A Nelson resident is one of 12 new deputy sheriffs joining the BC Sheriff Services after completing training this fall.
Dave Zarikoff is a newly graduated sheriff who completed 16 weeks of training at the Justice Institute of BC in New Westminster giving him the necessary skills to perform a public safety and statutory role at the Nelson Courthouse.
“I’ve had a lifelong ambition to be in law enforcement,” Zarikoff said.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton commended Zarikoff and his new colleagues for their commitment to learning.
“And I'd like to congratulate them as they begin what I'm sure will be exciting and rewarding careers in BC Sheriff Services,” she said. “Not only is recruiting new sheriffs an important part of improving the safety and security of our courtrooms, it's also an important part of our justice reform initiative, as it improves the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations."
Zarikoff is born and raised in Nelson. Many may know him from his involvement in Nelson Minor Hockey and Nelson Minor Baseball. In his previous career, the 47-year-old worked in auto parts at many shops around town, notably Nelson Toyota.
With the addition of the 12 newly graduated sheriffs from diverse backgrounds, there are approximately 500 full-time equivalent sheriffs working in 45 courthouses and 44 circuit courts in communities throughout the province.
“I am looking forward to working with a great group of people,” Zarikoff said. “And what I really look forward to is doing something that’s always been real passion of mine.”
Deputy sheriffs provide prisoner escorts between courthouses, correctional centres and police lock-up facilities; courthouse and courtroom security, management of the courthouse lock-up facilities and jury management. They also provide protection services to the government as well as threat assessment to ministries.