With many OPP officers retiring in the next three to five years, recruiting officer Sgt. Darryl Wilson is hoping to generate some interest here when he holds two information sessions Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
“Almost every detachment in the region has a vacancy or two ongoing,” he said Monday before making an appearance at town council’s regular meeting.
“That could be because of transfers, retirements, or long-term disability–there’s always vacancies,” he noted.
Sgt. Wilson is encouraging anyone interested in becoming a police officer to come to either the session tonight at 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre or there tomorrow at 11 a.m.
Besides talking about the requirements to first take the Ontario Chiefs of Recruiting test, and where to go after passing that, Sgt. Wilson will provide answers to some common questions, such as job placement.
“I’d almost guarantee people they’ll stay in Northwestern Ontario if they want to. In the past year, there’s only been one person we couldn’t accommodate,” he noted.
Sgt. Wilson also said he’ll outline what qualities the OPP want in an officer. “We want to hear what they’ve done in the community. Do they sit around being a couch potato, or do they go out and jog before they go volunteering?” he remarked.
And for those now sure they want to try out for the police force, Sgt. Wilson is willing to get the process going as soon as possible.
“If you were to apply within the next few days, you could very well be heading to school by September,” he said.
Cst. John Williams joined the Fort Frances detachment in October after working first as an OPP auxiliary member in Sioux Lookout. As a new officer, he noted some of the qualities a recruit should have.
“You have to build excellent communication skills, social skills, and something they’re really looking for now is being physically fit–it helps you face the day-to-day challenges,” he said.
While promotional posters state the OPP’s Mobile Command Unit would be at the fire hall, Sgt. Wilson said the vehicle was not available this week.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
