THUNDER BAY -- Kip McKenzie became a Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service officer to make a difference and help support local communities.
On Friday he received his badge at the NAPS graduation ceremony at the Valhalla Inn.
“It’s an exciting experience. Worked hard to get here, myself and all the other recruits. It’s a great experience,” said McKenzie, who is originally from Mishkeegogamang First Nation.
“I’m happy to start my career.”
McKenzie has already been working in Constance Lake First Nation for a few months and said it’s been a steep learning curve.
“Keep my head down and learn as much as I can and try to become the best officer I can be,” he said.
Fourteen recruits were set to receive their badge at the ceremony although some couldn’t make it because of weather in eastern Ontario.
Despite the missing recruits, NAPS Chief Terry Armstrong said it was a great day to see more officers enter the field.
“(To) get our numbers up, get our strength up so we can better service our communities and keep them safe for the people that live there,” he said.
“Community safety is paramount.”
Armstrong said as full-fledged officers they will be doing policing from the ground up and for the first while they will be with a coach officer as they learn the trade.
“They’ve gone through the academic side of it. Now they need to do the practical side of it – everything from stopping a car to more serious situations. They’ll be involved with everything,” the chief said.
“They’ll be backup for officers that are already present and vice versa.”
