South Simcoe auxiliary officer recognized for outstanding achievements (5 photos)

Auxiliary Constable and Acting Sergeant Jacqueline Papel has been with the South Simcoe police mounted unit for seven years and is an active volunteer within the community through her duties as an officer.

Papel graduated as an auxiliary officer in 2013. She attends monthly in-service training and devotes a minimum of 12 hours a month to volunteer work, as well as being on call for emergencies and to assist parent police services with various community events.

Papel currently works as the front-desk clerk at the South Simcoe police station part-time while filling in for sergeant duties on the side.  

“We’re part of a big family,” said Papel, referring to the bond amongst the South Simcoe police members.

Over the years, Papel has consistently volunteered during many community events, such as at the Broadford West Gwillimbury Santa Claus parade, Carrot Fest, Summer Fest, Rib Fest, and donates her time to assist with road closures, back-up calls, RIDE programs, school lock down drills, bike rodeos, and open houses.

“Carrot Fest is one of my favorites,” said Papel. “Watching all the kids have fun and to see their reactions is priceless."

In 2017, Papel won the Auxiliary Officer of the Year Award for her outstanding dedication to South Simcoe police and was recognized for her efforts in starting up the South Simcoe Police Ceremonial Mounted Unit (horseback).

Papel has been riding horses for 27 years and was the only South Simcoe officer who competed in the 2017 North American Police Equestrian Championships in Philadelphia, where she placed second overall in the equitation category.

“Our horses come from the Briarwood Farms in King Township,” said Papel, noting two horses are provided to South Simcoe police for various community events. “We rely heavily on donations from the community to fund the program."

Papel also rides with the Governor General Horse Guards, an armoured cavalry regiment in the Primary Reserve of the Canadian Army.

When Papel isn’t riding horses, she enjoys singing and regularly performs the national anthem for many South Simcoe police events and ceremonies.

“I love working with the community, interacting with the community, and helping people understand about policing,” said Papel. “Making time to do that is part of our role."

Papel notes that last year approximately 4,000 volunteer hours were put in by the Auxiliary Unit and adds that it is a great “stepping stone” for those looking to become South Simcoe police officers.

“We’re front-line officers and we get some tough calls, but it’s a very rewarding job,” said Papel.

In 2019, South Simcoe police hired 10 new auxiliary officers including Papel’s father, Jim Kreuger; however, due to COVID many of the officers have been on standby.

“It’s a big liability for them if they get sick,” said Papel. “We’ve been on hold due to COVID as there aren’t many events we can be used for right now… but there’s new training coming up for outdoor socially distanced events."

To learn more about the South Simcoe Police Auxiliary Unit and recruitment requirements, visit www.southsimcoepolice.on.ca.