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Auxiliary Constables recognized for service
Two Kimberley-based RCMP Auxiliary Constables, Noel Oslund and Bruce Smith, were recently recognized for their volunteer service.
Police Services Division, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, issues Auxiliary Constable Program participation pins to auxiliary constables upon successful completion of five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of participation in the program. Pins are provided as a form of recognition and appreciation for an auxiliary constable’s years of service to the citizens of British Columbia as a volunteer in the Auxiliary Constable Program.
Both volunteers received five-year pins. They received their training in 2008/9 in Cranbrook but transferred to Kimberley in July 2014.
Auxiliary constables hold other jobs but assist regular members and detachments on a volunteer basis.
Noel Oslund, is involved with a nonprofit housing society and raised in Kimberley so he is connected to the community which can benefit him and other officers in dealing with situations.
“I enjoy the camaraderie of the force and being able to work with officers in a proactive role. My son is an RCMP officer so I can relate to his career choice,” he said.
Bruce Smith, a dealer principal with Alpine Toyota has never experienced a negative reaction from a customer as a result of involvement with the RCMP.
“As a young man I had aspirations of joining the RCMP. I ended up in the car business so this is a great way for me to experience police work and carry on as a business owner,” Bruce said.
Auxiliary Coordinator Cst. Scott Payne said, “The auxiliary constables are a great asset to the detachment and the communities they serve. They volunteer their time, which can be significant to help out in a number of areas.”
In addition to regular shifts auxiliary constables assist with large events including, Julyfest, Gran Fondo and Wasa Triathlon.
The training for the program is very involved and once completed, constables are expected to volunteer for a minimum of 160 hours per year. Many of them exceed that. The constables work with regular RCMP officers in a variety roles including community events and public relations, pointed out Cpl. Chris Newel of Kimberley RCMP.
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