James A. Simmill

Divisions Served: “K,” “E,” “Depot”

Medals and Honours: Long Service Medal, Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal

Pillar Location: Coming Soon

Story: 

I started my career in Calgary Alberta as a Special Constable, Regimental number S/2120 before going to Depot in 1980. I was in Troop 11, 1979/80 with a new Regimental number 35748, and met several people who I have remained friends with today. At that time, every member was posted to a different province from their home province and I was posted to Chilliwack BC. I spent 8 years working in Chilliwack Detachment before transferring to Chilliwack Sub Division Customs and Excise Unit where I investigated organized crime groups . The work on this unit allowed me to travel to the US and work with a number of Special Agents with US Customs. After spending 10 years on Customs and Excise, I transferred to Agassiz Detachment, a small 15 member detachment where I experienced my most memorable event.

One night I was working alone, which was common in smaller detachments, and was checking on a group of youth sitting near the lake playing a guitar. I had encountered the group several times in the past which normally resulted in me seizing beer and sending them home. They often hid bottles of beer in near-by shrubs and I made a joke of looking for the “beer bunny.” I always felt that I was fair but firm in my interactions with the youth. One evening when I was dealing with the youth, an adult couple quickly approached in a car, exited the vehicle and started fighting in the street. The male was exhibiting extreme aggressive behavior and was much larger than me. As I approached the couple, I called for back-up from a neighbouring detachment, knowing that it would be at least 45 minutes before anyone would be able to attend. When I started to interact with the two, the male became combative towards me and the female stood back. I suddenly noticed that the group of youth that I had been dealing with moments before had approached and surrounded us. One of the youth asked if they could help put the combative individual into my police car! The male noticed he was vastly outnumbered and was easily arrested, handcuffed and placed in the rear of my police car. This event could have turned out very differently and I was very thankful that these youth came to my aide. Although I dealt with the youth for fairly minor provincial infractions, they recognized the potential danger I was in and came to my assistance. That evening demonstrated to me that respect is earned and not granted solely by wearing the uniform.

Although my career exposed me to a variety of different duties, before ultimately retiring with 35 years service as a Staff Sergeant back in Chilliwack, my experience working in Agassiz, has remained the most memorable.

At a time when the RCMP routinely transferred members to various communities throughout the province, I was fortunate enough to only be transferred to detachments within commuting distance from Chilliwack. I met my lovely wife in Chilliwack and we were able to raise our two children in the same community. We were blessed to be able to remain close to our family and friends for the duration of my career.

Someone recently asked me if I could do it all over, would I join the RCMP again. My answer was short; Absolutely!