A familiar face on the streets of Athabasca has left town.
Former Athabasca RCMP Cpl. Joanna Patry served with the town’s detachment for just over two and a half years, before accepting a position in Edmonton for general policing.
“It was mixed emotions for sure, because I did enjoy my role as police officer in Athabasca,” Patry said.
Her last day in Athabasca was Sept. 7.
“I think with anything, with any career goals, there’s those new challenges to meet,” she said. “When this opportunity came up to transfer in Edmonton I was also excited to take on new challenges and learn new areas of policing.”
Staff Sgt. Brian Nicholl said Patry was a really good supervisor in the town, and she took a lot of time to get to know the community.
“She’s been involved with numerous organization in the community, as well,” he said. “She has a large amount of knowledge in various things, and passing on that knowledge is going to be missed.”
Patry has been in policing for 13 years, and is originally from Wainwright. Both of her parents are originally from Athabasca.
“I think, for me, Athabasca was the first small community that I had policed in,” she said. “The biggest difference is you’re more connected to the community members and community leaders, because you have a lot closer relationship. You’re dealing with the same people more often.”
She added getting to know community members and leaders was one of the “most rewarding experiences” of being on the force in Athabasca.
“You never know the impact that you do have on a community, so hopefully I’ve been able to have a small and positive impact in the community while I was there.”
