True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: August 2012
A Very Memorable Variety of Vets
From Years Gone Bye
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
In our society, an anniversary is a time set aside to celebrate a special event. Most often,an anniversary is a happy occasion when family and friends gather to recall and celebrate together. But, not always.
Sad occasions also bring people together. Remembrance Day, for instance, is a poignant occasion to hope for the end of all wars and to recall soldiers who died in battle. Funerals are often sad especially if the deceased is a child or if the person died accidently. But generally speaking, an anniversary is a very joyous event in the life of a person; perhaps a first kiss, an engagement, a wedding, a birthday, a graduation or a promotion.
In the grand Healy family, it became a custom many years ago, to celebrate August 20th, the anniversary date of my engagement into the Force. The entire province of New Brunswick was not invited. Instead, it was a BBQ and a small family affair. It was an evening of gratitude for serving in the Force, in a variety of posts and in the company of memorable police officers and friends.
At some point, I was expected to make a short speech during which time I recalled an episode from work or a friend who had made a favourable impression on me. I used my speech to give my parents and family a little insight into the kind of projects which I was working on.
This month (August, 2012) marks my forty-eighth anniversary of signing the RCMP engagement papers in Fredericton, NB. On that day in 1964, a small band of recruits including me were sworn in as members ofthe Force. Then the train to 'Depot'.
In this Vet of the Month story, I recall the team of Instructors who were principally responsible for 'G' Troop's training. I very quickly sized them up and I was left with lifelong impressions. My Instructors were men dedicated to their job. In 1964, I believed they were proud of their Instructional position, proud of 'Depot', proud of recruits as we migrated through various stages of training, proud of the history of the Force, proud of the RCMP uniform and proud of the RCMP's position in Canada's growth.
As training days at 'Depot' Division in Regina passed by, I listened.
RCMP Instructors of 1964 were
RCMP Vets of a Memorable Variety
Corporal D. 'Dave' Whyte - Criminal Law, Current Affairs, Fire Prevention, Riots and Illegal Demonstrations, Contacts and Informants
Sgt. T. W. 'Tom' Foster - First Aid, Regs & Orders, RCMP Act, History of the Force, Police Service Dogs
Corporal J. H. 'John' Fream - Driver Training, Traffic Control
Sergeant Grey - Memory & Observations, Safe Blowing, Public Relations, Crime Index, Movement of Expert Criminals
Corporal 'Jack' Morton - Excise Act, English Grammar, Public Speaking, Report Writing, Detachment Returns, Practical Training
Corporal Wainwright - Customs Act, Indian Act, Explosives Act, Fingerprints
Corporal Graham - Revolver Training
Sergeant 'Bill' Perry - Gas Training
Staff Sergeant Gangas - National Police Services, Plan Drawing, Frauds, Facial Index
Sergeant Mardell - Impressions; Footprints and Tire Tracks, Scenes of Crime
Corporal J. 'Jim' Triano - Foot Drill, Wearing the uniform
Corporal 'Dave' Dean and Corporal McLean - Swimming, Life Saving Techniques
Sergeant B. M. 'Harry' Armstrong - Equitation
Corporal Kurri - PT
CSM W. F MacRae - Parades. Discipline
Corporal W. 'Bill' Hesse - Sweeping the Parade Square, Mowing lawns, Cleaning brass in the Chapel, Fire Drill, Operation of the Fire Truck, Extra Duties
Today, forty-eight years later, I am firmly convinced that my Instructors imparted the very best advice on ways to perform my police duties effectively and safely. Democratic principles were taught and the Rule of Law held fast in classroom discussions and practical exercises.
There was no doubt in my mind that my Instructors had experienced the same situations in the field which we would soon face. It seemed to me that every section under study in the Criminal Code was accompanied by a real example. The stories were gruesome. The photos were frightening and disgusting. In a story, theInstructors maintained a persistence to solve the crime. Persistence was expected. The manner in which the incident was resolved most often was peaceful.
Depot's daily grind was tough. As a lot, the Instructors were tough. On stage, they played their roles to the fullest. Daily matins were replaced by hundreds of hours in the stables and marching aroundthe Drill Hall and Parade Square. Their language was as unique as an Oxford novelist; full of spice, quick, peppered with sarcasm, colourful and often humorous.
Each man was an expert in his field: the Code Instructor, the Roughrider, the Historian, the Scenes of Crime Instructor. Not for one moment did I feel the slightest downdraft of degradation, embarrassment or spitefulness. Perhaps they were not pure, but these men were not mean or grudgeful.
At the time, I didn't tell them that I was very proud of them and very grateful for the way in which they changed my life. My heart today says that my Instructors gave me a billion dollar, year long experience yet it didn't cost me a dime.
Each had celebrated in the glory.
To all of our 'Depot' Instructors, I thank you for the knowledge and skills which you imparted to me.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
August 23, 2012
