Duane Emile LaCoste

Sergeant (Retired)
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Service Summary

Duane Emile LaCoste was born and raised on a family farm near Minton, Saskatchewan, close to the Montana border. He joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on April 5, 1961, in Regina, Saskatchewan, beginning training as part of “L” Troop. He graduated on December 12, 1961.

Service Career

Following graduation, Duane was posted to British Columbia, serving in Kamloops, Vernon, and Clearwater. His original posting was changed at the last moment, and the member who took his place was later killed in the line of duty—a fact Duane never forgot.

After a brief discharge, he re-engaged in 1965 and was posted to Ottawa, where he served in security duties protecting Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and Governor General Georges Vanier.

In 1967, he transferred to Pembroke, Ontario, conducting federal investigations and security clearance work. Promoted to Corporal in 1972, he was placed in charge of the detachment.

In 1974, Duane transferred west to The Pas, Manitoba, where he encountered demanding frontline police duties, including riot control and major incidents.

Promoted to Sergeant in 1976, he took command of Thompson Rural Detachment. His area of responsibility included remote northern communities and First Nations settlements. During this posting, he dealt with numerous serious incidents, including murders, industrial accidents, aircraft crashes, drownings, fires, and motor vehicle fatalities.

During a hostage-taking incident in York Landing, Duane successfully negotiated a peaceful surrender after approximately sixteen hours, preventing further bloodshed. He was later sent to Ottawa for specialized Hostage Negotiator training.

In July 1978, he was transferred to Minnedosa, Manitoba, where he served as Detachment Commander until retiring from the Force in August 1985.

Post-Service Life

Duane and his family remained in Minnedosa, which he described as “Utopia.”

After retirement, he served sixteen years as Secretary-Treasurer for the Rolling River School Division. He also served eight years on Town Council, including one year as Deputy Mayor and seven years as Mayor.

He remained highly active in community service through church leadership, emergency measures, the Credit Union Board, Manitoba Liquor Board, Magistrate duties, and Royal Canadian Legion Branch #138, where he served two terms as President.

Duane passed away on September 10, 2021, at the age of 80 and is interred in Minnedosa Cemetery.

Medals & Honours

• Long and distinguished service with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

• Listed in the “Pillars of the Force” database at the RCMP Museum, Regina