Some would argue he's been the unofficial ambassador for the Cornwall Community Police Service for years - and they might be right.
Sgt. Thom Racine is leaving the police service following more than 31 years in a variety of roles that included educating young people, working as an undercover operative, training rank and file cops, not to mention arresting bad guys.
He's become a familiar face not only when he's in uniform, but also announcing hockey on TV broadcasts, the radio and in person at the Cornwall Civic Complex. Racine has also become a history nut, and is quietly making a name for himself among local experts.
So, when word came out of his retirement, more than a few people were smiling - himself included.
"I'm a people person. I always have been," said Racine in an interview. "It ended up, after 31 and a half years, you just know that it's time to try something new."
New indeed. Racine has accepted a role as cemetery manager for the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall. At least his new clientele won't be able to talk back.
His new job is very different compared to the job that began in the summer of 1981 - where walking a beat was one of the first things a new Cornwall cop did.
"We used to have beat one and beat two," said Racine, referring to parts of Pitt Street and Montreal Road where officers would walk up and down the street, maintaining a pressence and checking to make sure doors were locked. "I walked tha beat for about a year and a half before I ever saw the incside of a car."
Racine believes it's something new recruits should be exposed to.
"It gives you the appreciation of seeing shopowners and the people," he said. "I wish the young guys today would do that."
Racine's career took him from beat cop to the street crime unit, and by the early 1990s he was looking for a more regimented schedule and decided to return to the road.
But, by 1996 he returned to a more specialized field and joined the intelligence branch of the service's drug unit. He stayed there until 2001 when he became a sergeant and helped run a regular shift at the station. In 2008 he accepted a role as training officer.
"Because the city gave a 21-year-old kid a wonderful opporunity...I have to say thank you," he said. "This job enabled me to be able to give back to the community."
Which is probably why, out of most Cornwall police officers, Racine is one who most often gets picked out of a crowd.
"I will always remember the great people who served this community," said Racine of the police service. "There's some wonderful people who have to do a really difficult job."
Racine is being honoured Thursday night for one of his more noteable achievements - penning a book on Const. John Robert Davey, a fallen Cornwall police officer.
Racine will be honoured at the 18th annual Cornwall police, retirement and recognition evening. His retirement become official Nov. 30.
