North Bay Police add two constables with local roots

North Bay Police Service has added a dynamic duo with local roots and lots of experience to help them serve and protect North Bay and Callander. 

New Constables Erin Bedard and Daniel Pinheiro were sworn in during a ceremony at police headquarters on Princess Street this morning. The pair were sworn in by City Solicitor Peter Leckie, and were presented their badges and warrant cards by Deputy Chief Michael Dazé.

“This is a great day for the North Bay Police and the community,” said Dazé. “These two recruits have police experience and bring familiarity with the area. They have roots here and family here and they don’t have to go through a period where they are learning the community. We support our local people coming in as our new recruits. It’s exciting and it eases their training a bit.”

Bedard, a graduate of both Widdifield Secondary School and Nipissing University, has been an employee of the North Bay Police Service for 13 years. She commenced her career as a dispatcher in 2005. In May 2014 she transferred out of communications and became a switchboard clerk. She has been an active member in the community playing and coaching volleyball and volunteering with the Special Olympics and the Santa Fund food drive.

Pinheiro was born and raised in North Bay. In 1994, at the age of 14, he moved to Portugal where he eventually became a police officer in Porto, Portugal. He started on patrol and a few years later worked in the traffic unit. He later applied to the Special Forces, Bomb Disposal Unit in Porto. Pinheiro comes highly recommended by his coworkers and peers with skills and experience that are valuable to the North Bay Police Service.

In his remarks, Dazé spoke of some of the characteristics of the newly minted constables he witnessed at the Police Academy, comparing them to superheroes. Pinheiro, for his extensive experience and knowledge, drew a comparison to Albus Dumbledore, the wise wizard, and headmaster from the Harry Potter novels.  Bedard drew a comparison to Clark Kent and his alter-ego Superman.

“This day means a tremendous amount to me,” said Bedard. “Born and raised in North Bay, I went to university here and played volleyball for Nipissing. To be able to serve the community that I live in, that I was raised in, and where I’m raising my own family in is a real honour.”

“I’m very proud of my accomplishment and honoured to serve the community of North Bay and Callander,” said Pinheiro. “It’s a very emotional moment for me to have my family here today. This isn’t just an opportunity for me, but for them too. Canada is a great country and North Bay is a great city so I’m very happy to have them here.”

Constable Steve Brown, 1st Vice of the North Bay Police Association provided a poignant comment for the new constables during his remarks, reminding all in attendance the sacrifice that comes with a career in policing, stating, “When something evil this way comes, you will put yourself in harm's way.”