Morinville’s enforcement services supervisor takes his job seriously, and thinks he does it with integrity, professionalism and excellence.
And as it turns out, Sgt. William Norton’s peers across the province think so too.
He was presented the Award of Excellence from the Alberta Association of Community Peace Officers at that organization’s annual regimental banquet at a conference in Jasper last month.
The peer-nominated award recognizes a peace officer who is knowledgeable, professional, committed, and active in the association and the communities in which they live and work.
For Norton, that sense of professionalism means being above reproach and having the utmost integrity at work and at home.
“It’s beyond just doing the job, but understanding our role as a community peace officer and what we give back,” he said. “We’re not always having to be the bad guys out there giving tickets, so let’s find ways to enhance the community without doing that.”
He has spent nearly 14 years working as a peace officer, starting for five years in Westlock before spending another five in St. Albert. He has been with Morinville’s enforcement services since 2012.
While each community has its differences, things like population and long-term focus, Norton’s approach to the job remains the same.
“What I’ve found is if you get involved in the community, you’ll end up doing good things with them,” he said.
Community involvement has in fact been a hallmark of Norton’s peace-officer career, both on and off the clock.
In his home community of Westlock, a 40-minute drive north from Morinville, Norton has been involved in a host of volunteer activities. He has also served on several municipal boards, and put his name on the ballot in the 2013 municipal election. He has coached hockey, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, skiing and wrestling.
When he’s on the clock in Morinville, he said he puts a priority on connecting with youth, and has developed a strong working relationship with local schools.
“When it comes to coaching and getting involved with the youth, I just enjoy spending time with them and providing whatever mentorship and guidance I can,” Norton said. “There’s no way I’d be the person I am now without the influential people in my life, and I like to give that back to people.”
He has also taken on something of a mentorship role with other peace officers around the region and across the province who seek his advice based on his experience.
“I think I do things a little differently out there compared to other agencies, and for whatever reason it works and people want to mimic that,” he said.
