DRPC welcomes 16 new recruits in virtual ceremony

Durham Regional Police Services welcomed 16 new recruits to the organization at a modified graduation ceremony June 10 in Whitby. Due to the pandemic, family and friends couldn’t attend the ceremony in person but were able to watch virtually over Zoom.

Traditional graduation ceremonies typically include the fanfare of pipes and drums and a choir, so the ceremony itself was different as well. Recruits, while physically distanced and wearing masks, simply recited their Declaration of Membership after being greeted by Interim Chief Todd Rollauer. Each recruit was also presented with their badge.

Due to the pandemic recruits didn’t have the traditional training experience either, as their training was subject to several modifications.

Cst. Andrew Edwards was the recipient of the Allan D Christiansen Memorial Award as voted by the recruit class. The award honours the recruit for possessing a positive attitude in life and training, exceptional leadership qualities, dedication to a high level of personal fitness, and commitment to volunteering.

The officers will join platoons across Durham Region and receive training from coach officers over the next three months.