Cst.Shinder Kirk talks, people listen..

Kirk talks, people listen
By KEN HERAR
His name is familiar to many of us no matter what side of the law we are on.Abbotsford Police Const. Shinder Kirk has since 2000 been serving as the media liaison officer, a job he said he thoroughly enjoys around the clock seven days a week.His affable personality and radio voice are among his recognizable trademarks.He had no formal training in media until two years into his position. The job came as a surprise for Kirk who was asked to be backup in the media department and within a month he found himself as the main guy. Down playing his success, Kirk said he "took the position to bring the department to the forefront and highlight the good work the officers do."He spoke to local editors and television news reporters to gain more insight and to see how they could work together. Accessibility is the key.Kirk said the media position can be a tough job at times and has allowed him to meet many different people and connect with the people the police department serves.I worked with Kirk at the 2004 B.C. Summer Games media centre in Abbotsford and I was impressed with his approachable personality and his good-natured spirit as a volunteer. His presence was felt among other volunteers, and I would say he is an excellent representative for the Abbotsford Police Department and our local community on or off duty.His work ethic has now led him to new challenges as the media liaison offic er/spokesperson for the newly-formed BC Integrated Gang Task Force. Kirk will juggle both jobs. The task force will have two components. One will be operational, to assist agencies with existing major gang files and the other is to address the underlying issues in partnership with the community.More than 60 officers will be in the new unit. In my opinion, this is a step in the right direction and a long time coming for many communities that have been suffering from gang issues and other problems. One of the groups that has suffered is the South Asian community which has experienced the deaths of many young people.Kirk said many South Asian community members have come forward and want to work with the police in addressing the issue of gang violence. Kirk points out the South Asian community has many success stories, too, at all levels of society. Kirk graduated from Richmond Senior secondary and later joined the Vancouver Police Department in 1981. He has never regretted leaving the big city. He served with VPD for 10 years before joining Abbotsford Police.His first love is flying. He always wanted to become a commercial pilot and never imagined he would become a police officer. A friend dared him to apply, and the next thing he knew he was accepted.That same friend, Const. Paul Sanghera, died in the line of duty while assisting a stranded motorist in 1982.Kirk, with his wife Wendy and their children, love calling Abbotsford home. He plans to take his wife to India in the future to show her his roots.Const. Shinder Kirk at a glance:Favourite soft drink: Diet CokeWorkout: CyclingActivities: MotorcyclesFood: Vegetarian Indian dishesSofter Activities: Enjoys reading and working with his hands.
KenHerar@gmail.com