Duane Hicks
The local OPP detachment has a new Community Safety Officer (CSO).
Cst. Yenta Davidson has taken over the role from Cst. Guy Beaudry, who now is the court officer here as of Monday.
Cst. Davidson has been an OPP officer here since March, 2003 and most recently was court officer.
She’s had many roles with the police over the past nearly 15 years, and is enthusiastic about now being the CSO here.
“I’m really looking forward to being out in the community and very community-focused,” Cst. Davidson said.
“I love being out and meeting new people; being out in the schools and being a positive role model for youth in the area,” she added.
“And I am looking forward to being a part of ‘Project Sunset’ also.”
Cst. Davidson has been doing on-the-job training with Cst. Beaudry for the past short while, visiting schools and meeting principals, as well as other community stakeholders.
She also has been undertaking some online training regarding community mobilization.
More training is planned in the near future, including media relations training next month.
Cst. Beaudry, for his part, said he enjoyed the past three years as the CSO.
“I spent a lot of time with the various service groups in the communities–from Atikokan to Rainy River,” he remarked.
“It was nice to meet people who want safety in our area and just want to enhance Rainy River District,” added Cst. Beaudry, noting a few of the groups he worked with included Safe Communities Rainy River District, the Rainy River District Community Policing Committee, and the now-defunct Seniors and Law Enforcement Together.
In related news, both constables reminded the public to be cognizant of ice conditions, and if you’re going out ice-fishing to bring the proper gear and let someone know when you expect to be home.
As well, Snowmobile Safety Week (Jan. 20-28) is coming up so take care.
