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Volunteer earns honour Lee Cazon recognized for RCMP serviceRoxanna Thompson Northern News Services Published Thursday, December 13, 2012
"I always wanted to when I was a kid,” he said. "Basically, it's been my passion." Cazon has logged thousands hours of unpaid volunteer hours after becoming an auxiliary constable 11-and-a-half years ago. He contributed more than 3,000 hours in 2004 alone. On Nov. 27, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to thank him for donating so much of his time. His detachment commander, Sgt. Rob Gallant, nominated him. Gallant said Cazon's reliability and unyielding commitment make him a valuable member of the force.
"He's selfless in giving his time," said Gallant. "We are always able to count on Lee no matter what." In addition to helping new officers get to know the people and places of the region, another part of Cazon's job is to act as a link between residents and the RCMP. "He's a crucial part of the detachment," Gallant said. Cazon received similar training as regular RCMP members and wears a uniform, but does not carry a gun. His duties include everything from participating in local events to accompanying officers on patrol. He visits schools, travels to surrounding communities "to say hi," and even helps with security when high-profile people come to town. Cazon said one of the highlights of his career was helping provide security when then Gov.-Gen. Michaelle Jean visited in 2006. "We did security for her and she thanked me for my service," he said. Though he volunteers during the day and sometimes gets called in during the evenings, he also has a part-time job guarding prisoners at the detachment. Cazon said he usually works at night to accommodate his busy schedule, but due to a lack of guards, he sometimes finds himself working full-time hours. Knowing that he's helping community members, especially elders, is the best part of the job, he said.
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