By Cheryl Jahn

Operation Red Nose: A better option

Dec 4, 2024 | 3:34 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Operation Red Nose was launched on November 29th, offering free rides home – and the vehicle comes too – for someone who may have had a bit too much. And there is a legion of people behind it.

“Right now it hovers around 100 people who are volunteering,” explains Co-Chair Garth Frizzell. “We’ve got lots of teams slated for each night. It’s a database of people that we keep in touch with. They all have to come through and get criminal record checks here at RCMP.”

In fact, Frizzell says Operation Red Nose was actually working in the area of the Hart when a specific incident of note happened.

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“Traffic Services unit was conducting patrols along the Hart Highway when they identified what they believed to be an impaired driver,” recalls Cpl. Jennifer Cooper. “They conducted a traffic stop and began their impaired driving investigation. Partway through, the driver became combative with police and fought with our police officers, necessitating the deployment of one of our officers pepper spray or spray, as we call it.”

And while there is a legion of drivers who can take you and your vehicle home safely and it is free by donation, you can also make sure you get a friend or a loved one or your kids home safely yourself.

“But this year we have the availability to E-Transfer. So we’ve made up little cards with the Prince George at Operation Red Nose. So you can always do an e-transfer beforehand and just put who that’s for,” says Co-Chair Dolly Hilton.

In the meantime, that incident in question earned the gentleman a night in jail, a three-day violation ticket for impaired driving and his vehicle was impounded for three days. An expensive day.

“It’s not worth it because we have so many other avenues of getting ourselves home, especially during the Christmas season, when we have partners who come on board to help people get a safe and sober ride home. It’s just not worth the risk.”

So if pepper spray is not how you want to end your evening out, Operation Red Nose – or anything else for that matter – might be a better choice.