New auxiliary constable joins Barrington RCMP

“I’ve had an interest in the RCMP for a long while,” he said.

Born and raised on Stoney Island, Cape Sable Island, Brannen is an employee of Downeast Plastics Ltd. and has also worked as a truckdriver for Canus Fisheries, Lee Nickerson’s Trucking, and Tech Pak Canada.

He is a volunteer with the local EMO, and the Barrington Search and Rescue organization where he’s assisted in numerous roles including search manager, radio operator and searcher.

Brannen says Constable Mario Ross of the Barrington detachment encouraged and assisted him to join the force. To prepare for the position he had training in self-defense and first aid as well as handcuffing, pepper-spray and baton use.

He’s worked 105 hours as an auxiliary constable since January, mostly during the evenings and always accompanied by a member of the Barrington RCMP detachment.

Auxiliary constables are required to patrol 120 hours annually and are fully equipped with uniforms and equipment, except for a firearm, which they are not permitted to use unless their partner becomes incapacitated.

Brannen is pleased with his new appointment but also practical.

“It can be very stressful doing the work. You never know what you are going to be walking into,” he said.