From labouring on the ocean to enforcing law on the land, Troy Hopkins is an example of perseverance and courage when it comes to career changes.
But he has done it. The once proud east coast lobster fisherman is now an enthusiastic RCMP officer in Sundre.
“To join the RCMP was always a lifelong dream of mine,” said Hopkins, who is now the latest constable to join the Sundre RCMP detachment.
This is Hopkins' first job as an RCMP officer after graduating from the RCMP Academy, “Depot” Division in Regina, Sask. He was there for six months and said it was tough going without his family.
“I always wanted to be out west, preferably Alberta. I was really pleased that I got Sundre.”
Hopkins comes from Nova Scotia, where he was a lobster fisherman for 15 years.
He said it was a good job to have on the east coast, and being seasonal he would work six months on and six months off.
He said going from being an east coast lobster fisherman to becoming an RCMP officer out west is “a big change but something I've always wanted to do.”
“I love the ocean. I think the only thing that can compare probably would be the mountains, so I wanted to be somewhere where I could have access to the mountains, and views of the mountains.”
Hopkins moved to Sundre in mid-September with his wife Dawn and his two sons, Nicholas, 18, and Noah, 14.
He said a big part of why he chose to move out west was because he knew there were many job opportunities for his sons.
“I'm really looking forward to spring, summer and fall. I'm looking forward to being able to enjoy the area when it's warmer -- the trails, heading up in the West Country,” said Hopkins.
“I'm kind of an outdoorsy person. I enjoy that kind of thing so I'm looking forward to the opportunities that I will have to be able to go out into the wilderness.”
