True and Fascinating Canadian History
Fortieth Anniversary of Women in the RCMP
1974 - 2014
A Very Special Superintendent
And
The First in RCMP History
Superintendent Leslie J. Cook
by J. J. Healy
And
The First in RCMP History
I spotted Superintendent Leslie Cook one day in early May, 2014 at 'N' Division in Ottawa, ON. It was a very special and memorable day in her life -- the day when she made her debut appearance leading the RCMP's world famous Musical Ride.
Earlier in 2014, Commissioner R. W. Paulson had selected Leslie Cook as the new Officer In Charge of The Ride. The Commissioner had particular reasons for her nomination to The Ride, but on this occasion, while in the saddle, Leslie made a very, very favourable impression with me.
At first seeing her, I was tempted to shout, 'Grip with your knees, heals down, sit straight', but as it turned out there was no need for any loud exclamations from me. Instead, as she rode towards me, I quickly concluded that she could well teach me a few things about horses and good riding styles. She was seated as solid in her saddle as a new baby buckled into the back car seat of a Buick. Good for her, I thought! 'Congratulations Madam', I said as she approached.
The RCMP Musical Ride is nearly as old as the Force. In the early days as today, The Ride was composed of thirty two riders and inky black horses. Riders and horses perform a series of complex and spectacular maneuvers at the walk, at the trot and at the canter. One little distraction or slip-up, could cause the rider to be easily embarrased should one fall off their mount. It's Superintendent Cook's job to ensure there are no mistakes.
As the new Officer In Charge of The Ride, Leslie Cook will be kept busy. It is her responsibility to choose suitable candidates from the large pool of RCMP applicants who want to be a member of The Ride.
She is also responsible to ensure that Ride Staff are proficient instructors and are fully qualified in the care and management of all the horses under their care. She depends on the Riding Staff to care for the horses while she worries about other matters such as financial budgets. Her budget is of significant size when one considers all the salaries plus the travel expenses associated to The Ride. In 2014, The Ride is set to tour two Canadian provinces; Quebec & Manitoba.
Superintendent Leslie Cook was chosen as the OIC of The Ride because of her varied background in the RCMP. Her education, skills and personality also set her apart. Briefly, with her post secondary education successfully completed, Leslie joined the Force in 1987. Her first postings to General Duties took her to Nova Scotia and, as the years passed, she was posted to 'A' Division.
She received her Commission to Inspector in 2007 and eventually she was posted to Officer Staffing where she gained a much wider view of the RCMP and its mandate.
& Superintendent J. J. Healy (R'td).
2014
While Leslie Cook is presently living her dream as OIC of The Ride, she also realizes that the job comes with added responsibility. She speaks easily in both of Canada's Official Languages and she is a role model for other young people, especially women who want to join the Force.
She is an expert around horses and she has an outgoing personality which is another requirement for the job. She will be speaking with thousands of young Canadians from coast to coast to coast and her influence will have an impact on the future lives of other young Canadians.
Oh, and Superintendent Leslie Cook is also the first woman ever to act in the position as RCMP Officer In Charge of The Musical Ride.
Once again, Sincere Congratulations Madam!
