Some New Brunswick RCMP wives will be getting a nod today for their unofficial, unpaid police work. The 37 women will be getting an honorary silver brooch and a certificate of appreciation from the RCMP Commissioner.
In isolated detachments back in the 1900s onward, wives were often left to cook and care for prisoners, take complaints, do accident reports and comfort crime victims and families. These women became the 'unpaid second man' for the communities in which they lived.
The "Second Man" awards will be distributed at a ceremony at the Fredericton Inn & Convention Centre.