The Sundre RCMP detachment's ranks recently saw the addition of three new constables who started serving the community this summer.
The Sundre RCMP detachment's ranks recently saw the addition of three new constables who started serving the community this summer.
Constables Don Poirier, Eric Morris and Dow York each recently spoke with the Round Up to provide some insight on their respective decisions to pursue a career in policing.
Const. Poirier
The most experienced of the detachment's new officers, Const. Poirier comes to Sundre following more than seven years of service in Fort Chipewyan, a First Nations community in northern Alberta that is accessible only by air. Next March will mark his eighth year with the RCMP.
Originally from a Manitoba town called Otterburne, he enlisted in part because of a serving relative who had inspired him. But Poirier said he also wanted a career that would provide the opportunity to see more of the country as well as to help others and to "do something that matters."
"I love my job. I love people. I love just everything," he said, adding the service has a wide gamut of different duties to fulfill.
"It's awesome."
Some of his recent casework included being the lead on the investigation that led to the discovery of about $500,000 worth of stolen goods — including RVs, quads and firearms — that were recovered on a property south of Rocky Mountain House.
"Feels good when something like that comes together," the constable said.
Poirier's decision to transfer to Sundre was not random happenstance or a fleeting whim.
"I did my research before coming, so I knew what I was getting into," he said.
"But it's even better than I thought."
His sights are set on establishing a solid relationship with the community, and once Poirier has settled into more of a routine, he plans to get involved in local groups like the Sundre Curling Club.
Married with two young children aged six and nine who go to River Valley School, Poirier also looks forward to learning more about the community and its surrounding area.
"I'm very outdoorsy — this community has everything, which helped along the decision (to transfer here)," said the officer, who enjoys quadding, snowmobiling, curling, golfing and hunting.
"I just got to figure out the good hunting spots!"
Const. Morris
Having originally pursued a path in computers and technology, Const. Morris said he found himself yearning to work in a community in a position that would allow him to engage with the public on a more personal level. Working as a systems administrator was very impersonal, he said.
"You kind of end up wanting that human connection," the officer told the Round Up.
"I find people a lot more interesting than computers!"
Originally from the Vancouver Island town of Duncan, B.C., the officer said he enjoys being available to help provide a service to the public. Everyone in a community has a certain potential, and as an officer, Morris said he feels he can help people reach it.
Graduating in July from the RCMP depot, which is located in Regina, Sask., the constable said unpredictability is among his favourite aspects of police work.
"Every day is entirely different. That's something I always look forward to."
There is little point in having expectations. Plans to come into the detachment to do paperwork one morning might quickly change due to the unpredictable nature of police work, such as the time he responded to a report about some bison that had gotten loose east of Sundre during one of the last summer storms, he said.
Married for 16 years, Morris said he hopes to retire in a small community such as Sundre, possibly even as a detachment commander.
"That would be a good place to be."
But that's a long time down the road. In the meantime, the rookie officer is eager to learn as much as possible about all the different roles in policing as well as building up a network to keep as many doors open as possible.
Const. Dow York
Having never before lived in a mountain community, Const. York told the Round Up he has enjoyed his first couple of months in Sundre so far.
"It's great — the people seem really nice," he said.
"Both my fiancée and I are from a small town."
Police work has interested York since he was a young boy, and by his late teenage years, "I knew it was what I wanted to do."
Wanting to avoid at all costs a full-time desk job, the constable said he knew serving with the RCMP would represent a unique experience. His decision was solidified following a ride-along with officers in Fredericton, N.B., where York is originally from.
"I put my name in as soon as I could."
For now, the new officer said he is focused on getting accustomed to his duties. There remains a steep learning curve ahead, and York wants to make sure he gets a firm grip on the proverbial ropes. Looking down the line, he plans to take it one day at a time and does not yet have a specific long-term goal with the RCMP. But that path will become increasingly clear as the constable builds up his experience.
In the meantime, York hopes to remain in Sundre for the immediate future. After all, he has an affinity for outdoor activities such as hiking and golfing, making this town an ideal place to start his policing career.
"We'd like to stay here for a while."
