What does it take to build a safer downtown? According to Medicine Hat Police Service Downtown Patrol officers, it starts with relationships, mutual respect, and working together.

Today on Bring Back The Porch, host Brian Konrad welcomes Sergeant Brian Bohrn and Constable Mitch Young of the award-winning Downtown Patrol Unit to discuss the realities of downtown policing in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the downtown patrol unit
02:03 Last day for Sergeant Brian Bohrn and team growth
04:08 Team dynamics and the importance of close-knit relationships
06:18 Understanding the needs of homeless individuals
07:15 The non-adversarial approach to community policing
08:43 Challenges faced by homeless individuals and support resources
10:18 The evolution and growth of the patrol team
12:42 Reflections on the work and success stories
13:32 Uplifting stories and the rewards of community policing
14:25 Closing remarks and appreciation for Sergeant Brian Bohrn


From working alongside downtown business owners to building relationships with people experiencing homelessness and addiction, Brian and Mitch explain how communication, education, and collaboration help address community concerns.

The conversation also marks a milestone for Sergeant Bohrn, who reflects on nearly six years with the Downtown Patrol Unit as he prepares to move on from the team. Both officers share what makes the work rewarding, the challenges of supporting people in complex circumstances, and the success stories that remind them why community policing matters.

IN THIS EPISODE

• How Medicine Hat's Downtown Patrol Unit works with local businesses to address concerns and prevent problems.

• Why the unit's community nomination for an award made the recognition especially meaningful.

• How officers build trust and rapport with people experiencing homelessness and addiction.

• Why enforcement is not always the first response, and how education and mutual respect can encourage cooperation.

• The complex reasons some people may struggle to access shelters or housing.

• How police connect people with community support services, including Recovery Alberta.

• How the Downtown Patrol Unit has grown and why additional resources help officers respond to community needs.

• Sergeant Brian Bohrn's reflections on six years of downtown policing, teamwork, and relationships.

• The success stories that come from helping people find employment, stable housing, and a path forward.

A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Downtown safety involves more than enforcement. It also involves understanding the people who live and work in the community, recognizing the challenges they face, and finding practical ways to work together.

This conversation offers a look at the people behind the badge and the relationships that help shape a safer, more connected Medicine Hat.

ABOUT BRING BACK THE PORCH

Bring Back The Porch is a Medicine Hat community podcast featuring conversations about local people, current events, public issues, and the ideas shaping our community.

Our Porch has room for everyone. Join us as we listen, learn, and explore the stories that matter to southeastern Alberta.

If you value thoughtful conversations about Medicine Hat, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and SHARE it with someone who cares about our community.

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Today on Bring Back The Porch Tamara Miller from Miller's Haunts shares spooky stories, paranormal experiences, and her insights on haunted places, supernatural elements, and Halloween traditions. Discover fascinating tales and perspectives on the supernatural world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tamara Miller and her paranormal stories
02:02 Childhood ghost stories and experiences with Morgan
03:52 Paranormal activity at a children's home in Didsbury
06:57 Beliefs about ghosts, spirits, and supernatural encounters
09:02 Haunted places in Saskatchewan and local ghost stories
12:06 Thoughts on aliens, UFOs, and extraterrestrial life
15:13 Supernatural phenomena like Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, and Mothman
19:47 Demonic presence, haunted objects, and energy attachments
24:49 Halloween traditions, ghost tours, and spooky season plans
29:58 Final thoughts and Halloween message from Tamara Miller

As the spooky season begins, there's something thrilling about sharing ghost stories, especially when they come from personal experiences. In this episode of *Bring Back the Porch*, Curtis chats with Tamara Miller, a passionate storyteller from Miller's Haunts, who brings her own spine-tingling tales to life.

Childhood Haunts
Tamara recalls her childhood friend Morgan, who delighted in scaring her and other friends during sleepovers on her farm. Each visit was filled with scary movies and ghostly tales, crafting a perfect atmosphere for youthful fright.

Years later, Tamara found herself working at a children's home that was rumoured to be haunted. On Halloween night, a loud bang echoed from the basement, leading her and a coworker to investigate. The eerie occurrences didn’t stop there; strange happenings continued to unfold, leaving Tamara with a lingering fear of the basement laundry room.

A Connection to the Past
In a twist of fate, Morgan later sought to buy a house just two doors down from Tamara's workplace, only to discover it was the old Didsbury hospital. This revelation added another layer of eeriness to their history, tying their ghostly experiences together.

The Skeptic's Journey
Tamara also shares her experience with a skeptical trolley driver who accompanies her on tours. His desire to be proven wrong leads him to investigate the paranormal, creating a fascinating dynamic between belief and skepticism.

Ghostly Encounters
Throughout the conversation, they delve into various ghost stories and supernatural phenomena. One particularly chilling account involves a water cooler flying across a room, and another where a figure resembling Morgan's mother appeared, only to vanish.

Halloween Reflections
As Halloween approaches, Tamara emphasizes a cautious approach to the supernatural, especially regarding Ouija boards. While some may dabble, she firmly advises against it, citing the potential for unexpected encounters.

We hope you enjoy this spooky season and we hope you share your scary tales with us in the comments!!!

Medicine Hat Fire Department reminds you to charge your devices with the cord that came them. Third party cords can damage your rechargeable batteries and lead to fire.

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Tonight on Bring Back The Porch, we explore workforce challenges, including recruitment, retention, diversity, and the impact of AI, with Isabel Jewell Schmidt. Discover strategies for creating inclusive workplaces and adapting to rapid changes in the labor market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:34 Challenges in workforce recruitment and retention
03:52 Impact of retirements and replacing experienced workers
04:34 Changing career patterns and workplace flexibility
05:12 How CWE tailors solutions to employer needs
07:00 Using AI to enhance productivity and reduce job dissatisfaction
07:42 Fostering diversity and inclusion in the workforce
08:57 Supporting older workers and overcoming stereotypes
10:07 Strategies for attracting young talent
10:55 The importance of workforce adaptability and registration details for the summit

Here in Southeastern Alberta the workforce landscape is changing, the need for adaptability and inclusivity has never been more pressing. We sat down with Isabel Jewell Schmidt, program coordinator for the Workforce Solutions Summit, to discuss the challenges facing employers today and the importance of creating an inclusive work environment.

The Importance of Inclusivity
Isabel emphasized the pivotal role of inclusivity in today’s workplace. "We focus on how to bring people to the workforce and how then to create an environment that’s inclusive for them once they’re there." The Workforce Solutions Summit, happening on October 27th, aims to address these very issues, providing resources to improve recruitment and retention efforts.

Key Concerns in Today’s Workforce
Isabel shared insights on the pressing concerns employers face:
-Workforce Shortages: With a significant number of experienced workers retiring, finding replacements is a growing challenge.
- Generational Differences: Younger workers are seeking flexibility and a sense of purpose in their careers, which can clash with traditional workplace structures.

Embracing Change with AI
One of the hot topics at the summit will be the impact of AI on the workplace. Isabel noted: Instead of fearing AI, maybe we take AI and use it for the parts people dislike doing. Everybody has a part of their job that they don’t like. This perspective encourages companies to view AI as a tool for enhancing productivity rather than a threat.

Diversity as an Asset
Our workforce is increasingly diverse, with people from various backgrounds entering the job market. Isabel highlighted the need for employers to embrace this diversity: "Inclusion is not just something that’s different, but something that’s good." Workshops and training sessions provided by SIWI aim to help employers understand and manage this diversity effectively.

Summit Details:
The Workforce Solutions Summit is set for October 27th at Medicine Hat College. This free event will tackle crucial topics related to workplace culture and development. Registration is open online, and the summit is designed for employers, service providers, and anyone interested in enhancing their professional skills.

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