Thom Racine was born in Cornwall, Ontario, but grew up in Ottawa. The son of former Ottawa Rough Rider great, Moe “The Toe” Racine, Thom grew up loving sports. He often returned to Cornwall where he would sit on his grandmother’s front porch, listening to her stories about Cornwall and her life growing up in Smithville under the smoke stacks of the Howard Smith Paper Mill. Thom returned to Cornwall for good when he was hired as a police officer. He completed thirty years of policing in August 2011.

With the launch of his book, Constable Davey – A Future Lost, Thom Racine may soon become better known as an author. In 1985, Thom boldly marched into (then) Chief Shaver’s office and announced he wanted to take on the colour commentary position for the Cornwall Royals radio broadcasts. Following his dream, he and play by play man Fred Pletsch covered the Royals final six seasons. He quickly became involved in all sports related media on local TV, including co-hosting Prime Time Sportscards a show that lasted seventeen years. He has guest-hosted numerous radio programs locally and writes a column in the Seaway News. Thom can be heard on Cornwall Island every weekend in the summer as the PA Announcer for Akwesasne Indians Lacrosse. In the winter he coaches Junior B hockey in Morrisburg.

Thom has dedicated a part of his basement to a collection of hockey memorabilia which includes over 3400 hockey pucks. Thom has volunteered in the community for years. His involvement with the MS Society, Liver Foundation, Heart and Stroke, Hospice and recently the widely popular Bishop Cup hockey game are just a few of the links he has to our community. Thom is proud of his work with area youth over the years and continues to offer his support by teaching part time at St. Lawrence College in the Police Foundations program.

Ninth Street between Pitt and Sydney Streets recognized as Constable John Robert Davey Memorial Way