Corporal (Cpl.) Hart, Detachment Commander in Harbour Breton, is originally from Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador and has been a police officer for more than a decade with the RCMP. From the time he was a young boy, he was told often over the years that he would make a great police officer. He took that advice seriously and eventually enrolled at the RCMP Training Academy.
He made the decision to join the force to secure a career that would allow him to live and work in different parts of the country. Just over ten years ago, he began his career in Cold Lake, Alberta. After seven years in Western Canada, Cpl. Hart returned to the East Coast and spent three years at the detachment in Potlotek First Nations, Richmond County, Nova Scotia. Upon being promoted to his current rank, Cpl. Hart was posted to his home province.
Keeping the community safe through policing is the highest priority for Cpl. Hart and the officers of the Harbour Breton Detachment. Outside of regular patrols and response to calls for service, they can often be found at the local high school giving presentations on ATV Safety or Drug Awareness. They also never turn down an opportunity to assist in community activities, whether it's lacing up their skates for a charity hockey game or acting as a pancake flipper for a school breakfast program. Cpl. Hart says the most rewarding part of his job is being given the opportunity and responsibility to help make a real difference every single day in the community that he serves.
He recommends anyone interested in policing to apply to join the RCMP. There are different paths you can take within the RCMP, says Cpl. Hart, and many specialty areas to pursue. The RCMP offers an exciting career path where they work with you as you learn and evolve throughout your career.
On days when he isn't tasked with upholding the law, Cpl. Hart is just 'Dave' to those who know him best. He enjoys spending his time with his family and friends. On a brisk spring morning, you might also find Cpl. Hart on the tip of a riverbed, casting a fly and humming a tune.
If you ask any of the residents of Harbour Breton, they would be sure to tell you the same – Corporal David Hart is not only a fantastic police officer, he's also a beloved member of their community.