Even as a little kid, JĂ©rĂ´me Berube-Bourgeois always knew he wanted to be a police officer.
“I’ve always admired the organization because it protects our country and I also knew it was a hard career and I’ve always liked a challenge,” Berube-Bourgeois said. “Also it’s a very good organization with a lot of possibilities.”
After graduating high school, Berube-Bourgeois left his hometown of Amqui—a small town in rural Quebec—to pursue his dream, studying at various police academies in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Most recently, the 23-year-old completed his training at the RCMP’s “Depot” Division, a police academy in Regina.Â
With a few months left of training, Berube-Bourgeois was almost ready to start working in the real police world, however, there was just one uncertainty left—where in Canada would he be shipped off to?
Upon graduation, each new RCMP officer is asked to rank the top three locations they’d like to be posted, however, their choices are never guaranteed. With so many choices, Berube-Bourgeois said he felt a little overwhelmed, but hoped to end up somewhere in Alberta.
“I’ve worked and lived on the east coast so it’s been a dream to experience the west coast,” Berube-Bourgeois said. “I’m also a big country and rodeo fan, and everyone always told me Alberta was the place for that.”
After narrowing down his preferred province, it was time to look at cities and towns. Without hesitation, Berube-Bourgeois jotted Jasper down as his first choice.
“I don’t know all about Alberta, but everyone knows Jasper. It’s so beautiful here and I grew up in a small community of 6,000 people so I was looking for another smaller community where I could live the same type of lifestyle,” Berube-Bourgeois said. “I grew up in a place where there was wildlife everywhere and I really wanted to get back to that.
“Jasper also has a very small detachment and I thought that would be a good place to learn.”
Not knowing if he would get his wish, Berube-Bourgeois eagerly awaited news of his first posting. Within a few weeks, the young officer got the call telling him to pack his bags—Jasper was his new home.
“I’m still adjusting, but I’m very happy to be here,” Berube-Bourgeois said. “Everyone has been so nice and welcoming.” Â
Const. Berube-Bourgeois is currently doing his field training with Const. Patrick Vallee, accompanying Vallee on calls throughout town.
Rather than being nervous about the first RCMP posting of his career, Berube-Bourgeois said he’s feeling excited and looking forward to all the challenges the job will bring.
“Each province is a little different so right now I’m trying to figure out Alberta and get adjusted to the community,” he said. “Anytime you move somewhere new it’s a little hard because you don’t know anyone and you have to start fresh, but I’m feeling very lucky to be here.”
Outside of work, Berube-Bourgeois said as a kid he used to enjoy playing hockey, snowboarding and skiing. He’s hoping the mountainous terrain of Jasper will let him get back into some of those hobbies.
“Right now I’m just hoping to learn everything I can with my job and to get to know everyone in town.”
Kayla Byrne [email protected]
