They aren’t there to report a crime or give a statement, but instead to learn the value of community through the department’s youth trooper program.
“This program is designed for youth between 13 and 18 years of age and its goal is goal orientated and challenging while providing effective programming to the community,” said Const. Ken MacDonald who leads the program. “It involves the youth promoting community service and professional development.”
MacDonald said some believe that program prepares the troopers for a career in police work, but its focus is much larger.
The troopers are taught first aid, traffic control, WHMIS and volunteer at local community events such as The Coldest Night, Johnny Miles Running Events, Pictou County Dragon Boat Races where they help people guide their way through the busy events and blocked off areas.
The troopers also have an annual camp at the Tim Hortons camp in Tatamagouche where they meet other children participating in the same programs from across the county as well as local weekend camping events.
MacDonald said at the end of their training they will have skills to help them if they choose to enter a career in policing or any other job they are interested in pursuing.
“We have had kids go into policing, paramedics and several attended university programs,” he said, adding that a total of 221 troopers from across the county have gone through the program since it started nine years ago.
He said the program starts up each fall with a joint meeting between all of the troopers from across the province. When they return to their home, they are trained with their fellow troopers and individually, based on their skill level.
For more information on the program, contact MacDonald at 902-755-8318.
They aren’t there to report a crime or give a statement, but instead to learn the value of community through the department’s youth trooper program.
“This program is designed for youth between 13 and 18 years of age and its goal is goal orientated and challenging while providing effective programming to the community,” said Const. Ken MacDonald who leads the program. “It involves the youth promoting community service and professional development.”
MacDonald said some believe that program prepares the troopers for a career in police work, but its focus is much larger.
The troopers are taught first aid, traffic control, WHMIS and volunteer at local community events such as The Coldest Night, Johnny Miles Running Events, Pictou County Dragon Boat Races where they help people guide their way through the busy events and blocked off areas.
The troopers also have an annual camp at the Tim Hortons camp in Tatamagouche where they meet other children participating in the same programs from across the county as well as local weekend camping events.
MacDonald said at the end of their training they will have skills to help them if they choose to enter a career in policing or any other job they are interested in pursuing.
“We have had kids go into policing, paramedics and several attended university programs,” he said, adding that a total of 221 troopers from across the county have gone through the program since it started nine years ago.
He said the program starts up each fall with a joint meeting between all of the troopers from across the province. When they return to their home, they are trained with their fellow troopers and individually, based on their skill level.
For more information on the program, contact MacDonald at 902-755-8318.
