On Nov. 5, 10 particpants in the South Simcoe Police Auxiliary training program graduated, took an oath of office, and received their badges, in a ceremony at the Innisfil Town Hall.
The Auxiliary is a volunteer program. Participants are citizens of any age, who volunteer to support their local police service and contribute to their communities. They receive free training and a police uniform, but no remuneration for the hours they contribute – a minimum of 12 hours per month, assisting with traffic control, special events, crime scene preservation and other duties.
The ceremony was attended by friends and families of the graduates, police officers, and members of the Bradford West Gwillimbury-Innisfil Police Services Board.
“On behalf of the BWG-Innisfil Police Services Board, I would like to thank you,” said Chair Licinio Miguelo, noting that “for some of you, your graduation is a milestone on your way to full-time policing,” while others will remain volunteers, serving on a part-time basis in the community.
Miguelo urged all to take pride in graduating. “Remember, you have worked hard for your badges. You have deserved it,” he said.
“How appropriate that we do this during Crime Prevention Week,” said South Simcoe Police Chief Andrew Fletcher, of the ceremony. He noted that when the ten signed up, ten months ago, they were citizens; now, after intensive training in a wide range of policing operations, from use of force to traffic and crowd control, they are Auxiliaries.
“Today, you walk out of here as Auxiliary Police Officers,” part of the South Simcoe Police team, Fletcher said. “By joining our team, you will be offered the opportunity to make a difference.”
The Chief praised the “commitment, perseverance” and dedication of the graduates. “This is not the end of your learning, this is only the beginning,” Fletcher told them, noting that policing is “a heavy obligation, but it’s an honorable one that should not be taken lightly.”
He described the recruits as “ambassadors” for the police in the community, and warned them that they may meet the worst elements in society, during the course of their duties. Fletcher urged the Auxiliaries to work with respect, honesty and integrity.
“Have the courage to say no to wrong-doing… Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do,” said Chief Fletcher. “Wear your uniform with pride.”
The Hon. Jonathan Bliss, Ontario Court of Justice, administered the Oath of Office. He told the new Auxiliaries, “You are all committed to your community…. It is a tremendous achievement, reaching this milestone.”
The swearing or affirming of the oath was followed by a Badge presentation ceremony, and then more speeches.
“You’re doing it on your own time,” training officer Const. Wes Brown told the graduates, thanking them for their enthusiasm, and noting that the volunteers are an inspiration to the uniformed officers. “It reminds us of why we got into this job.”
Brown welcomed them to a “front row seat on the greatest show on earth: welcome to Policing.”
Class valedictorian was new Aux. Officer Meagan Rutledge. Speaking for her classmates, Rutledge said, “This journey has been extremely rewarding,” and an opportunity to learn and grow.
She thanked the speakers and police for their support. “Your support solidifies our determination to serve our community,” she said. “As we implement the knowledge and the skills we’ve gained… we will serve with passion.”
Auxiliary Staff Sgt. Rick Young thanked not only the new Auxiliaries, but their families. “Thank you for allowing your loved ones time away from home to serve their communities and follow their dreams.”
Young noted that last year, the South Simcoe Police Auxiliary unit provided nearly 4,000 volunteer hours to their community. He told the graduates, “You are now road ready – ready to don your uniform and hit the road. Wear that uniform proudly and with integrity.”
The evening ended with a prayer from Pastor Howard Courtney, and a reception.
The graduation ceremony was held on a Tuesday night, coinciding with a meeting of Bradford West Gwillimbury Council. Coun. Raj Sandhu was the only council member able to attend, but he expressed his pride in the new graduates – and the fact that “six of the volunteers are from Bradford West Gwillimbury.”
Representing the Town of Innisfil were Councillors Bill Van Berkel, Donna Orsatti and Kenneth Fowler. Mayor Lynn Dollin dropped by before the ceremony, to congratulate the graduates, but was unable to stay.
