Positive interaction with citizens is often a high priority for some Members while others choose to stay as far away from those they protect as possible. Spending 99% of a shift with negativity can be draining which is why having someone pick up the tab for a coffee may be the only positive experience in a particular day.

Some detachment commanders frown on "public freebees" and Members avoid them at all cost to prevent negative interaction with management.

After a particularly stressful but safe watch on Vancouver Island, a citizen purchased breakfast for the group wishing to remain anonymous. 45 minutes later as the group were filing out, a staff approached the couple and asked why. They said they appreciated their job and efforts on their behalf. The staff shook their hands and said, "In all my 20 years I've never had this happen," and left with a huge smile.

I was heading into the detachment at 0800 in a snowstorm. I passed a friend at the side of the road, everything flashing evaluating the storm vis-à-vis road safety.

I drove into town, stopped at Timmies, picked up a double, double and two glazed, drove back to the flashing lights, honked twice then walked up to my friend who rolled down the window to accept the treat.

I mentioned that this action never occurred. He retorted with, "No problem. I'm eating the evidence."

Be Safe