I'm a constable with the Winnipeg Police Service, having joined the police force in March 2003. I always wanted to be a police officer, so I worked toward this goal from junior high onwards.

Initially, I was attracted by the sense of adventure and excitement that comes with the job. Then, as I got older, I appreciated the professionalism and varied responsibilities of the career. As a police officer, you can call things as you see them, which very few jobs allow.

* * *

Now that I'm older and realize how dangerous the role can be, I recognize that it's not as exciting as I originally thought. Very few people are happy to see a police officer. When we are dealing with someone, it's because they've either been the victim of a crime or have been caught as a perpetrator. There have been times when we've saved people from harm and they're still upset with us. It's one of those jobs that has to be done, but it's often a thankless work. My faith helps me deal with this, knowing that there is something more than this life.

* * *

I was born and raised in Winnipeg. My family are long-time Salvationists, so I grew up attending Heritage Park Temple. I'm still a soldier there, and attend with my wife, Nettie, and son, Levi.

* * *

I've been a bandsman my whole life. I used to play cornet, but have recently moved to bass. I also play guitar in a group that plays at youth retreats and some corps events. When work permits, I attend a Sunday morning Bible study.

* * *

I'm the youth ministries co-ordinator, helping the corps organize our youth programs. We run a kids' club on Thursday nights, focusing primarily on children from the community. We have a youth group on Friday nights, which offers youth from the corps an opportunity for fellowship. Whether we're out bowling, at a hockey game or at the corps, we encourage them to invite their friends. We also have a Friday-night drop-in for youth from outside the corps. Three of our community youth have expressed interest in attending an upcoming Army youth retreat.

* * *

At our drop-in centre, we have a café set up with a pool table, rod hockey table, video games on a big screen and board games. We offer young people a fun place to hang out, as most of them aren't able to access after-school activities. We want to help them stay out of trouble, see what healthy relationships are like and hopefully learn more about faith. None of this work would happen without the participation of our youth leaders, most of whom are between the ages of 20 and 25. They are so hardworking and committed.

* * *

I don't remember a time when I wasn't influenced by my faith. It keeps me in line, holds my moral compass in check and helps me remember why I'm doing what I'm doing. Faith helps me to know that I'm doing what God wants me to do. When I see how selfish people can be, and what they're willing to do for their own gain, having God in my life helps me understand why these things happen. He also helps me recognize the influence of the world on people and how difficult it can be for them to get past those selfish desires and seek salvation.

* * *

Just because we are saved, we can't assume that it's easy for people to turn away from sin. In the Army we talk a lot about vices, but it's another thing to witness the impact of drugs and alcohol and how they destroy lives. I think God wants police officers to not only protect people, but to also help the people who commit the crimes to change their lives. I often tell people to go to the Army for assistance, and I tell my fellow police officers to do the same.

* * *

Heritage Park meant so much to me growing up. I'm a corps cadet graduate, and I've found that experience to be such a benefit in my life. I owe so much to the corps, and I know what it is capable of. I want it to succeed and serve the people of St. James in Winnipeg for years to come. I would like to see the corps expand its influence in the community, to show God to its people and be there to support them in times of trouble.

Photo: PAUL DEACON (with son, Levi): “When you see people at their worst, you have to believe in something greater”

---

In this Witness series, John McAlister, Senior Editor, interviews Salvationists from across the territory about their families, work, faith and involvement with The Salvation Army.