Vincent Norman Timms was a Sergeant with the Canadian Armed Forces, posted at CFB Cold Lake as an Intelligence Specialist.  After 12 yeas of outstanding service with the military he applied to the RCMP in June, 1977, seeking an opportunity for employment within Alberta which would yield permanent residency.  Vince's duties with the military dictated a transfer every two to three years, and extended periods away from home.  He longed to build on his family life, and spend more time with his wife, Donna, whom he married in 1971, and his children, Kerry-Lynn and Ryan, aged 4 and 3.

Vince's father served as a Police Constable with the Port of London Authority, East Ham, London, which further inspired a career in policing.  Given his extensive military training in intelligence and counter espionage, S/Cst. Vincent Timms was a natural for surveillance duty with Special "O".  He was engaged on January 18, 1978 and posted to NCIB Edmonton.

Vince excelled in his duties with the Force right from the outset.  His experience, maturity, and sincere desire to learn, coupled with his keen sense of observation made him highly proficient in the field as aerial observer.  It wasn't long before Vince developed and adapted an internal communications system for the section aircraft, to enhance ground/air communications.  Other police departments, in pursuit of safety and efficiency, adapted Vince's radio system to their aerial surveillance units as well.

Vince displayed a deep passion for his duties, and served as an excellent motivator for many an aerial and ground surveillant.  No job was good enough unless a member gave it his all - that was Vince's creed.  He surpassed opportunity for promotion, when it meant giving up aerial surveillance.  He truly excelled in and enjoyed his work, and received letters of appreciation from his Line Officer, who attributed the success for many operational files to the keen workings of Vince Timms and his team.

S/Cst. Timms was actively involved as an aerial surveillant in one such operational file in Calgary, during the early part of December, 1989.  On December 9, 1989, he was returning to Edmonton in a Cessna 182, piloted by S/Cst. Nancy Puttkemery.  The weather conditions were poor and deteriorating.  In limited visibility and heavy snow, S/Cst. Puttkemery opted to return to Calgary.  In making a left turn at low altitude, the left wing of her plane struck a guy wire of a Cantel Radio Tower near Crossfield, Alberta.  The plane fell to the ground and was completely demolished.  S/Cst. Vincent Norman Timms and S/Cst. Nancy Puttkemery were killed immediately on impact.

Vince's wife, Donna, and his children, son Ryan and daughter, Kerry-Lynn currently reside in Edmonton.