Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 20, 2010 12:00 PM
Rural politicians are rallying behind a program that introduces youth to law enforcement as a potential career. The Electoral Area Advisory Committee is recommending the North Okanagan regional District provide a one-time grant of $2,000 to Jean Minguy Memorial RCMP Youth Academy. “The program goes along way to support our youth,” said Rick Fairbairn, EAAC chairperson and rural Lumby director.
“It gets youth involved at an early age to have respect and knowledge of what the RCMP does in the community.” The academy, which started in 1999, is held at the Vernon Army Camp and it replicates one week in the RCMP’s national training centre. Cadets learn about the law, police tactics and self-defense, as well as coaching in self-discipline, tolerance, team building, integrity and respect. Some of the students eventually pursue careers in policing, while others go into the social services sector. However, organizers have struggled to put together the $37,000 needed annually to operate the program, and they are currently approaching local jurisdictions, service clubs and businesses for assistance. Each cadet pays a fee to participate, but Fairbairn is hoping NORD’s $2,000 will make it easier for some students to join, particularly those from rural areas. “This will allow some youth to attend when it may not be accessible to them,” he said. Forty students participated in the academy last year, with seven from the Vernon School District, 16 from Kelowna, eight from Kamloops, nine from the North Okanagan-Shuswap and the remainder from other communities.
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