Despite challenges with profession, new recruits join North Bay police
Despite a demanding and somewhat difficult profession, people are still choosing policing as a viable career path.
Four new police officers were presented their badges and took the oath of honour during a ceremony in North Bay on March 28, 2024. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News Northern Ontario)
The North Bay Police Service welcomed four new officers on Thursday while honouring others who’ve served for decades.
The new recruits were presented with their badges and swore the Oath of Honour in front of family, friends and fellow officers.
Constable Steve Wood has a background in crisis and addictions, but wanted something more.
“There’s a lot of difficult parts of this job, but there’s a lot of really cool, rewarding and fun parts of the job,” said Wood.
“For me, as of right now, all that fun stuff, all the rewarding stuff that I get to take home and be proud of far outweighs any of the struggles and the difficulties that come with any job.”
In just his first few days on the job, new Police Chief Daryl Longworth said he has been impressed with the people working at the North Bay Police Service.
“I’ve interviewed a lot of young officers and the consistent answer I get when I ask them why they want to be a police officer has not changed,” said Longworth.
“They want to make a difference in their community; they want to serve their community. They want to make the world a better place and a safer place and that truly is a genuine desire that they have coming into policing.”
Other officers were honoured for decades of service, including outgoing Chief Scott Tod, who spent 40 years in the police profession.
Tod said while leading the North Bay Police, he came to understand the importance of ‘community.’
“I never really understood it or appreciated it until I came to North Bay, and I watched the officers with the North Bay police who have dedicated their lives and their passion to this city,” said Tod.
“I learned from them.”
Longworth said there have been many changes in policing over the years like new technology, the types of services provided and the way police provide them – but what hasn’t changed is the dedication of officers to their community and the profession.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Ukraine's army chief reports tactical retreat in the east, and warns of front-line pressure
Ukraine's troops have been forced to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the embattled east, the country's army chief said Sunday, warning of a worsening battlefield situation as Ukrainian forces wait for much-needed arms from a huge U.S. aid package to reach combat zones.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Laurentian University to spend millions on recommendations in second budget post insolvency, but nothing new to reopen pool
Laurentian University's board of governors approved a budget of just over $201.7 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Zendaya tennis movie ‘Challengers’ scores at weekend box office
Zendaya and castmates Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor have been on a globetrotting press tour to get the word out about Italian director Luca Guadagnino's original film, which opened in 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.