Eager youth registering in police cadets program

Const. Marcia Rosenke will help 16 youth learn how to drill and stand at attention as members of the local police cadet corps.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

The police cadet program has started again in High Prairie with some youth already getting a taste of drilling and standing at attention. Sixteen youth and some parents, including some from Peavine, attended a registration meeting at the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre March 4. Const. Marcia Rosenke, who works out of the High Prairie and Faust detachments, will be conducting the program. Rosenke began by explaining the duties she performs. She then asked the youth what they want to do for activities in addition to drilling. “This is a program that you guys are going to run,” says Rosenke. Youth responded they wanted to see the RCMP detachment, a police car and the courthouse. They may even get to see the fire department and ambulances. Youth were curious about Rosenke’s equipment. She explained and showed some equipment including handcuffs, pepper spray, baton and Kevlar vest. One youth asked if she gets scared about situations like the four officers who died at Mayerthorpe March 3, 2005. Rosenke says she does, but she relies on her training and partners to remain safe. Rosenke emphasizes youth must stay in school in order to be in program and use the skills taught to them respectfully. One youth asked Rosenke if a person has to be highly educated in order to be an officer. She replied they have to graduate from high school or have the GED equivalency. Later in the evening, the youth practised standing at attention. Rosenke explained how to avoid fatigue while standing at attention for extended periods, such as having a slight bend in the knees and elbows. They also practised standing at ease. Both drills are integral to learning how to march and Rosenke praised them for being quick learners. To complete the evening, youth watched a video of the Hobbema Community Cadet Corps marching and performing drills. They performed a demonstration of their skills at the Elks Lodge Feb. 25, to let local youth see for themselves what being in police cadets entails. The police cadet program will be held at the Friendship Centre every second Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. For more information or to register, contact Sally Hamelin at 523-4511.

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