A Mystery Series

Part IV

'A Family Matter : A Well Kept Secret'

A virus and a secret share but one commonality. They both lie deep within the living organism. One lies entrenched in the living cell; the other lies deep in the living soul. Anyone with a microscope can study a virus. No one but God can reach the soul. The soul is the safety deposit box for secrets.

In my estimation, within nearly every family is housed a secret. It might be a health issue which could affect employment or promotion. Perhaps a family member won the lottery and wants to shy away from publicity. Maybe Auntie Mable once had a tendency to get tipsy after too many pre-lunch G and T's. Perhaps a person has a criminal record which prevents them from holding a passport or restricts cross border travel.

I recall as a police officer, years ago, one of my most exciting shifts at Toronto's Pearson International Airport was Saturday night. It was always fight night. A happy couple might arrive at the immigration post to be told that one of them had a 'secret past' -- a criminal record which dated back several years. The criminal record of one prevented both from sharing a honeymoon in Hawaii. Their flight departed; but they remained to fight between each other.

Today, more steps are taken to keep secrets from becoming public yet persistent savvy tecko's with cameras have ways to spy and pry. The public's craving for tabloid news has become as vital as air to a Navy Seal. News thirst about celebrities has become so fashionable that it sucks the ink out of magazine publishing companies.

The Healy's too have family secrets. The Ottawa Citizen (p.C9), for instance, wrote on May 12, 2011 that Henry Healy of the Clan Healy in Moneygall, Ireland is related to American President, Mr. Barack Obama. In my family, the Healy's preferred to keep the Obama connection 'under wraps' as publicity was not encouraged. Yet, inevitably the story broke in the Canadian press and on American TV networks.

But, now is nigh time to reveal a different, well kept family secret which connects the Healy's to a famous, historical RCMP Officer who led a murder case many, many years ago.

Over the past few months, I've been setting the scene for the release of a great Canadian mystery. The mystery revolves around a well guarded secret. For me, it is a very personal family matter. I've been able to keep the secret hush-hush for a long time. But, some months ago I told my wife. Then I told some of my siblings -- at least the ones who would best understand my role in the situation. A very few select friends already know -- they are my highly trusted secret keepers.

Secrets can be big or little. The Canadian Armed Forces have big secrets. Their specialized units operate in hostile countries. Secrecy is required to protect their training techniques, policies and war readiness procedures. Secrecy is also required to protect their travel and the names of the countries in which they work. Secrecy allows our soldiers to stay alive. Bravo. And, here's a little one. I notice a friend of mine in church every Sunday. I’m not sure of his exact age, but let’s say he’s much older than me. He sports a full crop of black, wavey, well combed hair. We share the same barber. Once day, by accident, the barber let out a secret -- my friend in church wears a very, very expensive toupee.

And now on to the Memorable Mystery. The 'Tale of the Mad Trapper' or as I prefer, the 'The Tale of the Tragic Trapper' stands out as being uniquely the largest manhunt and pursuit of a criminal in RCMP history. The pursuit of Albert Johnson caused a clash of times, a fracture between an old RCMP and the need for a faster evolving modern RCMP.

The chase involved many, many people in a variety of search, rescue and capture roles. Constable Edgar Millen was killed. His family was affected along with many others. RCMP Constable Alfred King and Canadian Signals Corps member Earl Hersey were left severely injured after both had been shot. They and their families were affected. Other lives were never the same. Some native people, for instance were traumatized. No one was able to forget the evil and the inexplicable treachery of the killer in Canada's northland.

The hunt for the still unidentified man was a singular turning point in the history of the RCMP. The chase demonstrated the unlimited potential of modern inventions in law enforcement such as aircraft. In this case, an aircraft was used to carry police from post to search area. It also carried much needed supplies for man and dog. The aircraft travelled hundreds of miles in a few hours whereas it took a member and a dog team days to cover the same distance. The aircraft and radio communications equipment played a role in preventing an unexpected ambush by the killer on the police party. Radio equipment shared a vital role in the pursuit as the search team could communicate with the aircraft's pilot 'Wop' May.

The role of the aircraft in this case cannot be underestimated. Permission to use an aircraft, for the first time, in a pursuit was the inspiration of the senior RCMP Officer in Command of the Western Artic, Reg.#5700, Inspector Alexander Neville Eames. Commissioner MacBrien supported his idea of the aircraft, saw its advantages, took the idea to Cabinet and they approved it. The chase of the Mad Trapper was a case which challenged Eames’ leadership skills and ingenuity; he proved his merit every step of the way.

Unquestionably, the approximate seven week chase was a spectacular recipe of events. The purchase of home radios became fashionable. The radio allowed the pursuit to be heard around the world. Some people listening to the chase wished the killer would outpace the police, but in reality, most people knew the deep intent of the RCMP to capture him. Eames, as the on-site Officer In Command of the pursuit, is reported to have wanted the killer to be taken alive -- a fact which, in my view, has been totally overlooked. The Officer distinguished himself as a leader, more so because he placed a high value on the person's life notwithstanding the crime. The value to protect life had been instilled in the Officer, in spite of the killer's deeds.

To Eames, the killer was a man, a person. The Officer's hope to capture the killer alive also provides a valuable insight into the early traditions of the men in the Force -- how people ought to be treated, when 'Maintiens le Droit' meant exactly what it meant. Am I the only Canadian who senses that the old fashioned RCMP method of 'persistent pursuit' and take' im alive tradition has been replaced by an efficient 'quick kill' culture? If that claim holds validity, judges ought to be concerned. Oh sure, pathologists will have secure employment but judges might be laid off as the number of suspects dwindle because they are dead which makes it far more unlikely they'll get up for their first court appearance.

The pursuit of the Trapper covered hundreds of kilometers under the harshest freezing cold and windy weather conditions imaginable. The dangers which the police party faced cannot be numbered nor fully understood. The possibility of running out of food arose every day. There was the possibility that sled dogs may not have sufficient energy to perform their tasks. Some dogs died under the stress of their heavy duties. A fire at night to keep warm might have been desirable, but it could be advantageous to the killer for he could identify the police overnight camp.

The police party always had to remain alert. There was no time for rest. Medical equipment and supplies were few in 1931. A hospital was not within reasonable distance to be of solace. Travel by dog team at night led to the high probability of falling into frigid water. If so, it meant death from freezing. At times, cold wind ripped so fiercely that snow covered the aircraft. When the wind stopped, the aircraft had to be found, then the snow removed to free it to operate and fly. The RCMP were forever alarmed that the killer might successfully escape across the border into America and then fall beyond their authority. He might also evade capture because of his uncanny ability to travel over impossible high mountains.

In my mind, every person who was involved in the operation was a hero. In spite of not being adequately trained for a pursuit of this nature, the RCMP members and others worked together as a cohesive team with one purpose; to capture the police killer. Little has ever been recorded of complaints from the RCMP members in the pursuit or from the many others who helped the RCMP. To those who feel they may have been overlooked, I think they all deserve credit. In the end, whether or not one RCMP member deserved more accolades than another is a moot point. The duties of the RCMP were only twofold; first, to capture the accused and secondly to present the accused to the court.

In my mind, however, of all the heroic persons involved in the 'Tale of the Tragic Trapper', one Officer stands out as being very, very special. He is at the top of my list of heros. I think he well deserved the 'Gold Ring', and he was, in fact awarded the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.).

The Officer was the team leader, Inspector A.N. Eames. He was the ever present On-Site Commander. He was not selected for this specific operation but when it arose, within his police jurisdiction, he did not set it aside. He was active in his role as the Senior Officer from the first minute and he remained brave to the end of the pursuit. He consulted with his team but he made the final decision at every stage of the pursuit. He put his life constantly on the line as did every person in the pursuit. He had to withstand the same conditions as his men, but he was also responsible for each of them. He recognized the individual skills of each RCMP member in his team.

In the early stages, he had to consider the advantages of allowing Cst. Millen to continue the pursuit since Cst. Millen was the only RCMP member who had come face to face and spoken to the killer. Eames continuously reviewed the police party's progress and modified it as the pursuit turned right and left and upside down. He listened and evaluated intelligence from his guides as well as his newly formed air command. He regularly reported pursuit progress to Headquarters in Edmonton who in turn notified Ottawa. His men held him in high esteem. Commissioner MacBrien had full confidence in Inspector Eames' work, his ability, his judgement, his knowledge of the north and its ever present dangers. This Inspector knew the law and the rightful authority of the RCMP. He was not afraid to back up his opinions as he once demonstrated very forcefully in a letter to Cst. Millen.

As the on-site commander, Inspector Eames played the most central role in the capture of the killer. In July 1931, at the immediate outset of what became a tragedy, he correctly perceived that 'Albert Johnson' would likely cause trouble. I find it hard to explain why Inspector Eames detected trouble but, to some police officers, there is a 'smell' (perception) of impending danger.

I can attest that different situations emit different smells. An accurate perception or the right sense of trouble brewing can keep a police officer alive. The ability to 'size up' a situation depends on a variety of factors; the police officer's background, his or her past experiences, his or her level of education, having faced similiar situations in the past, observations and movements of the suspect, observing and evaluating behaviour, the time of day or night, the location and nature of the event under investigation.

Consider this minor example. In Burnaby Detachment in 1965, I had highly experienced senior constables as trainers. I have always been appreciative to them for their help. In one situation, one day at a large shopping mall, I was told by my senior trainer to arrest a highly intoxicated person. But first, my trainer held me back so that he could share a secret with me about alcoholism. I have never forgotten the lesson and afterwards the secret saved me from many, many tustles. This is what my trainer said. An alcoholic can 'smell' a police officer's attitude as the officer approaches. An alcoholic will immediately 'smell' if the officer is kind, non-judgemental and understanding, or, if the officer is rude, rough and ready to fight.

Perhaps the police officer presents vibes that he or she is somewhat important? Anyway, the 'smell secret' which I was told holds true. After my lesson on alcoholism, I approached the intoxicated person differently than I would have; in the role of a relaxed, non-threatening person. I offered my hand and helped him up. Reassurance helps. Cover up embarrassment. A brief, friendly conversation, followed by a 'Please, follow me'. Down through the years, I learned two traits of an alcoholic; they know and they don't know. They know they are a sick. They don't know how to reach for help. I think police officers have a societal obligation to learn secrets of their trade. Secrets are revealed by people when police officers earn their trust. Trust is earned after one converses with people. An improved police service to the community would be one outcome if more police officers were encouraged to talk. And listen. And afterwards take action through involvement.

My hero, the man of whom I speak, Inspector A. E. Eames knew how to detect trouble and prepare for the responses necessary. He had a full and exciting career in the Force -- until a sad moment at the very end. I recall Burnaby, BC. Inspector Eames and I were both there. For the record, I have never officially reported the incident. He deserves not to be reminded of more tragedy, yet the mystery of his last days deserves an airing.

In order to more fully appreciate this man’s contributions to the Force, the next installment of our ongoing mystery will reveal more details about both Eames’ personal life and his work life.

The ‘Tale of the Tragic Trapper’ brought fame to Inspector Eames which he had neither sought nor revelled in. His resulting high profile makes the secret that will be revealed all the more mysterious.

J. J. Healy @Fort Healy
MAY 23, 2011

This is the end of Part IV

There are seven parts to this Mystery Series

Part V will be published on June 23, 2011

Part One : March 2011 - 'A Long Awaited Parcel Arrives'

Part Two : April 2011 - 'Heroes in My Life'

Part Four : June 2011 - 'A Family Matter : A Well Kept Secret'

Part Five : July 2011 - 0.209, A. N. Eames : 'Of Life, Lore, Loss, Loneliness and Legacy'

Fort Healy, Canada. Circa 1959

'Maintain Our Memories'

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