Editor:
I have been a member of Citizens on Patrol since November 2012. When I was in my senior year in high school, Bob McIntosh had already recruited Chris Dowe. When Bob explained the program to me, it interested me so I joined and was inspired to join the RCMP Youth Academy in spring 2013. That also helped me make my career choice. I am one of four original members at the youth program that started with this program and continued with it.
My partner Chris and I have had lots of experiences and opportunities being a part of the program.
It has opened our eyes and we have seen both sides of life from the upper class to our regular street people that we interact with. We have had lots of interactions with RCMP and helping them by providing them an extra set of eyes and ears for our community.
This program has enhanced our senses because we are always looking for the small details wherever we go that might lead us to events where the RCMP are called to for assistance.
As of right now, Chris and I are training two youths who have a lot of potential with the program and wherever life takes them. Simran has been a part of the program for three months and Raj is just reaching his first month.
Bob has also informed me that three more youths have been recruited — two females and one male who have completed the RCMP Youth Academy.
We definitely have our hands full now, which is a very good thing since most of our members are older and retired and there are not a lot of members as it is.
It has come time to invest in the future of the program and start training youth and pass along the outstanding knowledge that the older members have, and hopefully prepare the youth for similar situations that they might encounter.
This program is not only a bonus to Williams Lake and the RCMP, it is a bonus to the youth to give them a sense of purpose by letting them see that life can be difficult, but there is always someone there to assist them whenever and wherever.
I have experienced this for myself and it is my turn for me to pass my knowledge forward as this has defined my purpose in life.
I give Bob my thanks for being my extraordinary mentor and the best of friends.
Dyllan Wall
Williams Lake