150 years ago TODAY was the official start of an institution that can make you slow down and worry without even trying.  Nothing slows a string of traffic like an RCMP car sitting in the median facing down the road.  I know the go to is often to criticize and in today’s social media world, it makes me wonder how an officer can still do their job knowing  the target they have become, but they do.
Over the past century and a half the changes in the world of policing and the RCMP are more than anyone could ever mention, and that is just an observation by a civilian on the outside, I can’t imagine what it would be like for an actual member of the RCMP.
The history book of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police starts on page one with the date May 23, 1873 with a less than celebratory situation.

RCMP to reflect on painful history as Canada’s police service on 150th anniversary

 

Last year we were treated to the RCMP Musical Ride in Bridgewater and what a show!  Since the days of Mounties in Red Surge on horseback, the RCMP have grown with quite the list of resources for their 150th anniversary.

RCMP 150

 

Even though there doesn’t seem to be a lot of events planned for our province to mark today’s historic landmark, you can still get the t-shirt.

150 Year T-Shirt RCMP Cotton Adult

 

I have been lucky enough to get to know some members of the RCMP and to work with some of the officers through the musical ride.  I see way too often the less than friendly comments that are made online and it makes me wonder.  Those that are quick to share opinions of the less than positive nature, how willing would you be to walk up to that vehicle sitting on side of the road at 2am?  No idea what you might find, or having to respond to the call from a fearful neighbour about a situation that is taking place next door.  The RCMP are the ones that have to do that, please remember that before voicing critical comments.
Let’s celebrate the institution that has and continues to keep us safe for 150 years.

Thank you!