Credit to the community
We have seen these smartly dressed uniformed young people at the Digby Cancer Society Jail and Bail, the Digby Board of Trade debates, MADD functions and the Wharf Rat Rally, but do we really know very much about our own troop of RCMP Stetsons and Spurs? These young people who have an interest in law enforcement are involved in the process of understanding what it means to ensure peace and good order in our community. Constable Richard Parry is their administrative officer and Cst. Graham Boswell of the Digby Detachment RCMP is their RCMP liaison. Together these dedicated and committed individuals are providing an opportunity for young people to experience and learn the tasks, skills and duties associated with protecting and serving their neighbourhoods.
Through this program youth are introduced to all aspects of police work. They are given an opportunity to learn traffic control, identification techniques, crime scene investigation procedures and public safety initiatives. But first and foremost they are exposed to the positive aspects of good citizenship. Their leaders encourage public participation in a positive manner.
Graduates of this program have moved on to careers and educational opportunities that are a credit to this community. Recently Victor and Sandra Weir’s son Matthew graduated from the Atlantic Police Academy and is pursuing a career in law enforcement. Not all Stetson and Spur participants choose career paths associated with Policing, but participating in the program is a constructive activity.
There are 11 troops of Stetsons and Spurs in the Maritimes. Our troop is twinned with a troop in Red Water, Alberta where the RCMP Detachment Sergeant is a former Weymouth resident, Colleen Journeay, daughter of former municipal councillor, Roberta Journeay.
The program is open to male and female youth between the ages of 15 and 21. There are no registration fees and the uniform is provided. The group actively fund raises, hence most of their activities and they certainly have an ambitious program, are at minimal cost to the participant. The troop will be recommencing its activities shortly. If you are interested contact Cst. Richard Parry at 245-8798 or Cst. Graham Boswell at 245-2579. Kristy@ns.sympatico.ca
