In light of the negative press that highlights our national police force in less than flattering circumstances, I thought it fitting to submit a Boxing Day story. It's not meant to diminish the impact on those involved in the other stories or enter into debate over any aspect of these occurrences.
My story is meant to offer some form of balance.
I was heading to the ferry Boxing Day morning having left ample time to still be eligible for my 9 a.m. reservation when, just south of Sidney, I become aware that I had blown a tire. I found a place with room on the shoulder to pull over, assessed my tire (which was shredded -- apparently I had not picked up on the problem soon enough).
As I started to get out my spare, I became aware of the presence of two RCMP constables. One asked me if I was all right. While I was talking to him, the other officer got the jack and tire iron from my car and proceeded to change my tire. The second officer put the blown tire and rim in my hatchback and replaced the contents that had been removed to gain access to the spare.
I thanked them, explaining I was heading to Surrey for an open house at my half-sister's (where I was going to unite with four siblings I was to meet for the first time, me being the oldest at 50).
They didn't seem overly interested in my story. Just the same, what they lacked in sentimentality they certainly made up for in service.
Unfortunately, I didn't get their names, so my thanks go out to the two young officers who served above and beyond, kept my travel schedule intact and provided me with a great story.
Rob Mason
Victoria
