PATTERSON, T.L. (Tammy Lee)
The Gallery
The Nameplates
Pillar Placement: SERGEANTS / SERGENTS MAJOR
Pillar Location: Pillar: I - 1, Row: 54, Column:A (Plaque 2)
Troop Number and Year: 1992
Pillar Location: Pillar I (S/S/M) & Pillar VI (6)
Troop Number and Year: TR. 13 1991/92
The Stories
I was living in Gaspe, Quebec when I joined the Force. I was sworn in at Quebec City on March 31, 1992 on my way to start training with the last troop of 1991/1992. I arrived at Regina the evening of March 31...the last one to arrive. Troop 13 was comprised of about 1/2 women and 1/2 men. We also had a number of Francophone Quebecers in the troop which made me feel right at home. I really enjoyed my 6 months at Depot, and remained behind as a Tour Guide at the RCMP Museum, which was still located on Depot Grounds at that time.
My first posting was Rosetown in F Division. I was very fortunate to have really great NCOs and co-workers who treated me with lots of respect. My first couple of months of Recruit Field Training were spent at Kilburn Hall in Saskatoon as the employees were on strike and the RCMP backfilled. Rosetown introduced me to rural policing as well as farming, ranching, and cowboys.. at a level I had no idea existed, having been born and raised in Quebec.
I was transferred within F Division to Punnichy early in the new year of 1995 and remained there until the spring of 2000. This was a great posting and I learned a lot. My NCOs and co-workers were really great - we worked hard and had lots of fun together. I met my husband Todd Russell while working in Punnichy. He was a "local" who was introduced to me by the Detachment Services Assistant. We had both of our children while I was posted there.
In May of 2000 I was transferred to Depot Division to the Applied Police Sciences Unit. This was a great move for our family as I was no longer on shift work and Todd had also transferred to the Head Office of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in Regina. I was promoted to Corporal the next year and moved over to the Police Defensive Tactics Unit. I was only the 2nd woman in the unit, and was the only female there throughout my tenure in PDT. I learned so much, and was treated so well... this was one of the best jobs I had in the RCMP.
I promoted to Sergeant in 2003 to the Canadian Law Enforcement Training Unit, and then lateralled back over to F Division as the Operations NCO at Regina Detachment. I remained at Regina Detachment for a couple of years, spent 6 months at the Historical Collections Unit and then moved on to a Reader spot in Criminal Operations. In 2009 I was approached by the CO of Depot Division to cross back over across the fence and assume the position of Staff Sergeant Major. I moved my family on base and we remained there until 2015. In 2012 I became the first female Sgt. Major at Depot Division. This was definitely a highlight of my career. I was Commissioned in 2018 and spent the last 4 years of my career as the OIC in Charge of Crime Prevention Crime Reduction. I worked with some of the most dedicated, talented and kick ass cops, Civilian Members and PSEs during this time. I will always remember the opportunities I was afforded in this unit.
I have made many lifelong friends during my career... have had many opportunities and so much fun!
Story submitted 12 December, 2024.
Divisions Served: F, Depot / T Division
Medals and Honours: Long Service Medal, Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal, Commanding Officers Commendation, Commanding Officers Certificate of Appreciation (X 2)
Pillar Location: Pillar I (S/S/M) & Pillar VI (6)
Regimental Number: 43937
Training Division: Depot / T Division
Troop Number and Year: TR. 13 1991/92
Home Town: Regina, SK
Engagement Date: Mar. 31, 1992 (C Division)
Regimental Number: #43937
Troop Number and Year: 1992