Snow Lake moved one more step closer to its full complement of RCMP officers with the arrival of Cpl. Eric Descoteaux, his wife Lindsay and their two-year-old son, Malakai.
Cpl. Descoteaux is originally from Saint-Barnabé-Nord (near Trois-Rivières), Quebec. However, he lived in Montreal for eight years before joining the RCMP in September 2007. SMy first posting was Inuvik, Northwest Territories and I joined the North District Relief Section while stationed there,M said the amiable and articulate officer during a recent interview. During that time I worked in Inuit communities located near the Beaufort Sea and other aboriginal communities closer to Yellowknife. I then transferred to Behchoko, NWT and spent two years in this community located about 100 km north of Yellowknife.D From there the corporal and his wife moved to Nipawin, Saskatchewan for a year, before transferring to Shamattawa, Manitoba. He was promoted to the rank of corporal in June 2014 while in the role of acting corporal within that community. The Descoteauxs spent two years in Shamattawa. Lindsay Descoteaux is a Manitoba girl, originally from Berens River.
Asked what attracted him to police work, the corporal said it was the possibility of travelling around the country and meeting new people. “I’ve been fortunate to work in Inuit communities in the Northwest Territories and I learned a lot about their culture,” he said. “I love travelling, so this way of life really appealed to me.” What also appeals to the corporal is the prospect of spending the next three years in Snow Lake. “My first impression of Snow Lake was how peaceful and beautiful the community is,” said Descoteaux. “Everyone told us how beautiful Snow Lake was and they were right. This is a great community and my family and I fell in love with it.” The corporal adds that he enjoys the outdoors; specifically hunting, fishing, and golfing. “I’m also a runner and often go out with my dog Leela, who’s a purebred husky from the NWT,” he said. “We also fill our time cooking, watching TV and taking walks with our son. We both live a healthy lifestyle and work out as much as we can.”
As for the job, Descoteaux says he can’t wait to begin working with the detachment’s partners and other agencies towards building a stronger Snow Lake. “I truly believe that the RCMP must play a leadership role in a community like Snow Lake and we will do so by being present during community gatherings, school visits, and attending other activities,” the corporal said. “We will also be visible on the road to ensure public safety.” Having said that, the officer stated that he will miss co-workers from his last posting and the solid commitment they held for the people of Shamattawa.
In conclusion, the Mountie stated, “My family and I are grateful to be here and I can’t wait to meet everyone. We are very excited and blessed to be in Snow Lake and I look forward to serving this great community for the next three years.”
Additionally, Const. Justin Huddle just recently pulled into town and took up residence in former constable Jason St.Pierre’s housing unit on Olson St.
Const. Huddle and girlfriend Jo Traill moved to the community this summer and as Huddle took up his post at the detachment, Ms. Traill secured the office manager/program co-ordinator position at the Family Resource Centre. Huddle is originally from Acme, Alberta, which is a small town northeast of Calgary and Traill was born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba.
Subsequent to his training at Regina, Saskatchewan’s Depot, Huddle’s first four year posting was in Minnedosa, Manitoba, where he also policed the towns of Neepawa and Gladstone.
Asked about his initial impression of the community, Const. Huddle didn’t mince words. “My first impression of Snow Lake was better than expected,” said the officer. “The lakes, and trees and rocks were a welcome change from the flat prairies.”
Huddle added that while in Snow Lake, he and Traill will undoubtedly enjoy the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, hoping to get into some fishing, hiking, kayaking, and camping. They also hope to try their hands at curling while they are here. Binge-watching Netflix, cooking, spending time with their animals, gardening, travelling, visiting family, and socializing with friends will also fill up their time.
Nevertheless, leaving their first placement was also quite tough. “I will miss the people I worked with at my last posting,” said Huddle. “We had a great crew of people and I miss them already.”
Asked if there was anything that he wanted to say to the residents of the Town of Snow Lake, Huddle stated, “It’s a real pleasure to be posted in Snow Lake, and we look forward to serving the community and making the most of our time here.”
The final cog in the three-person detachment has been named and will also soon arrive in Snow Lake … he is Const. Scott Naheim, who is currently stationed in Virden, Manitoba.
