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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.