The Canadian Champion, Fday, September 3, 1999 - 7 In the fine odt v Halton police recruiting auxiliary volunteers Bv KAREN SMITH The Champion Juat a montli after several new recruits were swomn into the Halton Regional Police Auxiliary Unit the search is on for otliers. The unit is looking to expand by 20 officers ta meet increasing demands for policing, especially in north Halton, says Sgt. Ray Hendry. "We're looking for mature, cQmmunity-mind- ed individuals to volunteer some time toward an interesting and rewarding calling," lie said. The job cornes highly recommended by Grant Taylor, a Halton police auxiliary officer in Diverse interests make up auxilary By HOWARD MOZEL Special ta The Champion It was obvious froro the start of the recent swearing-in of Halton Regional Police Auxiliary Unit recniita tliat thse offi- cers' sweeping experience was matched only by their entliusiasm. After aIl, includeri in the graduating clasa were engineers, blue collar workers and educators whose interests range ftom ice dancing and Bible studies ta antique collecting and martial arts. ,The unit has been blessed witli extraor- dinary people,", said Auxiliary Inspector Jim James, who officially handed over command of thse unit ta Inspector Len McGahey after 35 years as an auxiliary officer and special constable. Auxiliary officers are ail civilian volun- teers who engage in mucli of the same training as swom police officers and are empowered under thse Police Services Act ta ha used for such duties as crowd contraI and traffic functions. Rhonda Diplock, an accounting supervi- sor in Mississauga, was among tliose impressed by lier clasamates' breadtli of backgrounds and experience and said sucli feelings among lier peers are mutual. "We're in awe of wliat eacli other does," she said. Ms Diplock lias lived in Oakville for 22 years and is a graduate of Slieridan College's Business Administration pro- gram. A mother of two wlio is married ta a police officer, Ms Diplock said slie select- ed tise Auxiliary Unit ta satif a long-lield intereat in police work. Altliougi liappy witli lier career, Ms Diplock says slie wanted ta find a way to lielp otliers wliile fulfilling lier desire for volunteer work. Ms Diplock - Wlio cliaracterized lier training as fun, liard and very intensive - said slie enjoyed everytliing fromn use of force preparation ta (by ail accounts) some wild driver training. "Wliere else do you get ta drive like tliat?" said Ms Diplock, wlio relislied test- ing ber limits. "You surprise yourself." .Ms Diplock alto, said tliat tlie st aspect of training were somne trips ta tlie firing range. Altliougli Auxiliary officers don't carry firearma, an emnergency situation may arise wliere their use is called upon. "You neyer know wliat miglit liappen," said Ms Diplock, wliose motlier traveled from Saskatchiewan for tlie ceremony. e »e FORCE on page 10 Miltonr for tlie last 10 years. "It' s very rewarding," said tlie 49-year-old liigli scliool teaclier and fatlier of five sons, two of wliom are now Toronto police officers. "You oeally feel like you're lielping out your community and finding out a lot about it, too." Mr. Taylor, wlio like aIl recruits underwent a pliysical examination and written test during thse application proceas, serves about 12 liours a montli, mostly lielping out witli trafflc control at special events like tlie Milton Santa Claus Parade. Many otlier officers donate more time, but it's up to, the individual, Mr. Taylor said. The job also includes ride-alongs, in whicli auxiliary memnbers join regular officers on the road. On patrol, auxiliary officers mainly serve as assistants, providing back-up to oflicers, he said. However, auxiliary officers, who don't carry guns or pepper spray, are trained to, deal with the more pressing situations that may arise in the line of duty. The work of auxiliary officers is totally volun- tary. No psy or allowances are provided. Interested citizens can leam more about the mile of auxiliary officers during information ses- sions scheduled in September. Sessions will take place Thursday, Sept. 9 at the Georgeto wn police station, 217 Guelphi St., and Tuesday, Sept. 14 in Acton. TMe Acton loca- tion lias yet to lie determined. Held in open-bouse format, both sessions will mun fromn 7 to 8 p.m. "We encourage the public to attend and see what auxiliary policing with one of the most pro- gressive police services in Ontario is ail about," Sgt. Hendry said. PLUS THIS WEEKEND: e ALL GIANT I