The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) hired its first officer 140 years ago when the community was just beginning, and more than a century later, it has welcomed three more members to the force.
The agency welcomed constables Sukhraj Jawanda, Jeremy Wright and Cory Knutt during a swearing-in ceremony at the Moose Jaw Public Library’s performing arts theatre on Jan 4. Each affirmed the oath of police, the oath of secrecy and the code of ethics. They then received their badges from Chief Rick Bourassa.
Wright and Knutt will spend the next 21 weeks training at the Saskatchewan Police College, while Jawanda will hit the streets soon.
New members of the Board of Police Commissioners were also sworn in.
Jawanda began his training with the community policing division on Dec. 11, 2023, after previously spending 11 months with the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol. He told the media after the ceremony that he’s excited to join the agency since it’s always been his dream to be a policeman.
He is looking forward to serving the community and ensuring people can raise their families in safety. Furthermore, he believes policing is about making sure that children can attend school safely, that residents can work without harassment and that retirees can live comfortably in a peaceful community.
“I just want to make sure I am doing a good job,” Jawanda added.
Jawanda, 38, is originally from northern India and moved to Saskatchewan 12 years ago. He became a trucker, but because of the hardships that placed on his family, he decided to find something more permanent. That’s how he eventually landed with the highway patrol and then with the MJPS.
“Working with the Moose Jaw Police Service … it’s a great team and they welcome me with open arms and the whole staff is very friendly,” said Jawanda. “I am so excited to be here.”
Jawanda sees many opportunities to grow with the police service, but his short-term goals are to learn and be a good officer. He also thinks he can be a bridge to the immigrant community, especially since many Indian people are living here.
The police service hired Wright, 31, in July, and he began working in the communications centre as a special constable while waiting to train in Regina.
He is originally from Ontario — he was a campus constable at Ottawa’s Carleton University for several years — and has lived in Moose Jaw for nearly two years. He was thrilled that his parents flew out to attend the ceremony.
“It’s an absolute honour (to join the police service). I’ve been working my whole life for something like this … ,” Wright said. “The community has welcomed me with open arms. I’ve met so many great people, and now to be able to serve that community, I’m just really excited.”
A former hockey coach inspired an eight-year-old Wright to become a policeman because the man was also an officer with the Ontario Provincial Police. The new constable always thought it was cool whenever his coach drove to the games in his police car.
After police college, Wright, 31, wants to become the best officer possible and be in the community, meeting people, building trust and being approachable.
Knutt, 43, is from southern Manitoba and worked in media for several years before deciding to become an officer. He is looking forward to participating in the camaraderie of the police service and learning new skills.
Knutt attended the citizens’ academy last winter as a reporter and thought that experience heavily influenced his decision to switch careers. He enjoyed learning about each department, having a behind-the-scenes look at the agency and seeing the good work members do to keep Moose Jaw safe.
“The PACT (Policing and Crisis Team) … was one thing that caught my eye (and) just the good work they do. And the different side of policing, just dealing with mental health issues,” he added. “That’s an area down the road I’d like to pursue.”
