Police chief welcomes Hickie’s return to active duty

Prince Albert Police Chief Troy Cooper said he is excited to have Darryl Hickie rejoin the team.

The Prince Albert Carlton MLA announced Friday he would officially vacate his seat in the provincial legislature on March 9. Hickie made it clear long ago that after his second term, he would re-join the police service.

He returns as an eight-year constable.

“There are a number of positions open for officers of that experience in our organization, so the first thing we’ll do is make sure he’s up to speed with report writing and the new regulations,” said Cooper.

Cooper said Hickie will not have to re-take his basic training, but he will be required to meet the qualifications of being a police officer. This will require him to take firearms and use of force training, as well as the report writing.

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Once Hickie gets back to up-to-speed, Cooper said they will look at what position he is best suited for.

“We think that Darryl, after having been exposed to government, and exposed as a public servant in a broader way, will add to Darryl’s value as a police officer,” said Cooper.

Hickie’s return comes at a good time for the Prince Albert Police Service. The spring and summer months are typically their busier months of the year, and the service has had a vacancy. Hickie’s returns brings the Prince Albert Police Service back to full strength.

“We’ll have one more person who is available to us, to assign to the visible portions of policing over the summer months, we’re excited to have the extra resource,” said Cooper.

It was announced on Friday that a by-election will not be automatic, being so close to the provincial election. Premier Brad Wall merely has the option.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell