James William Lewis

Divisions Served: “D”

Medals and Honours: Service Medal

Pillar Location: Coming soon

Story: 

It was 1967 and the centennial train had stopped in Toronto for the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition). I was 8 years old and remember meeting members in Red Serge, and a particular member who engaged in conversation with me, answering questions. A family member took a picture of the member, and where that photo is today is unknown, but it is part of my memory as a young boy growing up. When I was in high school and thinking about what I wanted to do with my life, I told my father I thought I wanted to serve in a law enforcement role. My dad said that I had a gift of communicating with people and having people take a liking to me. He once said to me: “if you’re thinking of being a police officer maybe have a look at the RCMP.”

I applied to the RCMP while in High School and my application sat for a number of years until I was contacted and my application moved forward. I was 21 years old when I arrived at Depot in the dead of Winter in 1980, sharing a dorm with 31 other men from across Canada. Our Troop consisted of many French speaking men who arrived earlier at Depot taking full time language (English) training. I still communicate with my “pit partner” Don to this day. Don’s goal was to become a police dog handler, and although I never worked with Don, I was told he was one of the best in Canada which does not surprise me. Don is retired now and raises and trains dogs.

After Depot I was posted to Manitoba (D Division) where I spent my entire service. I was in uniform for the first 18 years working at various Detachments and Highway Patrol. I met the love of my life and married a civilian member who worked in the communications centre. She later became the manager of OCC and we had two sons. Our younger son choose to join the RCMP and is presently serving in the North.

My last seven years of service I proudly worked on the Manitoba Integrated Organized Crime Task Force (MIOCTF) which was a combined forces unit targeting organized crime. I retired after 31 years and became a insurance investigator for several years.

My dad was right: I was always able to communicate with people of different backgrounds and cultures through out my proud career with the RCMP.