Bear River’s recruit joins Newfoundland detachment

"I grew up in Bear River and I was recruited out of Digby,” said Cox. "The RCMP was just one of those things that I have always wanted to do."

Cox said he tried the exam a few times before becoming successful.

"The first time I ever wrote the exam was 2000 or 2001 and then I took a few years off," he said. "Then when I started the process again, it was a year and a day when I found out that I was going to Regina."

After being an auxiliary constable in Digby, Cox said he knew what to expect going into the academy.

"I wish I could say it was an eye opener, but I had already done a lot of auxiliary work with members there," he said. "I knew what to expect with a lot of it, but the paperwork that has to be done was right out in left field to me."

He said the program had its challenges, but it just required focus.

"It was a challenge, but I think that as long as you kept your mind wrapped around why you were there and stayed focused, it went a lot smoother," he said.

Now comes settling into a new community, which he said isn't that much different from his hometown.

"It is pretty much exactly the same," he said. "The accent is a little different, but I haven't met anyone yet that I can't understand. I'm just not used to some of the terminology.

The people are very nice and as the lay of the land goes it's pretty much the same as home—only a few more trees."

Cox said RCMP staff has been very helpful with showing him around the peninsula and surrounding communities.

"I look forward to working here with the staff and with the people in the surrounding areas."