Three new members were sworn in to serve with the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) as constables Jaret Schneider, Christian-Paul Homer, and Jeremy Reschke took their oaths before The Honourable David Chow, judge of the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan this month.
The ceremony took place in the station’s multi-purpose classroom and was attended by The Honourable Tim McLeod and commissioner Kelly Baxter — with Police Chief Rick Bourassa absent — on the morning of Jan. 3.
“I congratulate the three constables on this major achievement in their personal and professional lives,” announced Chow as the ceremony began.
The ceremony was also attended by mayor and board commissioner James Murdock who brought greetings.
“On behalf of the City of Moose Jaw and the Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners, I would like to extend my appreciation to you, Jeremy, Christian, and Jaret, for being a part of our community,” Murdock said.
“Thank you for the commitment you are making today with your ambition being to serve and protect the citizens of Moose Jaw.”
Following a brief invocation by Rev. Dong Joo (DJ) Kim, each recruit took their turn swearing an oath and received a symbolic badge presented by Deputy Chief Rick Johns. On completion of their upcoming 21-day recruit training course, each individual will fully earn their badge and be welcomed to the service.
Chow highlighted the recruits’ upcoming role in the criminal justice system. He emphasized their duty to uphold citizens’ rights and to serve as good neighbours, mediators, and ambassadors for the service. Chow noted that credibility and respect — earned through community engagement — are key to building legitimate authority as officers.
Jaret Schneider, 31, is originally from Shellbrook, Sask. He has spent the majority of his adult life working in the hockey industry including multiple seasons with the OCN Blizzard (Manitoba Junior Hockey League), Melfort Mustangs (SJHL), and most recently the Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) as the director of business operations.
“Becoming a police officer is always something that’s been in the back of my mind…,” Schneider said following the ceremony. “You know, police officers are people that I’ve always looked up to. They serve the community… and can be a bit of a role model… as well.”
Christian-Paul Homer, 32, moved to Moose Jaw with his family around two years ago after leaving Trinidad and Tobago and earning his bachelor’s degree in geology at the University of Florida.
“I like thinking about something greater than myself and being part of an amazing unit like the MJPS. I did a few ride-alongs, met a few great officers, and they really helped inspire me to lend a hand and be part of something great,” Homer said.
“I have really taken to this city, and I want to ensure that it stays the way I found it — welcoming and friendly,” he added.
Jeremy Reschke, 42, is from Medley (Cold Lake), Alta., and has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for the past 21 years.
“I’ve always wanted to be a police officer… and just retired from the military, so I thought… ‘This is my chance to do it,’” Reschke said after the ceremony. “My wife and I moved here from Ottawa last year, and we love the community (and) everything about it….”
Reschke looks forward to helping ensure everybody can return home safe at the end of the day.
“You’re now public officials and have shown us you’re people of character and integrity,” said Deputy Chief Johns in his closing remarks. “We look to you as peacekeepers, problem solvers, crime preventers, and community builders.”
The three new members will now attend the Saskatchewan Police College to complete their training starting on Jan. 6, and are expected to graduate from their 21-week recruit training program in May 2025.
Aaron Walker
Reporter
Moose Jaw Express
