Life as a Member of the RCMP

Life as a Member of the RCMP

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Cpl. Leigh Drinkwater from the Vegreville RCMP said he decided to become a police officer because his dad was a municipal police officer, and he enjoyed his father’s stories and hearing about the work he did.

“My father really enjoyed his work as a police officer. As well, when I was 11, I read an article about the RCMP recruiting and training in a magazine. That’s when I decided I wanted to not simply be a police officer, but a Mountie,” said Cpl. Drinkwater.

Cpl. Drinkwater went on to say he has been a police officer for 16 years now, where he served in four postings in Northern Alberta. “I have held positions in municipal units, provincial units, Community Policing/Media Relations, Provincial Traffic, and Operations NCO at two detachments and have been a field coach to new recruits. As well, I have served in many other detachments in a relief capacity.”

Cpl. Leigh Drinkwater of the Vegreville RCMP in formal uniform during Canada Day celebrations in 2016.

When I asked Cpl. Drinkwater what his life was like as a front line worker and first responder, he said, “The best part of a career as a first responder is that every day has the potential to present something different, or entirely new. As a police officer, it can be new investigations (which can be as diverse as the people we meet every day), and with this comes the challenges of applying working with the various legislation (federal, provincial and municipal) in order to follow through with the investigation.

The biggest challenge is seeing people often at their worst, and working through the problems they maybe having and trying to resolve it,”” Cpl. Drinkwater explained. “The rewarding aspects of the job for me range from being able to really help people, acquiring new skills and knowledge, and the camaraderie I share with my colleagues. I have developed friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Cpl. Drinkwater said he felt it was important to take care of his physical and mental health with a career like this. “I have a very supportive family, and very close friends that I can reach out to when I need to. Hobbies help too. I really enjoy spending time refinishing old pieces of furniture, to building small furniture items. And of course, walks with the dog, and getting away camping with the family.”

“Policing is a career that can be incredibly rewarding, while at the same time can be incredibly challenging and of course, not without risks. I have enjoyed it immensely during my time and look forward to what the future holds.”