Polytechnic students explore public safety opportunities

By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 6, 2024.

Herald photo by Toyin Obatusin Students take part in the Pathway to Public Safety - Networking Day last week in the trades wing at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

Lethbridge Polytechnic invited students last week to join them at their “Pathway To Public Safety – Networking Day 2024” as a recruitment opportunity for public service members. This event was located in the Trades Department of Lethbridge Polytechnic.

There were multiple booths of first responders recruiting new hires, and answering important questions. There were also not-for-profit foundations showcased at the hiring and informative fair.

Agencies say first responders have similar attributes that they are looking for in new hires, such as ability to test, critical thinking and reasoning skills, problem solving skills, accountability and integrity.

Primary interest as a goal, said Janet Reichert of Brandon Police Service, “is to humanize the badge. Let the public see what we do. Don’t have that secret barrier.”

“There is an initial initiative to combat the negative outlook towards our first responders and recognize that it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career.

“We are not just police officers. We are not just first responders,” Reichert said.

“There is a commitment not only to serve, but to also protect the citizens.” There are multiple opportunities to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate and to join in on government initiatives to protect communities.

For those looking for a career in law enforcement or a career in serving the community in another capacity, opportunities were presented by a number of local and western Canadian agencies.