Ceremonial tradition grants penitentiary warden Freedom of the City

A historical ceremony with roots dating back centuries paraded city streets this weekend to pay tribute to the longtime work of Prince Albert’s public safety officials.

Armed with a sabre, Warden Shawn Bird of the Saskatchewan Penitentiary led an ensemble of officers along Central Avenue on Sunday. Bagpipes blared and drums echoed in the streets as the team approached city hall. The warden was greeted by police chief Troy Cooper who asked about his purpose. 

“I’m Warden Shawn Bird of the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. I request Freedom of the City,” he said. 

Cooper escorted the Warden to the doors of city hall where he used the hilt of the weapon to knock on a gold plate near the entrance.

Mayor Greg Dionne answered the door and walked into the street where the warden once again requested Freedom of the City. 

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“Thank you,” Dionne replied. “Permission granted.”

The tradition dates back to medieval times and is maintained by many Common Wealth nations.

The honour comes from city-states granting special permission to military troops which earned the trust of the locals, either through a valiant act or an ongoing supportive presence. 

With the Saskatchewan Penitentiary commemorating 106 years of operation this year, Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) members were granted the honour by Dionne. 

“As I walked through the ranks and did my inspections, I noticed lots of volunteers and coaches….You are a big part of our community,” Dionne said. “One thing I always tell my colleagues on council and people, there are two words to say: Thank you. We don’t seem to say that to them enough.”

The few dozen members involved in the parade also included the Prince Albert Police Service, RCMP, fire department, sheriffs office, Parkland Ambulance and other emergency services.

As for the symbolism behind the event, Dionne said the notion of knocking and asking permission “kind of swelled my head a little.”

“They are banging on the door asking for permission of the city, which is kind of neat. It is ceremonial and a part we should not forget,” he added.

For Bird, allowed the honour to march and granted the recognition was appreciated. He said it shows the community wants public safety officers to be welcome and part of the community.

“We have a job to do with respect to the reintegration of offenders and we can not do that job alone,” Bird said. “I think today is a recognition of that, that we can stand up as an organization and take some pride in what we do.”

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr