Nine new Chatham-Kent police cadets took their oaths this week and are now in the books as the largest recruit class in Chatham-Kent police history.
They were sworn-in by Justice Robert Horton on Friday afternoon at Chatham-Kent Council Chambers and were given their new Constable badges by Police Chief Gary Conn.
Justice Horton told the large crowd, mainly made up of proud parents and family, that being a police officer is like being a superhero and that they are trusted role models in the community.
Constable Destinee Dagenais is the first recruit with Chatham-Kent to be sworn-in holding an eagle feather instead of a Bible. She grew up near Kapuskasing and her Mother is Indigenous. Dagenais said it's an honour to be a police officer in Chatham-Kent.
"I've always looked up to police. It's always been a life long goal of mine. You see the lights and sirens as a kid and you get all excited and you say I want to be in the cop car," said Dagenais.
(Photo by Paul Pedro)
Constable Cole Freeman said he feels proud to represent his family and honoured to serve the community.
"I feel proud, I feel honoured to be able to serve Chatham-Kent. Policing is something that I've always wanted to do. I've always volunteered with my community," Freeman said.
Cole's proud Mother Shari Freeman said she's not surprised her son became a police officer and she's very proud of the "wonderful" man he has become.
"He's always proven to be a good citizen. As a young boy he always looked out for others in our own community," said Mrs. Freeman.
Mrs. Freeman said she's nervous and concerned for her son, but this is what he's always wanted.
Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn told the crowd during his closing remarks that being police officer is a dangerous and difficult job, reminding them there have been too many police officers in Canada that have lost their lives lately.
The Chief also reminded the new Constables to take good care of themselves and told them they were chosen because of their professionalism and integrity.
Travis Maxwell, Destinee Dagenais, Kyle Merritt, Cole Freeman, Ashleigh Leblance, John Goulet, Avery Wilson, Dylan Moniz, and Nathan Lavoie graduated from the Ontario Police College on March 30, 2023 after completing 13 weeks of training.
Dagenais said she found the law part easy at the police college because she has a background in law, but other aspects like polishing boots took some getting used to.
Freeman said he thoroughly enjoyed his time at the police college.