REGINA – After being diagnosed with cancer as a baby, and more recently battling a stroke, Casey Wright is being honoured by the RCMP.
The 14-year-old is the littlest Mountie on record, as an honourary staff sergeant major.
From Maple Ridge, B.C., Casey wore the red serge with pride as he toured Depot and the Heritage Centre Sunday.
A few years ago, he told his dad, Larry Wright, about his career ambitions.
“He says, ‘Dad, I think I want to be a Mountie or a police officer.’ I’m like… ‘Well, he’s probably a little short and he’s blind in one eye, but I won’t burst his bubble’… He comes to me about a week later and he says, ‘Dad, I might not be able to drive, but I can walk the beat.’ I think that’s awesome.”
When asked why he wants to work for the RCMP, Casey’s answer was simple: “To serve and protect.”
He owns the smallest riding crop ever made at Depot, with a five caliber bullet casing on the end.
Casey has now been cancer free for two years, and his positive attitude and charm continue to win people over. On the flight to Regina, he befriended a flight attendant.
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“Next thing I know he’s in the cockpit with the pilot, then he’s on the microphone to the whole plane, which was completely full, telling everyone who he is, where he’s going, what he’s going to do…” his dad laughed. “He got a clapping ovation.”
The teenager has consistently advocated for children’s charities.
“Kids are our next generation of doctors, nurses, construction workers, bakers, delivery men and all that stuff,” he said. “We need to cure as many kids as possible.”
As a reward for his hard work, the RCMP is showing him where Mounties get their start. Casey will be graduating with them Monday.
“He’s like my fourth child. And we really appreciate each other. I think it’s made me understand the struggles he’s gone through,” said Staff Sergeant Major John Buis.
“This has been a dream of his for a while to be able to actually come to Depot, where officers are trained for the whole country,” said Larry.
While he’s in Regina, Casey will also get his uniform re-sized, something he’s looking forward to.
“Look at my pants! I’ve grown, I’m 4’1.”
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