“Even though I’m not a boots-on-the-ground policeman anymore, my job impacts the public safety in regard to firearms.”
Ray
Firearms Officer
On the job:
2.5 years
Firearms Program
Manitoba and Nunavut
Ray plays a critical role in public safety as a Firearms Officer, handling complex and high-risk cases that require careful assessment. Drawing on his investigative background as an RCMP officer for 26 years, he ensures licensing decisions are thorough and responsible. Although no longer on the front lines, he values the impact of his work, knowing it directly helps keep communities safe.
Continue reading
What is your job?
The way the firearms program system works is everything goes through Miramichi and then comes to Manitoba for anybody in our jurisdiction. A Firearms Agent will look after anything that does not require an investigation. Anything past that gets escalated to me: anybody who has applied, but their background contains something relevant to public safety, that goes to me. I also review the licenses of anyone who is already a license holder for continued eligibility. It’s beyond busy, a super busy position.
What do you like about your job?
It’s all to do with public safety, so even though I’m not a boots-on-the-ground policeman anymore, my job impacts public safety in regard to firearms. I’m busier now than I ever was as a regular member!
I enjoy what we do. You really have to read between the lines and be meticulous. I came from a background in investigation, so it was an easy transition for me into this role.
It’s nice being in a bigger centre because I get one-on-ones with the officers, and I know the history of the area.
What made you come back to the RCMP?
I had missed being down in the trenches and in the know of what’s going on. It’s a change from having that that adrenaline—going out on the field and being with the guys, you know?
“That’s basically what we sign up for: to make a difference. To make it safe.”
Ray
Firearms Officer
