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'An adventure to cherish'

South Simcoe Police Junior Chiefs are top cops for a day

Two Junior Chiefs were sworn in for the day by South Simcoe Police during separate ceremonies at their respective elementary schools.

Sharunyaa Rajakulenthiran,13, from Killarney Beach Public School and Arianna Botas, 12, of Mother Teresa Catholic School were chosen from dozens of applicants in an essay-writing contest.

"It will be an adventure to cherish," Rajakulenthiran wrote in her essay, which highlighted how police play a big role in the community by helping people feel safe and "catching the criminals."

"I love adventures because you have fun but also learn something new," she said.

Rajakulenthiran spoke of her love of helping people and how police do that every day.

"They might have the toughest job but I know they love it."

She wants to be a surgeon.

Her parents looked on as Staff Sgt. Steve Wilson did the swearing in and witnessed the signing of the oath of office while the Junior Chiefs classmates in grade seven and eight looked on in the gym.

"So very exciting. We are really proud," said dad Rajakulenthiran Rajarufnam. 

"The Junior Chief is really a way for us to connect with young people in the community," said Staff. Sgt. Wilson. "It's a busy six hours."

Among the many activities in their packed schedule, the Junior Chiefs met canine handler Const. Brett Jacques and police service dog Chase.

They were the celebrity puck droppers at the Town Of Innisfil's Ball Hockey Challenge at the Innisfil Rec Centre.

The day also includes tours of both police stations, radar and traffic enforcement and last but not least patrol the waters of Lake Simcoe aboard Marine 1, the John Wardrop II.

Junior Chief Botas was sworn in and signed the oath of office with Inspector John Van Dyke.

"It's seems cool," said the grade seven student. "Fun to try."

Botas wants to be a police officer and was most looking forward to seeing the police dog demonstration. 

"It's an amazing opportunity," said Botas.  "I want to see how everything works."

Rajakulenthiran was most looking forward to the ride on the police boat, having never been out on the water before.


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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