Off to the Olympics

NEW GLASGOW - Law enforcement officers from Pictou County will be among the thousands of police military and private security in Vancouver next month for the Olympics.
In New Glasgow, three officers are attending: Sgt. Duane Rutledge, Const. Graham Purvis and Const. Ken MacDonald. Rutledge will be working in Whistler, while MacDonald and Purvis will be posted in Vancouver. In Trenton, Sgt. Walter Smith is also going to the games and will be working in Vancouver.
Security for the games is a massive undertaking, described as the largest security operation in the history of this country. An estimated 15,000 police, military and security personnel will be on hand from the opening to closing ceremonies.
The officers say they can't discuss their individual responsibilities. Truth be told, they say they haven't been given specific marching orders but expect they could include anything from personal security for individuals to gate security. They just know where they have to be and that when they get there they'll be briefed on what to do.
New Glasgow's officers say they're excited about having an opportunity to take part.
"Even though you can't be an athlete, you can be a part of the event, providing security - and be there when Canada wins its first gold medal on Canadian soil," Rutledge said.
And they consider it a major opportunity for professional development.
"The biggest thing is the networking aspect," Purvis said. "And it's not just with police but people from all over the world.
"To take part in what will probably be the biggest event of 2010 - it's an honour."
All three New Glasgow officers are specialized in their police department and arrangements to fill their roles are being worked out.
Rutledge, for example, is the department's K-9 handler. Eko, New Glasgow's police dog, won't be making the trip to Vancouver. "He's going to get a bit of a vacation," Rutledge said. In the meantime, he said New Glasgow would be calling on Truro's K-9 unit for assistance.
Smith also recognized the opportunity a trip to the games presents.
"I'm going to be meeting with police officers from across the country, socializing and working with them. There's a great opportunity there," he said. "Just think of the logistics involved in putting this together. If you go in with ears and eyes wide open, who knows what you'll learn."