Salute to First Responders When it came to joining the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Constable Jeff Beaumaster always had a clear sense of purpose. “I wanted to police so that I could catch the bad guy,” Jeff says, recalling his earlier experiences as an auxiliary member with the OPP in Sault Ste. Marie. He appreciated the rural setting of the OPP’s work, which offered him a broader variety of responsibilities than in a city police service. “I liked what the OPP had to offer in addition to all the different roles and responsibilities.” After 25 years of service, Jeff has faced many situations that underscore the unique challenges of policing in a vast, often rural, jurisdiction. In contrast to urban police forces, where backup might be minutes away, Jeff frequently finds himself working with fewer resources and at greater distances. “We have a larger geographical area to police,” he explains, “So de- escalation is probably a bigger part of our role.” For two-person calls — such as domestic disputes or alarms — backup might involve waiting for support from neighbouring jurisdictions. Reflecting on the highlights of his career, Jeff notes the diversity of experiences that have shaped his service. “The variety and the freedom when you’re on the road are definite highlights,” he says. Among his proudest achievements was joining the OPP’s precision motorcycle team, the Golden Helmets. “I was a member for six years, and I’ve had the opportunity to escort presidents and be part of some amazing events.” Riding with the Golden Helmets became a passion, allowing him to represent the OPP and share the team’s skill with communities across Ontario. But the work also comes with its share of heartbreak. “The death and despair you see regularly are difficult to deal with,” Jeff acknowledges, noting that the impact can be especially pronounced when the calls involve personal tragedy. One incident in Delaware stands out in his memory: a call involving an infant in distress. “I beat the ambulance there, and the mother handed me her baby,” he recounts. “I still hear her screaming. I started CPR, but when the paramedics arrived, they knew right away that the baby was gone.” The memory remains vivid, intensified by the fact that his own child was a similar age at the time. “You’re human. You try to help, but sometimes the outcome isn’t what you’d hope for.”
Despite these challenges, Jeff has managed to find resilience through open communication and self-care. “I don’t have any problems talking to my loved ones and family,” he shares, underscoring the importance of seeking support when needed. “If you broke your arm, you’d go to the hospital so, if you’re not coping mentally, you should talk to someone.” When it comes to facing tough situations, Jeff credits his calm personality and training. “I’m pretty low-key, so I try to de- escalate situations.” That measured approach, combined with confidence from years of training, helps him manage the stress of each call. For Jeff, serving with the OPP is as much about personal strength as it is about community safety, bringing a sense of commitment and pride to every shift he serves.
The OPP Golden Helmets, a precision motorcycle team of which Jeff was a proud member for six years.
Page 10 Hometown St. Thomas • December 2024
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