A Special Thank You

Saying Thank You hardly seems like an adequate way of showing our appreciation for everything that Cpl. Jim Galloway has done for the CSDA.

Prior to 1995, Cpl. Galloway was the first RCMP Dog Handler to agree to train and work along side civilian dog handlers here in Edmonton. He opened a door for us that had previously been closed. He freely shared what he knew about dog training and searching, and all he ever asked for in return was that we never give up trying. Regardless what happens, you're not allowed to quit.

  


He was instrumental as the RCMP coordinator for the RCMP Civilian Search and Rescue Service Dog Program in the beginnings of the organization in 1995, through its evolution to the RCMP Civilian Search Dog Association in 1999, to what it has become today. Without his enthusiastic participation and support, we could still be scattered, independent teams struggling for respect. He showed many of us how to do things the "RCMP" way. Be confident - do the job quietly and competently - then just go home when it's over and do your paperwork. Keep it professional. And train, train, train. Always train. Always aim higher.

Jim never simply helped. Never anything so subtle. He poked, he prodded, he cajoled, he demonstrated, he demanded, he yelled. He inched the bar ever higher and challenged us continually to meet it. Jim also laughed. Often and loud. He was our friend, our mentor, our advocate, our defender. He treated us like friends and equals.

With Jim around, we never felt like we were just "civilians". RCMP officers sometimes refer to us as "Jim's Team", and we can be proud of that. Jim's influence and the example he set for us will continue to be with us.

At the moment Jim fell in the line of duty, on February 28, 2004, we lost a dear friend forever - but at that same moment we gained a new family. Jim's family has carried on supporting our team, knowing how important we were to Jim. How important he was to us. And again, a thank you hardly seems adequate to tell the Galloway family how much we appreciate all they've done for us. Both before and after the loss of Jim.

We're still hurting, still grieving. But we can't give up trying.

Regardless what happens, we're not allowed to quit.

Thank You, from the very core of our hearts to Cpl. Jim Galloway and his family, and the continued support of the members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.


Cpl. Jim Galloway's PSD, "Cito".
 
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