brian Winters joined the RCMP in 1968. Most of his co-workers at the Fort Simpson detachment were born later than that.

That's one sure sign it's time to retire, Winters told the crowd gathered at his Nahanni Inn retirement dinner on Saturday.

Rhonda and Brian Winters at the retirement dinner held Saturday. After 36 years in the RCMP, the past two in Fort Simpson, Brian is leaving the force. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

"I'm going to miss Fort Simpson. I'm going to miss the force," he said.

Friends and colleagues came from Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Resolution to send off Sgt. Winters, who has been in Fort Simpson since 2002.

Chief superintendent Everett Summerfield, who is in charge of "G" division for the RCMP, said Winters mentioned to him that Fort Simpson has, "really been one of the gems in his career."

He said Winters has an affection for the people here.

Summerfield also acknowledged the important role Brian's wife, Rhonda, has played in the retiring sergeant's career.

"We don't do this as individuals, we do this with our spouses and our families," said Summerfield.

Staff Sgt. Bob Gray, who oversees the RCMP's southern district, thanked Winters for his commitment to duty.

"It's been good and I hope you enjoy the next chapter in your life," said the staff sergeant.

Winters started his RCMP police duties in Toronto Town, a post that no longer exists. He earned $5,200 a year when he first joined the force. Over his three decades of law enforcement, he undertook a wide array of tasks -- from monitoring racetracks and gaming to investigating white collar crime like tax fraud. He even acted as a bodyguard to Spain's Prince Philippe while the young royal studied in Canada. Winters first came North in 1987, serving in Clyde River, Fort Resolution, Fort Smith, Iqaluit, Tuktoyaktuk and Fort Simpson.

When Fort Simpson's ice road thickens enough to support a moving truck, he and Rhonda will be travelling south to retire in Sylvan Lake, Alta.

"It's time to go down the highway," Winters said.

The dinner also presented an opportunity for the RCMP to recognize the contribution of a couple of other former detachment staff: Nellie Jane Hardisty and Wes Heron.

Hardisty was detachment clerk for 16 years and was given a plaque.

Heron served two years in Fort Simpson but has been transferred to Yellowknife, where he has been promoted to corporal. He also received a plaque and his peers thanked him for his insights into aboriginal policing.