The New Hazelton RCMP have added a few new faces to their detachment over the past few months and one of them is Const. Keith Lansdowne from Alert Bay.
Growing up in the midst of a First Nations community and learning his family’s traditional ways is something he holds close to his heart and still practices today in daily routines.
“I enjoy hunting and fishing and spent many years fishing commercially with my family,” he said.
Lansdowne is five years into a psychology degree, which can help in his new job.
“Sometimes it allows me to see things from different points of views and perspectives when it comes to dealing with people,” he said.
Becoming a police officer is something that has been on his mind for a long time.
“I’ve wanted to be a police officer ever since I was a little boy.
“I have plans to finish my degree, but most likely that will be online as I don’t have any plans on giving up my job as an RCMP.”
While Hazelton is his first post out of the academy, it is one he requested.
“I lived in Calgary for a while and I learned I’m really not a city person,” he said.
“I didn’t like all the traffic and there were a lot of people. I’m also not really into what the city has to offer and I’d rather be out in more remote areas and the country.”
Since his arrival three months ago he has already spent a great deal of time exploring what the Hazeltons and surrounding areas have to offer.
“They tell me to go out and explore, so I do,” he said. “I have been out hiking on a few local trails and found some good fishing.”
As for where he’s been fishing, that’s already a secret he isn’t willing to give up.
With three years ahead of him, Lansdowne said he is looking forward to his time here. When it comes to settling into a new detachment, he said that has been great too.
“They are a really great group of people here,” he said.
For now, he’s still learning the ropes and looking forward to meeting new people and exploring new places.