A.G.S. Gary Cory

Divisions Served: “F”

Pillar Location: Pillar IX, Row 17, Column F

Story: 

 Jan/1956 – April/1992

In January 1956, I left my home farm in southern Manitoba, went to Winnipeg RCMP Headquarters.  On January 31, I took an oath of allegiance and signed on to be a member of the RCMP for five years. I took the train to Regina, SK for 9 month training – Equitation for the first three months, then foot drill, PT, swimming and classes on laws.  Passout Graduation was in October, and was then transferred to Saskatoon detachment.  That winter was spent on escorting prisoners, night radio operator, and rural night patrols.

In spring of 1957, I was transferred to Biggar, SK detachment, a four man detachment.  A very good posting.  This was my first experience with Indigenous peoples as there were no reserves in my home area of Manitoba.  That fall of 1957, I was transferred to Saskatoon Highway Patrol.  During the next 5 years, I patrolled highways.  During this time, I met my wife and was married.  Highway Patrol was interesting as I took a number of courses.  One was the operation of a radar unit for speed detection.  This course was held in Victoria, BC in Dec/1960, very cold and snow in Saskatoon, warm and rain in Victoria.

In 1962, we transferred to Kindersley, SK.  During the next four years, I worked for 3 different detachment commanders.  I worked as a rural investigator.  We left Kindersley with three children, our family complete.

In 1966, I was transferred to Tisdale, SK, and was promoted to Corporal.  I was second in charge of this detachment.  We were responsible for policing a Reserve which presented new experiences for me.  I was very involved in the community of Tisdale and thoroughly enjoyed our posting. 

In 1968, we were transferred to Eston, SK where I was in charge of a 4 member detachment.  Good posting, made many good friends and experienced many policing problems. Service to the public would not have been nearly as efficient without the support of my wife, Mildred.  She answered the door to my office and our attached residence whenever the public wanted service and members of the force were not available. In recognition of her assistance, the RCMP presented her the “Second Man Award” for voluntarily providing assistance to the force.

In 1973, we were transferred to Saskatoon detachment where I was promoted to Sergeant and second in charge of a large detachment with many members.  During the next 3 years, I learned much more about complex investigations and administration.

In the summer of 1976, I was sent to Ottawa on a senior police administration course.  During this time, I was advised that I would be transferred to the position of Section NCO in Saskatoon Subdivision and was promoted to Staff Sergeant which I held for the next 7 years.

In 1983, I was transferred in charge of Melville, SK detachment, and in March of 1985, was transferred to member in charge of Nipawin, SK Detachment, where we remained until my retirement in 1992.

During my service, I took part in many sporting events within and outside of the force.  I was on a curling team that represented Sask. Policing on three different occasions, winning the National Championship once in 1970.

I worked with many good people and would do it over again, if only one could.