An RCMP officer from Pimicikamak Cree Nation was congratulated Jan. 18 for having served more than 20 years on the force.
Staff Sgt. Shayne Smith is a 21-year veteran of the force and served all his time in the RCMP’s D Division, which encompasses his home province.
He recently received the RCMP Long Service Medal, which is presented to officers with at least 20 years on the force with good conduct.
“It was an honour to witness my nephew Shayne Smith receive a long service medal in recognition of this 21 years of service to the RCMP,” said Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Garrison Settee in a Jan. 18 press release. “Much of Shayne’s career has focused on serving MKO First Nations. His hard work, sacrifice and dedication have earned him numerous awards. He is a role model for Indigenous youth who wish to pursue a career in public service. I commend Sgt. Smith for his ongoing courage, bravery and empathy in his work as an RCMP officer.”
Smith has been posted in numerous Northern Manitoba First Nations over his career, including Shamattawa First Nation, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, Wuskwi Sipihk Cree Nation and Norway House Cree Nation.
The long service medal was created in 1934 and is the oldest continually awarded honour with the Canadian honours system and the first intended specifically for Canadian service within Canada.
Smith has previously received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Manitoba attorney general Excellence in Law Enforcement award and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Top 40 under 40 award.
From May 2017 to May 2018, Smith served in Baghdad, Iraq as a member of the United States-led Operation Inherent Resolve and seconded to the Canadian Armed Forces Operation Impact. He was the first Canadian police officer station to Camp Dublin Police Task Force-Iraq (PTF-I), which assisted in training Iraqi security forces to help develop a sovereign, stable and independent Iraq. In recognition of that service, he received the General Service Medal - Expedition, a certificate of appreciation from the Italian commander of PTF-I, an award for training excellence from the U.S. Command sergeant-major and the United States Army Commendation Medal from the commanding general of Operation Inherent Resolve.
“Thank you, Staff Sgt. Smith for your ongoing commitment to serving First Nations,” said Settee. “I understand you have attained a rank that only 800 members in a force of 33,000 hold. You have made so many of us proud of your accomplishments. I wish you continued strength as you continue with your career in public service.”
