Morris boy makes a big difference for RCMP

Young Lincoln Boyer is a champion of the RCMP.

The 13-year-old boy from Morris has been on a mission to change the public's perception of the RCMP, the force he hopes to join someday. 

His first step towards that goal was sending affirmative postcards to detachments across Canada, telling officers that "they are awesome!"

In an effort to acknowledge officers at his local detachment as "real life heroes right here in our community," he made four promises:

1. To bring snacks to the local detachment in Morris;
2. To send postcards to RCMP officers around the country so they would feel worthy and appreciated.
3. To make sure RCMP Appreciation Day is celebrated by everyone; and
4. To be an ambassador and try to improve the relationship between youth and officers in his community.

Officers were so touched by his postcard and his wish to join their ranks that they began to reply with letters of their own. 

Over the past six months, Constable Gilles Gravelle, Staff Sergeant Jason Vrooman and Corporal Pierre Demers, all from the Morris detachment - have built a strong bond with Lincoln, finding time to answer his questions and encouraging him in his dream. His mother, Sharlie Boyer, says these officers have taught Lincoln about friendship, kindness, and hard work. 

On December 14th, Boyer paid the RCMP a visit at the express request of RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, and Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP, Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill. 

"You made my day, Lincoln, when I saw your letter," said Commissioner Lucki. "I will keep this forever."
 
Lucki says she was honoured to meet Lincoln and thank him in person for his own impact on officers across the country. The two went on to discuss their love of golf, and how hard it can be to be judged by what other people say. 

"Always treat people with dignity and respect," said the Commissioner, highlighting a quote she always keeps close to hand: "When they go low, I go high." 

Hosting Lincoln was a thrill for Hill.  

"It was a morale booster, to be sure. His mission suits him, because he is so positive. He has made such a far-reaching difference with his simple act of sending out some postcards to our officers. He has let them know they matter, and that the important work they do is seen and appreciated. We need more Lincolns in the world, but I also recognize he is absolutely one of a kind." 

Lincoln presented Commissioner Lucki and Commissioner Hill with bracelets that read "Prove Them Wrong" and "Us Against the World," with the aim of helping the officers when times get tough. 

Lincoln told them, "I want to be an RCMP officer so I can be a hero like you." He went on to explain why he considers the Commissioner a hero. "She is the first woman to be the Commissioner. That must be really hard. And you have to be pretty special if you are always going to put yourself in danger's way to protect someone you don't know." 

Ultimately, Lincoln's philosophy is simple: "You can do anything if you just try."