Lethbridge, Alberta
Michael “Mike” Duffy has been an invaluable member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veteran’s Association (RCMPVA) for 18 years. He served as a liaison and advocate for his peers in conflict resolution, he honours the legacy of fallen RCMP members by serving on the Graves Committee and was instrumental in the establishment and direction of the RCMPVA Support and Advocacy Program.
In 2005, Mike Duffy joined RCMPVA as one of the founding members of the Cypress Hills Division until he moved to the Lethbridge Division membership. In a short time, Mike took on volunteer duties with the Lethbridge Division, soon being elected to the executive as Secretary, a position he still holds.
He was elected to the volunteer RCMP staff relations sub-representative position at “K” Division for a two-year term. He was re-elected by his peers five more times for a total of 12 years of service to his fellow officers and RCMP staff. This volunteer position allowed Mike to provide support to RCMP officers as well as civilian members who required assistance related to personal or professional issues concerning their duties within the RCMP. He was often required to act as liaison between the members, their supervisors and/or management, acting as conflict manager and advocate. His 12 years of service is a testament to the trust, respect and credibility he was afforded by his peers and RCMP management. During that time, Mike also advocated on behalf of VAC employees.
Mike currently volunteers as Director of the Graves Committee. He works with the relevant RCMP Detachment Commanders to ensure the graves, gravestones or memorials of those who served are properly maintained. The responsibility for grave maintenance lies with the RCMP, but Mike and his committee ensure inspections are done annually by the detachments. He and his team will assist them when required. As a result of Mike’s initiative, the Graves Committee also works with the Royal Canadian Legion and the Last Post Fund in the Lethbridge area.
Mike also participated as volunteer member of the Honour Guard, attending ceremonial events representing the RCMPVA at national, provincial and local memorial services, funerals of the fallen and participating in local parades, community charity events and other related functions.
For close to seven years, Mike has also been active in the RCMPVA Support and Advocacy program, both locally and nationally, from its inception. He developed a training program for the volunteer advocates and has provided expertise in developing the program policies. It provides information and guidance to RCMP Veterans and their families when dealing with VAC, the Public Service Health Care Plan, insurance companies, long-term disability issues and life insurance issues, as well as assisting with funerals, memorials, interments and regimental burial markers upon the death of an RCMP Veteran and/or spouses.
Mike has also been actively involved in other community organizations such as the Boy Scouts, United Way and Kinsmen Club just to mention a few.