Welcome Const. Hannah MacKenzie, Ponoka’s newest RCMP officer.
Mackenzie, 29, who was born and raised in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, originally chose to be stationed in Alberta and Ponoka happened to be one of her top choices. She made the move within the last month, has quickly gotten to know the area well and looks forward to what the future has in store.
“So far it’s been great. Working in a small community that I’m able to get involved in it is exactly what I wanted to do and working with the schools is something I’m looking forward to," said MacKenzie. "I’ll keep getting to know the area and the people here to see where I fit in.”
MacKenzie, a previous graphic designer who enjoys who still enjoys painting and drawing in her limited spare time, has a brother who is an RCMP officer stationed in Olds. She credits him for opening her mind to pursue a career in this fast paced field she truly enjoys.
“I like the idea of the RCMP organization as a whole”, said MacKenzie. “You receive great training, you can live anywhere in Canada, there’s endless opportunities to advance, and you get a great feeling when you help someone or resolve a situation.”
What are her words of wisdom for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this field?
“If you’re the least bit interested, go for it. You’re not making a huge commitment by going to an information sessions and if you decide to take it one step further, the application process gives you a better idea to figure out is what you want to do,” she said.
If your selected as a successful candidate, next comes the 24-week depot training but making it through this process is something MacKenzie feels is a gratifying experience.
“The training is intense, but when you stick with it and actually do it, it feels great. It’s a challenge for a career that makes you challenge yourself all the time,” she said.
Great advice and best of luck in Ponoka.