Three New Constables Sworn In

By Natalie Clysdale

Three new constables - one regular and two special constables - were sworn in Thursday afternoon by Judge Brian Hendrickson were sworn in as members of the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS).

Jeremy Wright, who originates from Perth, Ontario, was sworn in as a special constable.

Gavin Karakochuk was sworn in as regular constable.

And Lisa-Marie Ehrhardt were sworn in as special constables.

Wright, who hails from a community of approximately 6,000 people, said he was happy to be in Moose Jaw. He will be working temporarily in the communications centre before waiting to attend the Saskatchewan Police College.

“I was actually hired on as a constable but I don't go to school until January. In the 6 month interim I have been working as a special constable in the comm centre. I'm just super happy to be here and excited to get sworn in,” he said.

Officers Sworn In (from left to right) police commissioner Darrell Markin, Chief Rick Bourassa, special Constable Jeremy Wright, Constable Gavin Karakochuk, Special Constable Lisa-Marie Ehrhardt, police commissioner Mayor Clive Tolley and Judge Brian Hendrickson of the Saskatchewan Provincial Court

For Wright it means being sworn in as a special constable for now and prior to the Saskatchewan Police College he will be sworn in once more but this time as a regular constable.

He said he will be learning the job in the comm centre and it will help him “hitting the ground in January.”

Police Commissioner Darrell Markin reminded the new constables about their duties to the community.

“Embrace the responsibility that comes with wearing the badge as it symbolizes the trust that the public places in you. Remember that your actions both on and off duty reflect not only upon yourselves but also upon the entire law enforcement community,” Commissioner Markin said.

Chief Rick Bourassa spoke about the importance of the day.

“This is always a really important and good day for the police service when we are bringing new people in to carry on policing in the city and to carry on the traditions that we hold ourselves so close to,” Chief Bourassa said.

Commissioner Mayor Clive Tolley said it was good to see valuable new recruits as the MJPS moved towards full strength.

“I’ve been this community to grow and that means a vibrant police and fire service,” Commissioner Tolley said.

Last year the MJPS ran four police officers short of approved strength.

Finding suitable recruits and accessing training spots at the Saskatchewan Police College were sited by Chief Bourassa as major reasons the MJPS operated below approved member strength.