TREENA MIELKE/Rimbey Review
Four years ago Const. Dave Kenny was assigned to Rimbey as his first post after graduating as an RCMP officer.
Now, after becoming an integral part of the community and a familiar face in schools and out on the streets, it’s time to say goodbye.
Kenny has accepted a post in Yellowknife, NWT and began work in that community July 2.
Kenny, who is a native of St. John’s, NL, said coming to Rimbey was a cultural shock, but he grew to love the town.
“When I Googled it all I found was a picture of the new Super 8 and Pas-Ka-Poo Park. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was a great experience. I saw my first rodeo. I learned about farming and the oilpatch. It’s much different back home.”
Moving on is difficult for Kenny, who was involved with the Students Against Drinking and Driving, helped coach the peewees for three seasons and also taught the Dare Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program in the schools.
“I will miss the people, the friendships,” he said. “Lots of people think Rimbey is a sleepy little hollow, but it isn’t. I can’t say anything bad about it really. I enjoyed my time here.”
Kenny comes from a family of police officers.
His father, Jerome, is a retired staff sergeant and his brothers, Michael and Jonathan, are both RCMP constables.
He said his dad never tried to influence him to follow in his footsteps, but he found himself following them anyhow.
His main goal is to return to Newfoundland with his fiancé, Vanessa Hayward, and work there as a Mountie.
“I was born in Yellowknife in 1985 so I’ve kind of come full circle. I offered to go up north, but my main goal is to get back to Newfoundland.”
Sgt. Mark Groves said Kenny will be missed.
“I’ve been a commander in the RCMP for seven years and have supervised many excellent officers and Daniel is among the finest. If I could clone him I would. His leaving is a real loss to this detachment.”