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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2006-04-12, Page 14Page 14 April 12, 2006 • The Huron Expositor r News onstable with Huron OPP retires after 31 -plus years of service Jennifert Hubbard It's more of a see you soon, than a good- bye. After 31 -plus years of service in the area, Senior Const. Don Shropshall is tak- ing a step back. Facing his first days of retirement this week, Shropshall said he is looking forward to spending more time with his growing family. "I'll have the chance to do something with them that I didn't get a chance to do with my own children," he -said of pro- moting education and literacy with his granddaughter and future grandchildren. Shropshall started his. career with the Clinton police service to the mid `70s. Soon after the Ontario Provincial Police absolved the service, he rook on the posi- tion of community service officer. "The_ first 10 years seemed to take a long time, but the _ lash 20 have just flown by," he laughed. "I've definitely enjoyed the time I've spent working with the kids the most." Becoming a familiar face inschools across the county, Shropshall has been key in the implementation .of program- ming to address issues facing today's youth. Current programs promote aware- ness of vandalism, ATV and snowmobile safety, drugs, harassment, bullying, the role of the police officer, using 911 and more. "Most kids are good people, some just need a little direction and leadership," he commented. "I'll miss the kids more than anything." Eager to get started, Const. Jeff Walraven will be stepping in as the Huron OPP's new community service officer. "It's pretty tough to walk behind Don. I know there's a certain level of expectation and nothing that he's brought in will change," Wairaven commented. "Personally I'd like to get more involved at the .high school level, as well as contin- uing in the public, Catholic and private elementary systems." Huron's programming on par with that offered by OPP department§ throughout the province. In addition to school programs, the com- munity 'service officer position also entails working with the local media and speaking to area church, service groups, etc. • Shropshall's.last working day was .;pend Night Together ( REGISTER NOW AT www.cancer.cd Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life Relay For Life Luminary Ceremony Friday, June 16, 2006, 10 p.m. GDCI Purchase a luminary candle in honour or in memory of a loved one. Purchase online at wwwcancer.ca, call 1 800 294-0086 or visit TD Canada Trust at 39 Victoria St. S in Goderich. IF PON.OII Cancer caesarian. Society du concer MEDIA SPONSOR MEDIA SPONSOR March 31, but because of banked vacation he will not be officially retired until June 15. "I'm definitely looking forward with a little apprehension," he said.. "There's always a little fear of what is to come." But Huron County hasn't seen the last of him. Shropshall, plans to continue serv- ing his community part-time through a variety of activities, including working with the Western Ontario Athletic Association's (WOAA), junior referee program. "No matter what job you. have there are some good days and some bad. Our lives are only what we make them and you need to do the best you can with what you've got," he commented. "It's always better to put a smile on someone's face than to tear them down." Jennifer Hubbard photo Soon to be reitred community service officer with the Huron OPP Don Shropshall in one of his many presen- tations to Huron County students throughout the years. Steckle says it's too early to back candidates for Liberal leadership Susan Hun.dertmark 1• 1111III • While no delegates have yet been chosen to attend this December's federal leadership convention for the Liberal Party, Huron -Bruce Liberal Riding Association president Nick. Whyte says the choices will be many. "This is one of the most wide-open races we've ever seen," he says, adding. that so far eight people have declared their intentions. to run with eight more still testing the waters: Whyte, who along with Huron - Bruce MP Paul Steckle will be attending the convention, says he's still uncertain whom he'll support. "I'm waiting to see who will throw their hats in the ring. I don't make too many commitments this early in the game," says Whyte. Steckle agrees, saying, "It's very premature for me. There's so many possible people and I don't even know who's running yet." Steckle says it was a lot easier at the last leadership convention because of his longstanding rela- tionship with Prime Minister Paul Martin. While he knows many of the can- didates personally, both declared and undeclared, and is receiving calls from some, Steckle says he's still not expressing favour so far. "I doubt if I'll make a decision until late in the year. And, I may never publicly declare it," says Steckle. . Steckle, who has been at almost every leadership convention since Pierre Trudeau was chosen leader in 1968, says "it'll be interesting to see how things unfold." "It will be a big field. There could' be a dozen or so candidates," he says. Steckle adds that the leadership convention will be part of the heal- ing necessary within the Liberal Party. "If we do it right, we could be back (in power) quickly. Sometimes we need to be reminded by the elec- torate this way. But, the Liberal party will continue to be a dominant force in history," he says. Whyte says members of the Huron -Bruce Liberal Association will hold a meeting before June to decide which will attend the leader- ship convention. Close to a dozen delegates are expected to be, chosen in the Huron -Bruce riding.