Brene Russel Bakgaard

Divisions Served: “K”

Pillar Location: Pillar X, Row 11, Column A

Story: 

By the time I was 17 years old I knew I wanted to be a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I read everything I could get my hands on about the Force. I was befriended by members of the Force a few years older than I which further solidified my desires. After the long process of applications and interviews I received the letter in the mail of my acceptance into the R.C.M.P. Up to that point it was the happiest day of my life. So at 19 years old it was
off to “Depot” Division for training. There I met my troop members, who became more than friends, much more like brothers. After 6 hard months at “Depot” I left for Red Deer Alberta with many life lessons that I still rely on today some 45 years later. All my service was in Red Deer on the rural and city detachments. I was in flying training as well at the time and had hopes of a position in Air Division. As the reality of that being a long time coming I elected to
leave the Force to become an airline pilot. After retiring from the airlines I look back at the fact I had not one but two great careers. I have never regretted my career choices and know I have been very fortunate to have experienced a wide and diverse life in my occupations.