WINDSOR, N.S. — RCMP Const. Steve Pinksen knows just how much music has the power to heal, after turning to his guitar to smooth out a rough patch in his life.
But the 38-year-old Mountie went a step further by using the music he made to help other grieve the loss of three other officers who were killed in the line of duty.
“It was never supposed to go anywhere, really. I did it for therapy, to make myself feel better,” he told Global News. “And, it did make me feel much better.”
READ MORE: RCMP plead not guilty to Labour Code charges in Moncton shooting
Pinksen was sidelined the years ago, when a pickup truck ran into him at a traffic stop in Windsor, N.S.
He suffered a broken knee, right foot and ankle.
The incident faded quickly from public view, but left an unshakable scar on him and his young family.
Just months before his mishap, he attended the regimental funeral in Moncton, N.B, after three Mounties were shot to death.
After his painful episode, he created The Honour Roll as a tribute song to police officers who’ve lost their lives in the line of duty.
The song, whose lyrics lament their absence, has since been added to iTunes and acquired more than 10,000 views on YouTube since Pinksen posted it online April 19.
But, Pinksen, who tends to become emotional when discussing the subject matter, said posting it online wasn’t easy.
“Even like talking to you today, it took a lot to record it. And then, even after I had it done, it took a lot to press the button and put it on line. Once it’s out there, you can’t take it back.”
READ MORE: RCMP Musical Ride brings residents together on anniversary of Moncton shooting
He’s humbled by the song’s positive reaction.
“I’ve seen the song help myself and it seems to be helping other people, so that’s all that matters.”
As a Mountie for seven years, Pinksen understands danger comes with the territory.
“What I did is part of my job, you get paid for it. You do it and you do it the best you can,” he said. “But, it is upsetting for me, and upsetting for your family, when you go through something like that. It shakes life upside down, basically.”
Following surgery eight weeks ago, he’s pleased with his recovery. But, he still feels twinges of pain if he’s on his feet for extended periods of time and he’s on desk duty as he completes his recovery.
He hopes to return to active service soon, re-assuming the risks and the honour of the job.
Comments