The RCMP has done it again.
Six-year-old Keian Blundell became the second youngster to join the ranks of the Mounties, and to make it all official, the RCMP presented the youngster with a custom-made Red Serge.
“It’s really heartwarming and gives (you) that sense of community and family that extends beyond blood ties,” said Ryan Blundell, Keian’s father.
Keian was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 and since then has been in and out of hospital for chemotherapy treatments, bone marrow transplants and radiation. As a way of brightening the spirits of the brave boy, family friend and RCMP cadet Mark Peterse suggested the Mounties do something special for Keian.
Earlier this year, the RCMP named 13-year-old Casey Wright an honorary Staff Sergeant Major. Casey, whose father is a staff photographer at the NOWnewspaper, was the guest of honour at the RCMP’s musical ride performance in Burnaby, and as the guest of honour he was given a custom-made red serge.
Peterse, a family friend of the Blundells, saw the story on Wright while he was training with the RCMP in Regina and asked his instructor if they could do something similar for Keian. The RCMP agreed, and a plan was set into motion to have an old red serge fitted for Keian.
“I was absolutely floored. It was a complete surprise,” Blundell said about learning Keian was going to get a red serge.
Last week, Keian and his family – on their way to an appointment – drove by RCMP headquarters. As they passed the office, Keian turned to his parents and said one day he’d like to meet an RCMP officer.
“Obviously we didn’t know this was going to happen, so it was just funny how it worked out,” Blundell said.
Burnaby RCMP’s Staff Sgt. Maj. John Buis delivered the custom-made red serge to Keian on the morning of Oct. 31. As his father predicted, the young boy was overwhelmed by the surprised.
“I love seeing that smile. It’s like that quiet, reserved (smile), and you can just tell he’s about to burst with excitement,” Blundell said.
Keian received his red serge along with a blue gym bag – handed out to all RCMP cadets when they begin training in Regina. As an honorary member of Troop 15 – the same troop as Peterse – the six-year-old is now the second Lower Mainland youngster to join the ranks of honorary RCMP.
“It makes you really remember how much humanity looks out for each other,” Blundell said. “A lot of people might feel alone in the world – especially in this situation, … dealing with kids with cancer – but just the fact that absolute strangers are able to reach out for the sake of just helping or bringing a smile to someone’s face.”
