B.C. teen doesn't let brain tumour stop dream of becoming Mountie

He may be the smallest Mountie, but the RCMP's newest officer has big dreams. On Monday evening, 14-year-old Casey Wright was made an honorary graduate at the RCMP Training Academy in Regina.

Wright was born with brain tumour and has battled illness and been through surgeries his entire life.

His illness has delayed his development and he's small for his age — about four feet tall — but that hasn't swayed him from his desire to join the force.

Wright has been involved in many charities in his home province of B.C., and that's how he met Staff Sgt. Major John Buis.

"He's small in stature, but he's got a huge heart. It doesn't look like he is 14 years old, but he has got the brain and intellect of a 35-year-old," Buis said.

Stroke another health setback

More serious medical concerns came two years ago, when Wright was left partially paralyzed after a stroke.

"It was so surreal. It was the closest to him, I guess, dying," said his father, Larry Wright.

His son fought back, though, and became determined to become a member of the RCMP. The boy says he never doubted he would realize his dream.

"Because I don't give up," Wright said.

Red serge and a riding crop

The Mounties spared no detail for Wright's honorary graduation from the academy. He's got a tailor-made red serge uniform and a ceremonial riding crop too.

"This is the smallest crop that has ever been made, it's actually made out of a pool cue," Wright said.

Wright spent a couple days in Regina seeing RCMP training first-hand before Monday's ceremony. He says it's something he'll never forget.

"It's basically my life," Wright said.