Dear Sir:
The RCMP in our community are often broad-brushed as an entity of collusion and conspiracy. I thank you for this opportunity to include my opinion on this matter.
Sure. There may be officers who need to leave the force, but for the rest of the hard working men and women who sincerely strive to serve their communities, it is harsh to broad brush the lot.
This act of broad-brushing is harmful to the integrity of a group, while most work extremely unselfishly hard to take their jobs so seriously that they are willing to put their lives on the line. And yes, even for the less desirable members in our community.
Credits to Dave Carroll for the video he posted. His lyrics remind us of how we neglect to appreciate the rescue heroes in our midst:
"Cuz they made a promise and here they come. Someone hurting called 911 and the sirens saying hope is on the way. There's a hero racing to help a stranger today.
Saturday night in the city. The cruiser gets a dispatched call. Little girl says her daddy's mad and drank a bunch of alcohol and so they head away into trouble again. People at the house are screaming. Someone yells he's got a gun. A little girl full of panic cries out "Daddy don't you shoot my mom.”
That's when the cops come in. These women and men. When people in the world need saving, the saviors who answer the call don't get paid anymore for danger, or get to pick the ones they want. They just go to where the few will go and maybe lay it all on the line, as they do their job. Do it one more time."
Dave Carroll continues: “They make holding our loved one's hand in an accident like it's the most important thing in the world.
Those annoying sirens we hear sound like angels to someone in distress. They can help your child breathe when he/she has stopped. They stop a speeder or suspected drunk driver so that they don't have to come to our doors in the middle of the night saying "I'm so sorry to inform you..."
They pull volunteer work in our communities. They work through natural disasters, floods, earthquakes when they wish they were home with their loved ones.
They put their physical and mental health on the line every shift dealing with horrific things no one should have to. The sacrifices they make not only affect them, but their family and loves ones, too.”
No matter what your opinion is in regards to the RCMP, maybe today they might make the ultimate sacrifice to save you or someone you love.
Those who dishonor the force may leave. The rest of the hard working men and women who strive to pull off an awesome job while putting their lives on the line every shift may stay. I am proud to have the RCMP in our community.
Maggie Johnson, Terrace, BC