05/27/2026
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, we had the pleasure of attending Police Week in Amherst, Nova Scotia. We weren’t just there to kick off the “teddy bear patrol” program; we also had the honour of formally handing over a significant piece of equipment to the Amherst Police Department and the community.
Each year, we sadly lose 6-7 police officers in Canada due to line-of-duty deaths. These losses deeply affect families, communities and police departments across the country. Since 2015, the Canada’s 911 Ride - Atlantic, GardaWorld and its sponsors have honoured 12 fallen officers and their families.
I offered the APD a de-commissioned GardaWorld Armoured truck for the price of a Toonie plus taxes. In November 2023, the Chief of Police, Mayor and Town Council agreed to move forward with this initiative and accept our offer.
The former Mayor at the time shared publicly that:
“We call this vehicle an insurance policy because it will provide protection if needed, but we hope we never have to use it. For a small investment, we can enhance the safety and security of our officers and the public in the event of a major incident.”
In April 2024, we delivered this vehicle to the APD. Over the past two years, Chase Coffin, Regional Feet Supervisor of GardaWorld, collaborated with Sgt. Aaron Graham on this project, providing parts and other resources from other decommissioned armoured trucks.
Sgt. Aaron Graham and his team of officers worked tirelessly, honing skills beyond the typical scope of policing. They have worked to upgrade, shape, refit and design, revamp and revitalize, repair and overhaul this vehicle, which their CAO affectionately named the SARV—S-A-R-V—The Safe, Approach and Rescue Vehicle, aptly describing its tactical purpose.
This will be our third armoured vehicle we provided, supporting our police and their communities. We’ve previously provided one to the Charlottetown Police Service and the Miramichi Police Force.
At GardaWorld, we’ve developed a solid partnership with police departments in the Maritimes and abroad through the 911 ride. We’re really happy to be able to lend a hand in a way that gives our front-line officers the tools they need to keep everyone safe, including themselves and the communities they serve.
Amherst Police Department - Amherst NS