People in Cape Breton are tipping their hats to a man many are calling a real top cop.
Cpl. Ron MacDonald of the RCMP Cape Breton Traffic Services is calling it a career after more than 33 years. Monday was his last day on the job.
“It was 33 years and three months and certainly, by all means, I enjoyed every day,” says MacDonald.
MacDonald is a familiar face in the Sydney area, even when his face is hidden behind his radar gun.
A staple at roadside spot checks and on TV and radio campaigns aimed at impaired driving, it is a career that took him far from home, before bringing him back 26 years later.
“I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad posting, from Alberta to Saskatchewan, to Newfoundland and mainland Nova Scotia, than low and behold, back to my hometown of Sydney, it comes full circle,” says MacDonald.
Whether patrolling Cape Breton highways or teaching students about safe driving, his colleagues say MacDonald will be remembered, above all, for his personal touch when dealing with people.
“His knowledge of the community and knowledge of the traffic service program is just invaluable. He’s gonna be missed,” says Sgt. Henry Poswiata of the RCMP Cape Breton Traffic Services.
MacDonald received a letter from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, thanking him for his service. The letter is a final highlight in a career that saw plenty, like getting up close and personal with Rick Hansen.
“Years ago, when he went through Canada on his marathon, I was involved in that with the RCMP when I was stationed in Alberta,” says MacDonald.
“Twenty-five years later, his anniversary came up and I was able to be part of it again.”
MacDonald has seen what he calls ‘vast improvements’ in highway safety, like seatbelt laws and tougher crackdowns on drunk driving. However, what he will miss most are the people he has encountered over his lengthy career.
When asked how he would most like tobe remembered, MacDonald is sure of his answer.
“As an honest and caring person.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald
