There have been a few changes to the roster at the Slave Lake RCMP. Some constables have left for other posts while three new ones are settling into their new roles. One of those new faces is Cst. Patrick Poulin (it’s pronounced POOL-in) of Gatineau, QC. He arrived fresh out of Depot on December 30. Being here is the fulfillment of a dream for Poulin, by being a police officer and having a chance to see Alberta.
“It’s a dream come true for me because when I was a little kid, I always wanted to be a police officer, or an RCMP member anyway,” says Poulin. “(Alberta) was my first choice. I wanted to be in Alberta because I had never seen the west and I wanted to come here and live it. It’s a better experience for me, I think and career wise, that’s what I wanted.”
Before becoming a member of the RCMP, Poulin worked in technology. He is still furthering those studies in hopes of integrating them into his career with the police.
“I worked for Staples for seven years. I was in charge of computer repairs throughout eight, nine stores in the Ottawa region and I’m almost done my bachelor’s degree in computer programming. So maybe someday I could utilize that where I work now,” he says.
Having been on the job for just over a month, Cst. Poulin is amazed at the level of activity he has experienced in Slave Lake. It fits well with his aspirations to become an expert member in the organization.
“I would like to be on the Emergency Response Team if I can. I would like to try it out but I don’t know if I complete that because those guys are very, very good. I have some background of the army as well, so it might help.
“Of course, I want to do community policing first and acquire as much knowledge as possible.”
“Here at this detachment we have a great team and it is a great place for me to learn. We sure are very busy. I wasn’t expecting it to be that busy. I am very surprised but I’m satisfied too. I have talked to troop mates that are in other places and what I’ve done in a month, I don’t know if people are going to be doing that in a year somewhere else.”
As for his life away from the job, he is excited to be living in western Canada and in Slave Lake in particular.
“I love it but houses are pretty expensive. I’m going to Jasper tomorrow and I’m going to visit all Alberta because it is my first time here. The only (places) I’ve seen so far are Edmonton and Slave Lake and I’m looking forward to (seeing more). So far, I really like my adventure here.”

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