The North Bay Police Service adds two new officers to the force

Two new officers have joined the ranks of the North Bay Police Service.

Cadets Shawn Hofmann and Russ Moyer were sworn in as Constables at a ceremony at police headquarters.

Constable Russ Moyer played hockey in the American league and in Europe for about 10 years.

Hockey fulfilled one of his childhood dreams. Policing is fulfilling the other.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play hockey for a number of years and just lucky enough that I was given this opportunity to become a member of such a good service and I hope to be a contributing member of that service,” said Moyer.

“I have lived around the world. I was lucky to spend summers in North Bay. Really, it is a fantastic community. My wife and I are both from here and my family has been in North Bay for close to 100 years, so this is where I wanted to live and now, I am happy to be a member of this community.”  

Moyer’s life experiences are sure to be an asset in his line of work.

“I have experienced many different things and met many people from many different backgrounds. I feel that I’m mature so I will be relaxed and calm. I think a calm demeanor is important when dealing with people in crisis.”  

Constable Shawn Hofmann grew up in Aurora but stayed in North Bay after receiving his post-secondary education here.  

“Nipissing University was my first introduction to North Bay. I entered a four year at Nipissing University and Canadore College, and I have been here ever since,” said Hofmann.

“Leaving high school, I was interested in psychology and just knowing why people do the things they do. And I wanted to apply it in a practical sense. I think policing is the perfect career for that and it also gives me the opportunity to give back to this community that has given so much to me, “said the new Constable.

“The community programs department we have here interests me. It involves the courts and school liaison officers. Working with the schools and being out in the community is something I enjoy.”

In addressing his newly sworn-in officers, Police Chief Scott Tod stressed the importance of earning respect.

“Having the respect not only of the public, but also the members who they work with is very important for them to have a successful career,” said Tod.

“I don’t think that will be a problem for these two officers being heavily involved in the community and also knowing how well they have done in their recruit training. I think they will be dedicated to our community, dedicated to the police service and work well within the police service.”  

Tod says the North Bay Police Services Board has authorized an increase of four officers in 2020.

“These are the first two officers to be hired to increase our strength. We will go to 96 members within the police service, and hopefully by the end of the year we will be at 98.”