Previous experience an asset for new officer

Although David Sawatzky’s just been hired as Raymond’s third Peace Officer, that’s not where he started.

Having spent most of his childhood in Edson, Sawatzky decided after high school he would pursue a career as an automotive service technician. He did this for eight years before deciding he wanted a career in law enforcement and applied to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Program at Lethbridge College.

“I transferred from White Court (to Coutts) just over a year ago. This will be much easier than Whitecourt, people are friendlier here . . . my first couple weeks have been amazing,” said Sawatzky. “We just bought a house in Lethbridge in November.”

Aside from being a certified Journeyman Automotive Service Technician, as a former grad of the college Sawatzky is also educated in a plethora of areas involving commercial vehicles.

He has training in cargo securement, hours of service for truckers, officer safety, dangerous goods and he has achieved a level 1 standard inspector. He has also taken the emergency vehicle operations course.

“We though the commercial vehicle knowledge would be a great strength,” said Mayor George Bohne of Sawatzky’s hiring.

Having worked as a commercial inspector since March of 2011, Sawatzky taken several courses surrounding commercial vehicle enforcement and is routinely praised on his professionalism.

Sawatzky also feels confident in his ability to interpret and enforce acts and regulations on drivers and motor carriers, as well as handle confidential information.

The Town of Raymond also received a regional collaboration grant for the program, which will help offset the cost of equipment that’s been purchased and create a bit of a reserve for the program as well.

“That covers the whole program. It won’t cover our (operational) costs, but it’s going to fund a lot of the extra things we have had to get,” said chief administrative officer Scott Barton. “Really it helps with the sustainability of this program, which is good.”

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