New CBN by-law enforcement officer to split time among four towns

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The towns of Bay Roberts, North River, Spaniard’s Bay and Harbour Grace are testing a shared initiative: a regional by-law enforcement officer. 

The officer will serve all four towns, with each community receiving a percentage of the officer’s working time: 50 percent for Bay Roberts; 23 percent for Harbour Grace; 22 percent for Spaniard’s Bay; and five percent for North River. 

The officer will work under the direction of Bay Roberts’ director of protective services, Gregory Squires. The initial term is for 12 months, after which there will be a review to decide if the towns wish to continue with the agreement.

The hiring committee was comprised of a representative of each town, with director Squires representing Bay Roberts. There were 10 applicants for the position, of which the hiring committee interviewed three. 

The committee settled on a former Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer with 27 years experience in policing and security work. However, the successful applicant eventually declined the job offer. 

That left the door open for applicant Brady Sheehan. 

“The hiring committee went to the next person as per the grading scale,” said director Squires. The motion to hire Sheehan was made by Councillor Silas Badcock and seconded by Councillor Ross Petten. All voted in favour, and the motion carried unanimously. Sheehan started the position on Tuesday, April 15.