Two recruits got the low down on what to expect when they arrive at the RCMP’s training depot in Regina.
Edward Garrett Gohn, 33, of Crofton and Eric Therrien, 22, of Nanaimo signed their names on the line at Nanaimo’s RCMP detachment to take the next step in becoming RCMP constables.
The men were signed in by Const. Wally Taylor of the Bike Patrol Unit and Inspector Al O’Donnell, acting detachment officer in charge, while they were briefed by Const. Iain Staniforth, who graduated last year, on what life is like at the training centre.
It has taken two years of background checks and other preparations for the men to get to this point and they will face six months of intensive training before being assigned to their first post, assuming they make it through the program.
“For the next year just hang on and go for the ride,” Staniforth said. “But it’s worth it.”
Taylor said 90 per cent of trainees make it through training and 90 per cent of recruits from B.C. will likely be posted back in the province, which is home to the RCMP’s largest division.
Gohn, a cabinetmaker and father of three, said joining the RCMP was something he planned to do when he was young.
“I decided now was the right time in my life to do it,” he said.
He has not yet decided what he would like to specialize in within the force.
“I had a friend who went into fraud [investigations] and loves it,” he said. “I think I’ll take a few years to figure out what it will be.”
Therrien said he is just excited to be finally joining the RCMP – his uncle was an RCMP member – but is seriously interested in becoming a dog handler.
The men fly to Saskatchewan and begin training the morning after they arrive.
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