Hay River Reserve (Dec 18/06) - While other people sleep, George Bugghins is wide awake.

But it's not because of insomnia, but rather because he keeps an eye on the Hay River Reserve four nights a week as security hired by K'atlodeeche First Nation.

George Bugghins provides security on the Hay River Reserve by patrolling during the overnight hours. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Bugghins, 43, said his goal is to help keep the reserve safe and secure.

"The reserve is my home," he said. "I want to make sure everyone is safe and there are no accidents or anything."

Since starting work about a month and a half ago, Bugghins works overnight from Friday to Monday. Co-worker April Martel, who was hired about a month before Bugghins, also patrols on Friday and from Tuesday to Thursday.

Bugghins has noticed positive changes on the reserve since the security patrols began.

The amount of crime has decreased and the RCMP is not called to the reserve as often as in the past, he said.

The reserve security handles many things themselves, but calls the RCMP for serious matters and when arrests need to be made.

Security is often on the scene of incidents before the RCMP, Bugghins noted. "Usually we're the first ones there, because we're the closest."

For example, reserve security was the first on the scene of a recent hit-and-run that happened on the reserve and stabilized the victim before the police and ambulance arrived.

Bugghins explained much of security's work involves monitoring vehicles to make sure they are not speeding and that drivers appear sober.

They also enforce a 10 p.m. curfew for schoolchildren.

If they see suspicious activity around homes or signs a residence may have been broken into, they call the RCMP.

Security sometimes breaks up fights. Bugghins said most people stop fighting when security arrives, although he said one man threw a punch at him. "I had to restrain him until the cops came over and picked him up," he said.

Security also watches for signs of illegal drugs and alcohol.

Bugghins noted people on the reserve respect him in his security role because of his healthy lifestyle.

"I never drank all through my life. I never smoked," said the father of one.

Bugghins said he has all of the qualifications for the security job, including First Aid training.

Security staff drive a Ford F-150, complete with emergency lights, a siren and First Aid supplies. They also carry cellphones and flashlights.

Despite his work helping keep the peace on the reserve, Bugghins has no ambitions to become a regular police officer.

Normally, he works as a crew boss for firefighters with Evergreen Forestry, but he hasn't decided if he will return to firefighting this coming summer.