After a 37-year career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) during which he earned the Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces honour, Ian Atkins has been a part of the RCMP Veterans’ Association and its Foundation, Nova Scotia Division, for over 15 years. During this time he has served in many positions including President and has effected change at systemic and individual levels. Both Ian and his spouse, Cherlynn, give freely of their time to ensure that individuals in the RCMP/Veterans community are aware of and connected to available programs and services.
Transcript
The commitment and hard work that Ian puts into the [RCMP] Association; it's extraordinary the amount of hours that he contributes on a volunteer basis. Not just in Nova Scotia, but also on national programs as well. He's worked in many roles. I think he's held every executive position in Nova Scotia. He just is one of those people that’s a go-to person. On governance, on leadership, on ways forward.
We had to establish a charity foundation. And Ian was instrumental in the establishment of that [RCMP Association] Foundation. Today, [it] supports former members and their families as well as others in need, including serving members and their families. An extraordinary legacy will be left by the Foundation based on Ian's work.
Thank you Ian, and well done for a phenomenal job in all the areas that, you're involved with. You've left a great impression, and a great legacy. Not that it's over by any estimation, but thank you so much. And I know I speak on behalf of everyone. We can't think of a more deserving individual than you to receive this award.