It was assumed from Training Class he would be called Richard, however, he was, to the recollection of the author (John Tidridge) always called either "Anufy" or "Nufy"

Anufy joined the service September 14, 1959 and completed his 30 years retiring with the rank of sergeant. It was Anufy who thought that it would be good a good idea to hold a 50th Anniversary dinner for the class. He worked on this project first from his home and later, as he was dying of cancer, from his hospital room/bed at St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital. Anufy kept lots of notes: Including the speech he would give at the reunion dinner. The speech has been edited. [It was a little embarrassling for Tidridge; he visited 'Anufy in hospital and was told he had forgotten who was the MC at the actual graduation...It was difficult to tell Anufy he was looking at the MC!] So what follows is the speech that was meant to be!

You may wonder what I am doing here at the podium when my regimental number is 461. (The term regimental number should not surprise anybody: Police Services are generally regimental, read military, in outlook and design) The last member of class 10. I'm up (here) to set a format I want others (to) be guided by.

My name is Anufy (Richard) Semeniuk: After graduation I walked the beat for approximately 18 months on the south side. I graduated to property car and patrolled various districts throughout the city. In my third year I (was) transferred to H.Q. Communications Section (staying) for 2 years. I then moved back to Patrol and was assigned to a 2-man complaint car for at least 5 more years and (was) transferred back to Communications for 4 more years. I had lots of time to study for promotion. After 4 years in Communications I asked for a transfer back to patrol, as that's where the promotions happen. In 1972 I was promoted to sergeant but had the option to take plain clothes (detective). I spent 11 years in the Criminal Investigation Division in various sections. I even assisted with arrests in the Drug Section.

In 1984 Chief Lunney felt that it was time to bring all the plain clothes men (detectives) back to sergeants and put the sergeants in the detectives' places. I had the choice of 2 sections to work in Downtown H.Q. (1) was the Jail Section and (2) was the Information and Reception. I chose the latter. You met more interesting people. The shifts were also very good, a 4 day week, 12 hour shifts, (but there were) more days off. I spent 5 years in this section and enjoyed every bit (of it). I even got to sneak away for a few games of pool in the Sergeants'Lounge on the night shift. Who said police was all work and no play. I retired under Chief Chahley on the 29 December 1989 and have never looked back.

Oh yes, (but I did) try my hand at Real Estate, (Century 21) for 18 months. I had a miserable boss who wanted me to sell a million dollars of Real Estate just so he could get 50% (of the fee). That's when the light came on. I walked into his office; dropped him my desk key, cut him a cheque for my expense account, walked out and never looked back.

One day, after getting somewhat bored, I decided to join a city department called the Society for the Retired and Semi-retired. Now that was something I liked. Seniors are the most honest people. You promise them something and fulfill that promise, (and) they pay you for your work and never complain.

Another thing, (having been) a policeman also helped being trusted. I even advised some seniors on how to protect their premises. In summer I did gardens, lawns and yard work,and small handyman repairs that every household needs. In the winter I shoveled sidewalks (getting) lots of fresh air and exercise, (which) is good for you at any age.

Travel? We (with my wife Dorothy) could have done more but we got to spend much quality time at our cottage. We did fly to Hawaii on our 15th. Anniversary; the rest was overland 'car holidaying'; camping, fishing and spending quality time with our 5 grandchildren. We raised 3 wonderful children Jackie, Sharon and Colin.

We still own our home in Beverly Heights; (living here) for the past 40 years, (we) don't have any plans to move. Life is good and 50 years of memories even better.