October tst, 1945, a freshfaced young adult by the name of Bernie Smithput on badge number 322 and thus became the newest member of the Vancouver Police Department. For 34 years, Bernie Smith patrolled », the’streets of Vancouver keeping ‘them safe for its citizens, while they _ kept an ear open for Bernie's signa ~ ture whisiling. Bernie was such a. wellknown character, he .. became the subject ‘ofa 1976' ” National Film Board docu “Mentary called. “whistlin’ Smith” : that was nomi.’ nated foran. Academy. Award... In 1979, Bernie — tetired from the Police © “Department and took .. “on politics. Hewas - 7 President of the Social Party for 4 years and then “went onto become a _ Special Assistant to Prémier Bill VanderZalm. In 1992, he joined . Concord Security. Atthe tender age of 70, with the “athletic body and quick mind ofa man half his age, Bernie Smithis ‘Chief of Security for Park Royal. His 12-person security team is on duty _ 24 hoursa day, 365 daysa year. His day begins at the crack of dawn, perusing overnight incident reports and touching base with the merchants. “Mostofmy dayis spent , walking the mall and talking with the customers. My team is basically a Visible, public relations group, deal ing with any problem a customer to the mall might encounter Bernie also maintains patrols on the exterior of the centre “We make sure our security staffare outside the mall so when customers park iheir cars, they fcel secure”. Bernie's quick tip on securing your vehicle “Make the sure the doors are locked and all valuables are locked inside thetrunk”. - “Whistlin’ Smith” isa hero to the children who accompany their parents to Park Royal. Allhis security people carry with them balloons and when they spot a young child, they are quick to show off their skills at making balloon animals. The bal- loon program is believed to be the only one of its kind offered by any ~ shopping centre in Canada. “We're excited about this new program, which at the beginning, involved a balloon expert hired by Park Royal, to show my security tearn how to make balloon animals.” Bernice estimates he goes through about 200 balloonsa day. “Our greatest joy comes in seeing the smiles on the kids' faces’. That's alot of smile. Bernie's experi: ence as a police officer Park Royal anew sense of security and safety. “The most important aspect of our job is our Visibility. |}want my team inside and outside the mail where they can be seén. For example, when we spot someone ata directory board, well- approach them to make sure they kriow exactly where they are, and where they are going.” Another less known but equally important componentto Bernie's job as Chief of Security is communication. *I made sure when joined Park Royal that my security’ team was equipped with a first class radio communication system sa that if we had an incident in either mall, we could alert our team members throughout the entire complex to make sure the situation is dealt with as quickly andas safely as possible.” When Park Royal Today asked Bernie about his favourite Park Royal Community ‘Events Co-ordinator Wendy Page has spent the summer putting to: - gether an exciting Fall Calendar for Community and Charity Events at Park Royal. “We've made sure to accommodate most of the organiza- tions that approached us and assist in their efforts to raise thousands of dollars for very worthwhile causes.” Here's alist of upcoming organizations we will be hosting: September 2-4: Disability. Today Exhibit and Raffle featuring a set of rollers that allow a visitor to test their speed and endur- ance ina wheelchair. (North Mall Centre Court} aspect of the job he noted without hesitation “It's the people! I'm in thepeoplebusiness”.. “Whisilin” Bernie Smith. You'll probably hear him before you see him. It's nice to know that Bernie , and his team are always there to make Sure your visit (0 Park Royal is safe and who knows, maybe he'll make a balloon animal for’ you the next time you see him! eee SNC, id “Seplember 4: my A reer samen ne ere sort North Shore Continuing Education information and registration table (South Mali near Coach Fiouse) pene Na ptember 8158 The Coho Festival includes achik: dren’s art show and salmon display (South & North Mall) ;