The Boy, the Badge and Buffalo Joe

For several years since my retirement from the Force in 2001 I have been a volunteer at an Ottawa Elementary School. Each Thursday, I participate in Ontario’s Literacy Program for Early Learners and I especially help those children who experience some difficulty with reading, the correct pronunciation of words and the recognition of literacy road signs such as the comma, period, quotation marks and the question mark. Upon entering the classroom on my first day, I introduced myself as ‘Joe’ and I told the Grade 2 children that I was a retired RCMPolice Officer and that I was a volunteer with the school Reading Program.

Since I had spent many years giving safety talks to school children, I knew that a police officer has to be ready to adapt to the unexpected situation or the unusual question. This occasion was no different as the children did not let me down. Sure enough, a little boy said “Do you have a gun or a badge?” “Well, no,” I said. “I don’t carry a gun because I’m retired from the Mounties and I’m also off duty. However, I do have my badge,” which I produced. I then explained the significance and the markings of the RCMP gold badge to the children. Then I mentioned the buffalo in the centre of the badge. The word ‘buffalo’ made the children laugh and someone in class shouted, “Let’s call him ‘Buffalo Joe’.” So, at school from that time onwards ‘Buffalo Joe’ has been my handle. I hope that the boy eventually becomes a future Commissioner.