Behind every uniform is a story—and for countless Canadians, these stories are marked by empathy, strength, and moments of connection they’ll never forget.
TRIGGER WARNING: This blog contains real stories from people across Canada and includes content that may be distressing to some readers. Topics discussed include mental health struggles, self-harm, abuse, and death. Please take care while reading.
If you or someone you know is thinking about self-harm or suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more information and additional resources.
The power of compassion
RCMP Members demonstrate care and compassion, from acts of quiet kindness to being there for others during life’s darkest hours.
“Back quite a few years ago, I really struggled with thoughts of suicide after making it out of the abuse I went through for years and years as a child. I climbed a 50-foot tree and wanted to disappear forever. I felt like I was worth nothing on this earth. I was so traumatized, so broken and scared. My feelings were a challenge to navigate, but two very kind [Members of the RCMP] really cared and showed they cared. One of them climbed up and spoke to me with kindness and compassion. In that moment, I felt like I mattered.
I was still shattered with complete fear from the memories and sleepless nights, but we climbed down together, and the other officer helped me at the bottom. It meant so much to know that someone cared enough to climb a 50-foot tree to help. I may have still struggled a lot since then, but I’m going to be 20 years old at the end of March—and if I hadn’t made it that day, I never would have made it to 20 or had the chance!”
— Kaylee (British Columbia)
“I met an RCMP officer when he was called to the school in a situation involving my ex, who was abusive. The officer listened to what I said, read my custody papers, reassured me, showed genuine concern, and helped my children and me with compassion.
He is a great Mountie and continues to hold the respect and honour of what it means to be part of the RCMP. To this day, we wish him all the best and hope he stays safe from harm.”
— Irene (Alberta)
“My motorcycle broke down in Grand Forks, and an RCMP officer waited with me on the highway for over an hour to keep me safe while help was on the way.”
— Diane (British Columbia)
“My husband has been having issues with depression. A woman who came to our house on a business matter was concerned about him, so she called the RCMP. A constable phoned our house within minutes of her leaving to follow up and make sure he was okay. The woman didn’t realize that I was home and taking care of my husband. I was so thankful for the woman’s concern, but also for the officer. If I hadn’t been home, I’m comforted knowing that we have RCMP members in our community who care.”
— Deanna (British Columbia)
Members go above and beyond to respond to our calls for help
“The following is a letter I wrote to Corporal Jason Raaflaub at the Mission, B.C. detachment, in regards to the officers that attended in the search for my missing husband. My husband had suffered a head injury and walked away from hospital during the night. Unfortunately, the hospital neither contacted me nor the RCMP to report him missing and he drowned in a 12-foot pond.
As shocking and horrifying as that day was for me, my officers (as I call them) made such an impression on me because of their professional dedication to the task and their kindness to me that day. I know that it was all in a day’s work for them but for me, it was the greatest tragedy I have had to endure, and their kindness was all I had to hang onto that day. For that, I will forever hold them in my heart. Below is the letter I wrote to their Corporal, in appreciation for my officers:
To all the members of the RCMP who were on duty helping in the search for [my husband]. To each and every one of you, I am passing on my heartfelt gratitude for your hard work and dedication to the task of finding my husband…I know first-hand that many of your days seem thankless and filled with disrespectful people. You may not realize that you have many more friends and supporters out here who applaud you and the work that you do, but we are here.
You are the heroes, you are the brave and courageous. You are the ones that handle the things in life that the rest of us don’t want to deal with … like pulling a body from a pond or telling someone that their loved one is the body in that pond. No one wants to do these things, but you did and you did them for me.
Cst. Rob Scott with his kind and compassionate support along with Cst. Shawn Crampton, were a comfort to me throughout that long dark day. They were brilliant in the way they led me one step at a time to the realization we all knew was inevitable. Every step executed with class and dignity. For all of these things, I thank you.
It is my deepest hope that you all stay safe today and every day as you journey on your way and that you do realize how very much you are appreciated.”
— Joanie (British Columbia)
“Many years ago, [my family was] transferred from Portage la Prairie to Ottawa. My husband went ahead, and I was left to sell the house, supervise the packing, clean the empty house, and find a ride to Winnipeg to board a flight—with a two-year-old and a newborn!
On the plane, there was a gentleman at the window. My son sat between us, and I held my daughter. This man at the window was amazing—he entertained my son, let him look out the window, managed the barf bag (!), and held my baby while I fed my boy.
Turned out he was RCMP and knew my brothers (they are both RCMP, retired now). I’m not sure I would have survived that flight without this service member’s assistance. He was such an amazing person. I will always remember his kindness.”
— Patricia (in the air between Manitoba and Ontario)
Inspiring the next generation
Many Canadians carry with them memories of experiences with the RCMP that shaped their lives, and in some cases, inspired a career in law enforcement.
“When I was in high school, I hung out with some friends who were always causing trouble and getting into altercations with random people in our age group. And of course, if you hang out with them, you end up getting involved too—and can get hurt.
One day, I was with them at lunchtime when we were attacked by a random guy and pepper sprayed in the face. That’s when RCMP officers responded and helped us. Afterward, one of the officers took me home, and on the way, he told me stories and taught me about what’s right and what’s wrong.
That officer influenced me and encouraged me to join the RCMP. He gave me motivation to pursue a career in law enforcement. Now, I’m currently an applicant waiting for my application to be processed and getting ready for Depot.
I’m always thankful for that officer, and for all the other RCMP officers who have helped me in the past. I’m also grateful to them for keeping us safe, and I can’t wait to be part of that family—part of one of the greatest law enforcement organizations keeping all Canadians safe.”
— Submitted Anonymously (British Columbia)
An RCMP Member inspiring a youth (RCMP Manitoba, 2019)
“Lors d’une rencontre communautaire, j’ai eu l’occasion de discuter avec un gendarme qui m’a expliqué en détail son métier et les défis qu’il rencontre au quotidien. Cet échange m’a permis de mieux comprendre le rôle des gendarmes et les différentes tâches qu’ils accomplissent. Cela m’a tellement inspiré que j’ai maintenant le goût de faire ce métier.”
[Translation: “At a community meeting, I had the opportunity to talk to [an RCMP Member] who explained in detail his job and the challenges he faces on a daily basis. This exchange gave me a better understanding of the role of [Members] and the different tasks they carry out. It inspired me so much that I now want to do this job.”]
— Submitted Anonymously (Québec)
“I was at a recruitment event when I had the opportunity to speak with a member of the O Division recruitment team. This officer was beyond kind and professional and, even though I expressed interest in a different police service, did not turn me away and gave me incredible advice on how to prepare for a career in policing and the best advice for an application. This officer beyond demonstrated exemplary service to their community, and I’m happy knowing someone like them is keeping Canada safe.”
— Evan (Ontario)
“J’ai adoré la formation par les membres de la GRC au [programme d’expérience précadet diversifié et inclusif] à Regina. La personne qui m’a le plus inspirée est définitivement le Superintendent Darryl Dawkins. Les interactions que j’ai eues avec lui m’ont inspiré confiance, respect et altruisme. Je vais toujours me souvenir de son énergie chaleureuse et rassembleuse.”
[Translation: I loved the RCMP training I received through the Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet Experience (DICE program) in Regina. The person who inspired me the most was definitely Superintendent Darryl Dawkins. My interactions with him left me with a sense of trust, respect, and selflessness. I will always remember his warm and unifying energy.]
— Anonymous (Saskatchewan)
Proud moments & lasting memories
Whether attending a public event, working alongside search teams, or just being present in the community, RCMP Members continue to leave a positive impression on people across the country.
“Having visited various ceremonial events, I always encounter the Mounties in full Red Serge. Their attendance at these events has always made me proud to be Canadian, to see the national police force. As well as attending the Musical Ride at the Canadian National Exhibition. Thank you for supporting our communities!”
— Gerald (Ontario)
There are few things as iconic as a Member in full Red Serge
“I was a member of the Bay of Islands Search & Rescue here in [Newfoundland]. I have met and worked alongside many Members of the RCMP & the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, helping them in searching for lost people. It has been a wonderful experience returning lost people back to their families and the police officers were very thankful for the support of the volunteers who helped them through their difficult endeavours through these times. Thank you for your service & your loyalty to mankind.”
— Edward (Newfoundland)
“When I was young and still in high school, there was a young RCMP officer who was assigned for duty in our little town. He became good friends with my family and would often stop by our farm, sometimes even when he was on duty. He often took me out on hikes, and fishing. And he even taught me the correct way to use a handgun. I felt I was at the top of the world whenever he came ‘round, and I learned, without much being said, to have great respect for the police force.
Sadly, after a few years passed, he died while on duty. He was killed in a helicopter crash. I often think of him and value the fact that he taught me to have respect for those who are serving the public in the way that police officers do.”
— Don (Northern British Columbia)
Cpl. Francis Eugene Jones, fondly remembered as “Frank” by Don
“In this day and age, the demands of policing and public safety seem to be increasing exponentially. While I am one of the fortunate majority who has never really had to call upon the services of RCMP Members, I am so appreciative of the work being done. I have witnessed and heard about so many selfless acts of service and am thankful for the brave men and women that take it upon themselves to take on this extremely challenging career. It takes a very special person to weather the ongoing criticism and stress on his or her own life in an attempt to better the communities in which we live. Thank you for all you do.”
— Mike (British Columbia)
“I’m so lucky to have several retired RCMP friends as close friends. Unfortunately, the general public forgets they have families, hobbies and friends at the end of their workday as we all do. Those fine officers I have found to be fantastic community ambassadors and get involved with local charities as I have over the years and that’s why I have such great respect for the current and retired officers of the RCMP.”
— Brian (British Columbia)
“Thursday, May 22, 2014… what an exciting evening! I felt like a kid again on Christmas Eve, waiting for the time to arrive. My parents met Cst. Steve Côté during their evening walks when he was working in Berwick, Nova Scotia, and I met him through them.
At some point, I showed him my model RCMP car, and he said he really liked it. I told him he could have it if he brought his cruiser over so I could see inside. He said he could do better than that—he’d give me a full tour of the car and show me how to operate the emergency equipment.
What a surprise! That’s something I always thought would be fun to do, but I never thought I’d get the chance.
After about 10 minutes of taking pictures of the cruiser with my family, I got into the passenger side, turned on the roof lights, and was blaring the sirens! He showed me the GPS map on the computer, with the little car that shows where he is and where he’s needed.
He showed me the radar gun and how it works, the printer for tickets, and the loudspeaker. He also showed me the spike belt and other emergency equipment, and explained how they work.
Then he showed me the lights and siren buttons and explained the different light patterns. I was surprised at how many different light patterns and siren sounds there are. It was also really neat listening to dispatch on the radio.
Steve has since moved away and worked his way up to Sergeant in Ottawa, but he still stops by for a tea with my parents and me from time to time, when he comes to Nova Scotia to visit his police officer friends.
Thanks, Steve—this was an evening I will never forget!”
— Cyndi (Nova Scotia)
Cyndi and Cst. Steve in his police car on May 22, 2014
Everyday heroes, lasting impact
These are just a few of the stories Canadians shared with us—each one a testament to the courage, kindness, and commitment of the RCMP Members who serve our communities across the country.
National Police Week is more than a time of recognition—it’s a moment to reflect on the unseen contributions, the lives changed, and the people behind the badge. To all RCMP Members: thank you for your service, your heart, and your humanity.
This blog was developed in celebration of National Police Week 2025
NPW takes place in May each year and is an opportunity for Canadians to come together to recognize the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
Do you have a story to share about an RCMP Member who made a difference in your life? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.