By R. Paul Dhillon
SURREY – Surrey RCMP Insp. Garry Begg, who has become a great friend of the Indo-Canadian-South-Asian community over his eight years in the Surrey detachment, has decided to call it a day and will be retiring officially in November with this coming Tuesday being his last official day at work.
Having worked more than 38 years in Canada’s national police force with assignments on Vancouver Island, the BC Interior, Burnaby, Langley and finally in Surrey, Begg told the LINK on Friday that he really cherishes the time he has spent in Surrey where the Punjabi community has welcomed him in their homes, temples and in their hearts.
“I’m very proud of my association with the Punjabi, Indo-Canadian community and cherish the many friendships I have made here,” said Begg, who says he relishes the annual Khalsa Day Sikh Parade, which he has seen his tenure go from a big local event to an international event which is now averaging 250,000 participants every year.
He describes his policing career as “terrific life experience” that he will always cherish. And while he’s retiring and looking forward to his hobbies of fishing and outdoors, he isn’t going away and is expected to make a move to politics but he won’t say when, where or who.
“I have been approached by many people to run and I’m definitely open to it as it is part of our community and social fabric,” Begg said. “At this point, I just want to enjoy my time off and when I’m ready and certain with something, I will announce it. I’m excited about the future.”
