Durham Police add 15 new officers to patrol from Pickering to Oshawa

There are about to be 15 new police officers patrolling Durham Region after the latest batch of recruits graduated this week.

The class graduated on May 15 in a ceremony involving Chief Peter Moriera, the service’s Pipe and Drums band and choir. Moriera presented each new officer with their badges.

“Always demonstrate compassion,” Moriera told the recruits, “In the face of adversity and challenging situations, never forget the power of compassion. A kind word or gesture can make a significant difference in someone’s life.”

Constable Victoria Heaney was awarded the position of class valedictorian. In her address, she told her peers, “Each of you have made this journey one we will remember forever. We have become a family, and I am grateful to be able to call you all my brothers and sisters.”

The gradutating class voted to honour Constable Brandon Bruno with the Constable Allan Christiansen due to his positive attitude in life and training, exceptional leadership qualities, dedication to a high level of personal fitness and commitment to volunteering.

Christiansen was killed in a car crash while returning home from the March Past Ceremony after completing his Basic Constable Course at the Ontario Police College. DRPS presents a member of each recruit class an award in Allan’s honour.

Over the next three months each recruit will be assigned to a Coach Officer for further on the job training.