PHOTO COURTESY TWITTER
Medicine Hat police Const. Taylor Olenic, 28, appears on the cover of this month's Blue Line Magazine as their rookie of the year.
jappel@medicinehatnews.com@MHNJeremyAppel
A 28-year-old Medicine Hat Police Service constable has been named Blue Line Magazine’s Rookie of the Year.
Taylor Olenic, who’s been a cop for nearly two years, says his peers nominated him for the law enforcement trade publication’s annual honour, which he learned about in early February.
As the rookie of the year, he appears on the cover of the magazine’s April edition, which is now out on shelves, with a profile of him inside that includes additional photos taken by his colleagues.
“I work with a bunch of amazing people who have helped me get to this point in my career, so it’s nice they were thinking about me in that aspect,” said Olenic.
He previously worked as a correctional officer, but was looking for a slight change in career path when his brother-in-law suggested policing.
“There’s something different everyday,” Olenic said of his profession.
He said his passion for policing is born of a desire to serve his community.
“Knowing that everyday you’re showing up to work you’re helping people through the toughest times of their lives, or making those community interactions, is great,” Olenic said.
Born in Maple Creek, Olenic grew up in the Hat and graduated from Medicine Hat College’s policing program.
He says he enjoys his role in the patrol unit, but is intrigued by certain specialized units, such as organized crime.
“I’m extremely happy where I’m at. I’m learning a lot from my peers, sergeants and staff sergeants,” says Olenic.
