THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay Police Service has five new members in uniform.
They were sworn in Thursday at a ceremony at the Thunder Bay courthouse.
The new officers are Constables Timothy Baxter, Christina Zuback, Evan Haywood, Brandon Mihalus, and Nathan Grootenboer.
According to the Thunder Bay Police Association, TBPS has about 233 sworn officers, plus command staff and civilian staff.
Acting Police Chief Dan Taddeo was on hand to congratulate the five constables as they embarked on their career in policing.
"It's a very difficult job to become a police officer, and more importantly I thank them for putting their hand up to serve the public," Taddeo said in an interview.
He said he also reminded them that although most people look at policing as being just about law enforcement, "there's so much social services, social work involved, especially in Thunder Bay."
Taddeo referred to issues involving opioid addiction, mental health afflictions and homelessness, and reminded the officers they will be working with partner agencies toward the goal of keeping people safe so that they can receive support.
"They readily accept this challenge, and I'm looking forward to working with them," he said.
