June 26th 1935 / June 26th 2024: West Shore RCMP constable sworn in exactly 89 years after grandfather

West Shore

2024-11-11 08:04 PST

West Shore RCMP is proud to have Constable Ken Mead join the force this year. Cst. Mead became a Mountie after 15 years serving with Saanich Police.

Before becoming a police officer, Ken was a Senior Director at a TV station here on the island. The call to law enforcement was always there though thanks to his Grandfather, a dedicated member of the RCMP.

In 2009, he joined Saanich PD. For Cst. Mead, the highlight of his career was being a part of the K9 Unit, as the handler for Police Service Dog Hitch.

Together, Cst. Mead and Hitch had a major impact on keeping their community safe. They competed at the Canadian Police Canine Competitions three times and were part of countless calls for service throughout the region.

His connection to the Red Serge was undeniable though and he decided to follow in his Grandfather’s footsteps.

On June 26th, 2024 Constable Mead was sworn in - exactly 89 years, to the day, after his Grandfather S/Sgt Ernest Cosgrave Parker.

Photo of Cst. Ken Mead being sworn in and his grandfather in RCMP red serge: 

S/Sgt Parker joined the RCMP on June 26th, 1935. Once done his training at Depot in Regina, the then Constable Parker was posted to his home province in Alberta. In May of 1936, Parker was assigned to the Mounted Section – serving as a member of the Musical Ride for the year, traveling throughout North America with the unit.

Photo of S/Sgt. Parker standing guard during royal visit to Banff, AB:

In 1940, Parker was one of 24 RCMP officers who temporarily left policing to join the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. He served through the war for 5 years and upon discharge was a Warrant Officer Second Class, earning his Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
Parker then re-engaged as an RCMP officer in the spring of 1946. He went on to serve another 17 years with the RCMP, spending time in Saskatchewan and Alberta. S/Sgt Parker was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal on April 30, 1961 and retired a few years later.

Many of our officers come from a long line of RCMP service in their families. Carrying on the tradition of community service is incredibly meaningful. I myself am a second generation RCMP officer, said Superintendent Todd Preston, Officer in Charge of West Shore RCMP.

Start your own legacy by joining our team, visit www.rcmpcareers.ca to learn about a career in policing. We are looking for motivated team players with strong communication skills who enjoy working in diverse communities across Canada and want to make a difference. Your adventure awaits.

Released by:

Email: westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: westshore.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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