Tour de Rock MP recognized for efforts

Major Roland Russell (left), Commanding Officer of Military Police Unit Esquimalt, and Chief Petty Officer Second Class Dean MacKinnon (left), MPU Esquimalt Unit Seargent Major, present Corporal Michael Smith (center) with the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation for selflessness and steadfast dedication during the 2019 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock.

Peter Mallett
Staff Writer
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Once again, Cpl Michael Smith has cleaned and lubed his bike chain, flossed between the cogs to remove any black grease, adjusted the brakes, and tightened every bolt in preparation for his third Cops for Cancer ride around Vancouver Island this fall.

The Military Police member, a seasoned Tour de Rock alumnus, was asked to saddle up because COVID-19 put the brakes on the recruitment drive for new riders, once again. In 2020, organizers leaned on veteran riders to help with the children’s cancer fundraiser by doing individual regional rides rather than the cross-island trek by one team of dedicated police and first responder cyclists.

This year, Cpl Smith will ride the Campbell River, Courtenay, and Comox regions between Sept. 22 and 23.

He was recently recognized for his dedication to the charity with a Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation, delivered to him by Major Roland Russell.

Corporal Michael Smith

“I was so surprised to receive this commendation as it was completely unexpected,” says Smith. “Tour de Rock has been a life-changing event for me and being able to positively affect people’s lives over the past three years has been an amazing experience.”

His commendation included a certificate and a pin to be worn on his uniform. The citation noted Cpl Smith demonstrated “selflessness, leadership, and steadfast dedication” to the charity.

“By investing countless hours of fundraising, rigorous training, awareness activities, and altruism, you cast a favourable image of the Military Police and the Canadian Armed Forces” the award citation went on to say.

The 30-year-old joined the law enforcement branch of the Canadian Armed Forces four years ago. He says he has become a better person by donating his spare time to the charity and learning about the positive impact the event has on children and families going through pediatric cancer.

Cpl Smith already started his fundraising campaign for this year’s Tour de Rock. To pledge your support, visit his web page http://bit.ly/CopsForCancer27810

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