A Nova Scotia teenager whose life ended tragically earlier this year was honoured in his hometown on Friday.
Kale Mason, 19, died while swimming at Park Falls in Sutherland's River on May 19. His family says he aspired to become a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
"Ever since he could talk, he's wanted to be a police officer," says Kale’s father, Kent Mason. “He was born to be a police officer. Everyone knows Kale wasn't the classroom type. He just liked helping people.”
A family member contacted the RCMP to see if Kale Mason could be made an honourary member, but it isn’t something they do. Instead, though, the commanding officer granted Kale’s family with a certificate of recognition.
"It's just amazing,” Kent Mason says. “I know he's looking down and he's just feeling just bursting with pride.”
Kale’s family gathered around a fire hydrant, now painted in his memory in the town of Stellarton, outside the local arena.
Kale was an avid athlete and firefighter with the Little Harbour Fire Department. He was also looking forward to marrying his fiancée. They not only wanted to share life together, but a career in policing.
"I'm going to do it for not only myself, but for Kale,” says Kale’s fiancée, Tacey Denny. “I know he's with me every step of the way, so I'm still going to accomplish both of our goals.”
Kale’s family hopes he is remembered not only for his contributions to his community, but the kindness and compassion he showed to others.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Marie Adsett.
