Brenda Lucki

Throughout my career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, I’ve always sought to encourage positive change.

Early in my career I was fortunate to participate in two deployments in the former Yugoslavia through the United Nations Protection Force peacekeeping mission in 1993 and 1994. These experiences were not only life-changing but they also served to solidify my commitment to making every community better than what it was when I got there. Obviously, it was in many ways easier to do so in a war-torn country because the smallest act of kindness made the biggest of differences.

I learned during my deployment to Slunj that it never hurts to be of Polish descent in an area patrolled by a Polish Battalion. POLBAT, as they were referred to, made sure not only my house was connected to their generator, but that I had access to basic necessities such as food and clean drinking water. Electricity and hot water are something I no longer take for granted. Canadian peacekeepers are well known for their commitment to community. This was best exemplified when the Canadian Battalion was redeployed. Before leaving Daravar, they donated the equipment they could not bring with them to create a kindergarten in a town that had their school blown up. I was so fortunate to be part of such an impactful gesture. I also had the privilege of working with Battalion doctors to provide local residents in very vulnerable communities with necessary medical care, medicine and much needed supplies such as verrucous vein nylons and bandages to name a few.

At the time of my first deployment in 1993, I was one of two Canadian women police officers deployed on that mission, working alongside 43 male officers. I was proud to help lay the path and break down barriers for the women who followed in my footsteps. Over the years, I’ve seen so many examples of women with the skills, knowledge and networks to lead effectively. Women bring different experiences and perspectives to the table, which bring valuable contributions to decision-making processes, policies and laws that work better for us all. 

As the Commanding Officer of the RCMP Training Academy, I was able to see first hand the positive effects of sharing our training curriculum and deploying simulation equipment to Ukraine. And as the Commissioner of the RCMP, I continued to be so very proud of the work that we did along with other Canadian police deployed to missions abroad. Approximately 60% of deployed police officers come from provincial, regional, municipal, or Indigenous partner agencies and their participation allows us to help rebuild and strengthen police agencies in fragile and conflict-affected states. On a mission, an officer often faces greater responsibilities than they would in their duties at home, so when they return, they are able to share these competencies and skills with others.

I know how powerful these experiences can be and I will never forget my deployments which were certainly life-changing! It has had a lasting impact on me and has helped me to become not only a better leader but a better person. I know my work overseas in support of peace and security has made a tangible difference to those most in need. And that’s what it’s all about; helping people even when you know they can’t help you back.