Short staffed North Bay Police add new recruits

The North Bay Police continue to try and bring in more officers as the organization battles a uniform and a civilian shortage. 

On Friday, Chief Daryl Longworth welcomed a pair of recruits at a swearing-in ceremony at the North Bay Public Library. 

"You have achieved something many people could only dream of achieving; becoming police officers," said Longworth.

"You have become part of one of the most rewarding professions. We will do what we can to make sure you have a long and successful career. We want to provide a work environment where you can thrive.

"As you take this oath remember the weight that comes with the badge you are about to receive. It symbolizes your pledge to serve." 

 See related: Police looking to fill multiple uniform and civilian job vacancies

The North Bay Police Service hired Constable Meakhi Olivier.  He is a graduate of F.J. McElligott Secondary School in Mattawa where he was the recipient of the Principal's Award and was named valedictorian.

Olivier attended Cambrian College where he graduated with a diploma in Police Foundations and was the recipient of the Police Foundations Award. Olivier started with the NBPS as a Special Constable in August of 2023.

Also sworn in was Adam Stoneburgh, who is a graduate of Alexander Mackenzie High School in Richmond Hill.

He attended the University of Western Ontario where he graduated with a double major in Criminology and Sociology. Before joining the NBPS Adam was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces starting in 2019. At the time that Stoneburgh resigned from the Canadian Armed Forces to join the NBPS, he was an Intelligence Officer holding the rank of captain. 

During last week's Police Board meeting, the NBPS stated it is currently working to fill 30 positions, comprised of 16 full-time civilian positions, 10 part-time civilian positions, and four sworn officer positions.