Member Showcase

Constable Chris Moore

In 1993 I moved to Waterloo Region and attended Wilfrid Laurier University where I obtained a degree in Honours Business Administration.  

Throughout the latter years of high school and university, I worked part-time at a bank.  After graduating from university, I began working as a Financial Advisor with one of the major banks.  My career in the financial services industry allowed me to develop my skills in customer service, communication and conflict resolution.

While working as a Financial Advisor, I had several clients who were police officers and through conversation with them as well as with my sister, who was also pursuing a career in policing, I began developing an interest in the field.  

In April of 2000 I began to pursue a career in policing.  Many of the skills which I had developed were transferable and my desire to help people made becoming a Police Constable an easy decision.  I joined the Waterloo Regional Police Service in December of 2000.  Since then I have had the opportunity to work in Patrol, High School Resources, the Criminal Investigation Branch, Break and Enter Enforcement and Human Resources.

I am a proud member of the Waterloo Regional Police Service and I would not hesitate to recommend our service to anyone who is seeking a career that is rewarding and challenging.

I was hired by the Waterloo Regional Police Service in April 1987, exactly one month before college ended. I was assigned as a Constable to South Division in Cambridge. The college let me return to finish my exams and I graduated on the President’s Honour List.

From Patrol Constable duties, I moved on to become a Detective and Acting Sergeant. I was assigned to Research and Planning, Policing Standards, Communications and Human Resources. I returned to patrol as a Staff Sergeant at North Division in Kitchener.  I was also the Service Delivery Review Project Manager and the first Career Development Officer in 2004.

In 2005 I was promoted to Inspector assigned to South Division in Cambridge until 2008 when I transferred to Community and Corporate Services at Police Headquarters.  In early 2011, I was promoted to Superintendent of Community and Corporate Services. It is easy to stay in policing for so long with such a wide variety of work within one organization.

Over the past 24 years, I have enjoyed the people side of my work. The people who have worked for me have inspired me to move higher in the organization.

Being successful in a demanding career also requires a lot of family support. My wife is my biggest supporter and confidant. Although work hours can be demanding at times, call outs can be fairly common and involvement in tragic events can be stressful, all of the hard work, balanced with family life, has paid off.

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, apply with the Waterloo Regional Police Service today. We are always recruiting!

As a Communicator, I get to express that care by supporting people through getting them the assistance they need; sometimes at some of the most traumatic and stressful moments in their lives.  

I had some experience as a dispatcher before coming to WRPS, but the training that is provided here is excellent.  If you have an interest in and aptitude for this kind of service to our community, I highly recommend taking the time to apply! 

When my professional football career finished, I felt a void in my life. I was unsure where I was going and what I had to contribute to the world outside of football. My brother suggested I look into policing, as he was enjoying the challenges and rewards of being a Constable himself. The day I began my career with Waterloo Regional Police Services was the day I found my place in life.

After joining the Service and being greeted with such warm, supportive officers and civilians, I felt rejuvenated. A career with Waterloo Regional Police Services has given me back the camaraderie of a sports team I was missing. I am challenged both physically and mentally each day and I have the chance to give back to a community that has given me so much. Joining the Service has been very rewarding for me and allows me to make a difference in people’s lives, like Waterloo Regional Police Service has made in mine.

I strongly encourage anyone interested in being part of a team, wanting to give back to their community, and making a difference to consider a career with Waterloo Regional Police Service.
 

Constable Stephanie Rich

I grew up in Waterloo Region and attended Conestoga College for Police Foundations. While attending the Police Foundations program, I advanced my knowledge in human behaviour, Provincial and Federal laws and the fitness level required for a career in policing.

I had always admired the duties of a Constable and upon completion of Police Foundations in 2007, I knew I wanted to strive to achieve that for myself. Upon completion of the program I began working as a training manager at a local fitness facility, where I was able to utilize and build upon my managerial and fitness skills.

In January 2010 I felt that I had attained all that I could from my current job and therefore submitted an application to Waterloo Regional Police Service for the position of Constable. I chose to apply to Waterloo because I grew up in the area, wanted to police my own region and only heard great things about the Service. In March 2010 I was hired for a Constable position and attended Ontario Police College in May. Attending Ontario Police College was an amazing once in a life time experience. My time there was spent learning the skills required to become a strong police officer while meeting some great lifelong friends along the way.

I recommend that all those with a passion for policing look into a career with the Waterloo Regional Police Service.

Records Clerk Susan Reis

I am currently a Records Clerk working within the Records Branch as a dictatypist. In my previous jobs, I was a Manager at a large retailer and then an Immigration Counsellor's Assistant for Citizenship and Immigration Canada. When my contract ended at Citizenship and Immigration, I felt it important to seek a job that was just as interesting. I decided to apply to the Waterloo Regional Police Service as I was made aware of this position from family members who were already members of the Service. As I read through the job description, I felt I had the qualifications to apply as I had experience in general office duties, data entry, and communicating with internal and external contacts via email and telephone.

To prepare myself for testing, I ensured I knew what the testing process was and what it consisted of. I researched online and practiced some questions from the GATB test. As well, I practiced speed typing to ensure I met the standard. After a couple of testing days and an interview, I was hired in January 2008 as a Records Clerk. At first it was a bit overwhelming, not having any policing background, learning the terminology and how the system worked.

After a few months of training in dictation, the job became very interesting. There is not one day that is the same. I have had an opportunity to work in other roles within the Records Branch that have allowed me to understand the importance of each function of the Branch. I think what I really enjoy about my job is knowing that what I am doing is important and that there are other members of the Service who value and rely on the work that I do.

If you’re interested in a Records Clerk position, apply today!
 

Constable Justin Lyon

I have been a member of the Waterloo Regional Police Service since December 2009 and am currently assigned to Central Division Patrol.

Becoming a police officer had been an aspiration of mine since I can remember. Prior to my hiring with Waterloo Regional Police Service I completed the police foundations diploma program. At the time of graduation I was only 20 years old and decided I needed something to help me in the competitive hiring process.

In January of 2007 I joined the Canadian military where I spent three years as an infantry soldier with the 3rd Batallion Royal Canadian Regiment. During my time in the military I traveled to many parts of the world including 7 months spent serving in Afghanistan. My time in the military taught me a lot about myself including many attributes I take to work as a Constable each and every day. Working with many different cultures and communities throughout the world inspired me to do what I can to help those in need.

Waterloo Regional Police Service’s motto of “People Helping People” became an excellent transition with my desire to help people. There are various opportunities which can be explored within the Service, offering members the ability to advance their career and achieve great success. 

In 2009 I migrated from Australia to Canada and I have been a Special Constable with the Waterloo Regional Police Service since May 2010.

Having worked as a Social Worker then as a Correctional Officer in Australia, to me it was a natural progression to become a Special Constable. Becoming part of WRPS has opened a whole new world for me. I have been placed at Central Division cell block and have really enjoyed the camaraderie and new challenges that have come my way in the short time I have been here.

If I can make a suggestion to anyone thinking about applying for the Special Constable position, don’t underestimate the life skills you can bring to the Service. There are many life experiences that are transferable to this field.

If you don’t have direct life experience, go out and volunteer with organizations that offer them. As soon as I arrived in Canada, I began volunteering. You can volunteer anywhere that gives you experience working with people.

Don’t be intimidated by the multiple steps you have to take when going through the selection process, including the testing through Applicant Testing Services.  I remember the thrill I felt when I got the call offering me the job and I knew that all of my hard work had paid off.

If you want to feel that way too, go for it!

Sergeant Sharon Havill

I was born in Southampton England and immigrated to Canada with my parents when I was young. I have always known I wanted to be a police officer. In high school I approached my guidance counsellor and told him that I wanted to pursue policing.

I inquired about appropriate programs to take in university or college. He advised me that I didn’t want to be a police officer, it was a “man’s job” and perhaps I should look at a career in recreation or teaching. Being younger and respecting his position, I went to school for recreation and became a recreational programmer. In the back of my mind, however, I still always wanted to be a police officer.

In 1991, I followed my aspirations and applied to the Waterloo Regional Police Service and successfully obtained a Constable position. Through the years, I have been transferred to various positions and have grown both personally and professionally. I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2005. I am a mother of two young children and have a husband who also works shift work. Fortunately, we have a wonderful nanny who helps us with the unconventional hours.

When thinking about a career in policing other people will remind you of the barriers that can be prevalent with such a career, but it is important to remember that barriers can be overcome and the resulting job satisfaction is worth it!

I joined the Waterloo Regional Police Service in 2001 after many years of working in an administrative setting.

Policing as a career first appealed to me when I acted as an interpreter for Immigration Canada in 1999. I spent part of that summer at CFB Borden translating Albanian for the many Kosovar refugees that had come to Canada. The gratification of helping people in their time of need had such an impact on me that it left me searching for a profession where I could interact with the community on a daily basis.

Policing seemed to be the obvious choice. As the child of immigrant parents from former Yugoslavia, policing as a career was never discussed or considered. With a family of my own, it seemed like a big step but I know it was the right one.

If you enjoy working with a committed group of men and women to make the community a better place, then policing may be the career for you. Come join our team!

Sergeant Peter Viol

The first time I applied to a police service was in 1984 when I was 31 years old. However my application was unsuccessful because at that time, police services wanted younger applicants. Also, I did not meet vision requirements and laser eye surgery was not yet available. Reluctantly, I put the idea of becoming an officer out of my mind and went about completing my university degree and getting some Canadian Forces (Reserves) experience.

Then in 1996, my rowing partner, who was a member of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, suggested I look into becoming an officer. Based on my experience 12 years prior, I voiced my concern about my age. I found out however that attitudes toward age had changed and laser surgery was now a reality. I had the operation and went about making my application.

In 1998, at age 45, I was hired by the Waterloo Regional Police Service. For anyone who may feel “too old,” don’t be discouraged. Do not let age be the factor that dissuades you from pursuing a career in policing.

My contact information: peter.viol@wrps.on.ca

Deb Stillar, Civilian

With a college diploma in Radio and Television Broadcasting, I never thought I’d end up working for a law enforcement agency! After a career in the radio field, I was looking for job security and an organization committed to employee growth and development.

I actually learned that the Waterloo Regional Police Service was hiring through the unemployment telephone line! At that time, they were looking for dictatypists to work in the Records Branch. After successfully completing the required testing and passing the interview and background checks, I was hired in 1999.

Starting in the Records Branch gave me a great feel for the organization and how things operate. I enjoyed my time in the Records Branch, but when a job in Communications opened, I decided I was ready for a new challenge. I enjoyed the fast pace and excitement the position of a Communicator offered. Communications was a very challenging and rewarding experience.

After having two children and a husband working shifts, the need for a day job arose. A position came up in the Human Resources Branch, and as a very people-oriented person, with good communication and customer service skills, I knew this position would be perfect for me. Starting as the Human Resources Secretary, I am now the Human Resources Assistant for the Waterloo Regional Police, and I love my job!

The Waterloo Regional Police is a strong supporter of continuing education, and I am currently working towards my Human Resources Diploma.

I am just one of the many examples of WRPS employees that come here from all walks of life, with backgrounds in a variety of career fields. One does not need a background in law enforcement or the desire to become a police officer to work for our Service. Come take advantage of the wide variety of civilian opportunities available!

My contact information: deb.stillar@wrps.on.ca

I was born in Bombay, India and immigrated to Canada when I was 18 years-old. My father was in the army and I liked the way officers in Canada conducted themselves. This sparked my interest in pursuing a policing career of my own. My family and friends were extremely supportive of my career choice, and in 1990, at the age of 25, I joined the Waterloo Regional Police Service. Since then, I have served in various areas such as Patrol, School Liaison Officer, Human Resources Branch and Quality Assurance. In 2005, I was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

While performing my regular duties, I also serve as an Honor Guard with the Service as well as Vice-President on the Board of the K-W Multicultural Centre. I speak Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu and I am frequently asked to interpret in various investigations.

Policing for me has been a challenging, exciting and rewarding career. It has increased my confidence, given me a different perspective and the ability to resolve problems. This profession has given me the opportunity to perform a wide range of roles. There is so much to learn and each day brings new challenges. My colleagues have always treated me with dignity and respect.

I would recommend a career in policing to anyone for many reasons. There are a wide variety of roles that you can undertake. Being a good communicator is essential. You must also be able to listen and make decisions. If you are professional in your approach, you like teamwork and enjoy helping others without being asked, this career is for you!

Constable Gavin Wyatt

I have been a member of the Waterloo Regional Police Service since April 2004 and currently assigned to Central Patrol in Kitchener.

Achieving my goal of becoming a Police Officer did not come easily. Standing at a stature of 5’6”, everyone I talked to about a career in policing told me I was too short to become a police officer. I refused to let their comments deter me.

Fortunately, I had several opportunities to learn more about the Waterloo Regional Police Service through my high school co-operative education program (I was placed in the Research and Planning Branch). I was also lucky enough to return as a college co-op student, working out of Division Two this time. During both of my placements, I took every opportunity to learn as much as I could about the Service and policing as a career.

“People Helping People” is the motto of the Waterloo Regional Police Service. Knowing this, I made volunteering in my community a way of life. Volunteering helped me strengthen my interpersonal skills and allowed me to work with people from many different backgrounds.

I look forward to a long and exciting career with the Waterloo Regional Police!

I remember as a single parent, feeling that my career options were limited if I wanted my son to be my number one priority. But at 24 years old, a good friend asked me, “If you could be anything you wanted, what would you be?” Without hesitation I replied, “A police officer”. Her response was, “Then why aren’t you?”

It wasn’t easy, but I maintained a clear focus and determination, enlisted some fabulous babysitters and two years later I was hired by the Waterloo Regional Police Service. After thirteen years, I still love my job and have had countless opportunities to help others. While the long hours and shifts were sometimes difficult for my son, I know he is proud of me and I have set a good example for him.

I would encourage anyone who is truly interested in a career in policing to take whatever steps are required to make it happen!

My contact information: kathryn.black@wrps.on.ca

 Sergeant Rich Holland

I was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario where I completed my degree in Psychology at the University of Windsor. Policing was not my first choice while in University. I knew I wanted to work with people and I first considered the areas of social work and teaching. While in University, I spoke to a friend who was a police officer. He felt that I had the qualifications to become a police officer. I never considered policing until then, and after looking carefully at the role myself, I felt that I would enjoy being in a field where I could make a difference in someone’s life. I also played University football and liked the team concept and camaraderie that policing also offers.

I set my goal on becoming a police officer and started to research the career through books, the Internet and by speaking to other police officers. Once I was ready, I applied to various police services and was successful in obtaining a position with the Waterloo Regional Police Service. It was an extremely challenging and competitive process. At the time (1988), I was advised that I was one of eight successful candidates out of approximately one thousand applicants!

Being a member of the Waterloo Regional Police Service has been very rewarding for me. I have worked in Patrol, and as a High School Liaison Officer for eight high schools. In addition, I have worked in the Community Resources Branch, Emergency Response Unit, Public Safety Unit and Detectives. I am presently assigned to the Domestic Violence Investigation Branch.

If you want to make a difference in someone’s life, check out a career in policing with the Waterloo Regional Police Service.

I am presently a front desk clerk at North Division.

In September 1994, I applied for a Dictatypist/Records Clerk position with the Waterloo Regional Police Service. To help me with my applicant testing, I practiced my typing speed to ensure that I would meet the standards. The practice paid off and in December 1994, I became the first male civilian in the Records Branch.

When I first started in the position, I felt a bit awkward as I was the only male working with over 40 females in the office. I stayed focused on learning the job tasks, I took detailed notes, and I asked lots of questions. My determination to learn and master the job helped me gain the respect of my peers, thus making me feel like a true team member.

I think that every little bit helps as far as job experience goes, regardless of whether it is paid or volunteer work. Further advice I would give to applicants is to do your homework and find out everything you can about the job to which you are applying. It can only help you in the application process and then once you’re on the job.