By Charles Lefebvre

Police open up recruiting for 2020 cadet training program

Feb 12, 2019 | 4:08 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Police Service is once again looking for new blood to join their ranks.

The service has started recruiting for its third cadet training class, which will take place in January 2020.

“We just kicked off here on Feb. 6. that coincided with the Medicine Hat College career fair,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both with the Medicine Hat Police Service. “Everything went online and on social media, and so far it’s been really good. We’ve got lots of feedback from the public and interest, so we’re really excited about it.”

Last year, the police service had eight cadets go through their program. Of those who went through, five were hired by Medicine Hat.

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Among those hired were Lisa Gervais and Taylor Olenic, who are currently constables with the service.

Gervais decided before she joined that law enforcement was a career she wanted to pursue, and is proud of her decision.

“This was a great career choice for me,” she said. “I am challenged daily, not only mentally, but physically. I’ve built some solid relationships with my colleagues, not only in the building, but outside of work as well.”

Olenic worked for four years as a corrections officer before he signed up for the training program.

“It was something I was working towards eventually, getting a career as a police officer,” he said. “I decided that starting with something similar, and working my way up to where I am today was the best choice.”

Both says police are looking for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement to apply, and a previous law enforcement background is not required.

“We’re looking for people of good character, integrity, with good work ethic, and a sense of belonging to this community from a wide variety of the population,” he said. “Anyone who has thought they may enjoy a career in policing, we’re encouraging them to apply from all walks of life.”

Though everyone is encouraged to apply, they need to know what they’re getting into. Both Gervais and Olenic noted the program could be demanding, both physically and mentally. Over 20 weeks, cadets will learn everything from Canadian law, to how to perform administrative duties. They will also receive firearms training and run through scenarios they will likely run into during their career as a police officer.

Both Olenic and Gervais credit the training they received for their success as officers.

“I knew that if I just went full on into my studies, focused on that, that it was a short 20 weeks, and it would pay off in the end, and it did,” said Gervais.

“Everything that I learned through the 20 weeks of training was definitely the reason why I was able to hit the streets with two feet, and become a constable with the Medicine Hat Police Service,” said Olenic.

The police service will be holding a cadet information night on February 20 at 7 p.m. at the police station community boardroom. Officers will be on hand to answer questions about the program.

The application deadline in May 10. Information is available here.