Cst. Taylor Olenic has been named the recipient of Blue Line's Rookie of the Year award (Photo courtesy of Colton McKee)

By Scott Roblin

Rookie of the Year

MHPS’ Olenic named Rookie of the Year by national magazine

Apr 2, 2020 | 6:10 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – He may have only joined the Medicine Hat Police Service a few years ago, but Cst. Taylor Olenic has already made quite the impression among his peers.

The 28-year-old has caught the eye of one of Canada’s biggest policing magazines, named the inaugural winner of the magazine’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ award.

Olenic found out he was the recipient of the award in January and admits it took him a while for the honour to sink in.

“To be honest with you I thought it was kind of a prank by some of my employers there,” said Olenic. “But, had a good conversation with the head director of the magazine and I was absolutely excited that the co-workers reached out and did that for me.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

14h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

The award was established to recognize new officers to the force who demonstrate leadership, excellence, and positivity in their profession.

“I know that I’m not the only one out there grinding and doing what we love to do,” said Olenic. “It’s great that Blue Line is recognizing police officers for what we do for the community.”

According to Blue Line, Olenic completed 88 criminal investigations involving charges in 2019 which was 42 higher than the average member of Medicine Hat Police’s patrol division.

Before joining MHPS, Olenic honed his craft next door at the Medicine Hat Remand Centre and was looking for a new challenge when he was hired in 2018.

“I was in law enforcement before this at the Medicine Hat Remand Centre,” said Olenic. “So, I was used to the dynamic lifestyle of law enforcement in general. But, I had lots of help along the way with my peers and co-workers.”

Olenic also cut his teeth in the MHPS cadet program and has built a career, however short it has been, in serving and protecting those in our community.

“I love this city, I call it home and Medicine Hat is great,” said Olenic. “It’s nice to be able to help our citizens when they’re in need. Also, just being a police officer is great to see the interaction.”

Olenic has been involved with a number of community organizations during his time with MHPS and remains a member of Patrol Team II.