 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! |
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Detective Constable Gzime Graffi 
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 now after many years, 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! |
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 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:
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 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:
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Sergeant Caleb Roy 
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!
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 Constable Gavin Wyatt
I have been a member of the Waterloo Regional Police Service since April 2004 and am currently assigned to Division Two Patrol in Cambridge.
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! |
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Sergeant Kathy Black
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:
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 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!
My contact information: (519) 579 9668 |
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Dennis Barron, Civilian 
I am presently a Records Branch Team Leader.
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.
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 Superintendent Rita Westbrook
Since my mid-teens, there was never a doubt in my mind that I would become a police officer. It was a goal that I wanted to realize in my life.
After graduating from high school in Hamilton, Ontario, I took a position in the banking industry. From my location, I would see police officers on a regular basis responding to calls or on general patrol. I yearned for an opportunity to pursue an exciting career in policing and learned through my father that the Waterloo Regional Police Service was hiring.
I applied and was hired in March 1975, along with five other women. At the time, I did not realize that there were no other female police officers on the Service and that we were breaking new ground. I am proud that we now have over 120 female police officers within our Service. I’m also proud of the Service's committment to ensure an inclusive and supportive environment that values the contributions of all our members.
I have been fortunate to work in many areas within the Service: detectives, drugs, surveillance, and patrol. Rising through the ranks is not an easy task for any officer and requires hard work and commitment to the organization. However, the greatest satisfaction in my career has come from helping people and making a difference in their lives.
If you are interested in making that difference in someone’s life and want an exciting and rewarding career, then consider a career with the Waterloo Regional Police Service!
My contact information:
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