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New Corporal experienced in small town general duty

Houston's new RCMP Corporal Steve Thackeray is a family man who values community and likes small towns.
43918houstoncpl.Thackeray
New RCMP Corporal Steve Thackeray has done extra training in catching impaired drivers. 'It's something that I'm very passionate about

Houston's new corporal is a family man who values community and likes small towns.

Corporal Steve Thackeray grew up in Victoria and never thought of joining the RCMP when he was in high school and his early 20s.

But coaching kids hockey put him in connection with a few police officers, who suggested he consider policing.

So he did, starting out in the police reserve as a volunteer peace officer riding around with police.

After that he did 9-1-1 dispatching, taking and dealing with emergency calls for a year.

Then he headed to depot and joined the RCMP.

"It's been a good decision," he said.

"It's a great career and I really enjoy it."

Since then, Thackeray has spent almost nine years in general duty.

He started out in Chilliwack for four and a half years, and then moved to Boston Bar, a community of close to 1,000 people just north of Hope.

Next, he policed for 16 months in Sayward north of Campbell River, a village with 340 people.

Totalling almost nine years in general duty, Thackeray says he’s proud of his service.

“It’s an honour to be a member of the RCMP,” he said.

“I'm very proud of the people that I work with and the men and women that make up the RCMP.”

Even though small town service demands a lot of time and requires being on call, Thackeray says “it definitely has it's perks.”

He likes small towns, community spirit, and being able to exchange a friendly hello on the street.

“Community is very important to me," he said.

Coming to Houston, Thackeray’s first impression was the cold and natural beauty.

The weather is “a new challenge” but “the scenery here is beautiful,” he said, adding that the community has been awesome.

“Everybody has been so friendly and welcoming,” he said.

Moving here with his wife and two sons under the age of four, Thackeray says he likes that there’s lots to do here as a family, as “family always comes first” in his life.

His time off is spent skating, swimming or playing in the backyard with his kids.

He also plays an occasional hockey game, goaltending for the local Flying Dutchmen when they need it.

Looking ahead, Thackeray says he wants opportunities to lead and mentor other members in the RCMP.

“I’ve had a very positive experience in my job, and I want that to be true for others that I work with,” he said.