Bruce MacGregor is one of the originals.
The retired Barrie Police Auxiliary Inspector served 31 years in the supplemental police ranks.
"Lots of memories. Good memories," said MacGregor beaming with pride and nostalgia. "It's very rewarding."
MacGregor, 70, was among the first 15 members who formed the Barrie Police Auxiliary Unit in 1976.
He was already volunteering as an Auxiliary officer for the Simcoe County Emergency Measures Organization which was governed by the County of Simcoe.
His day job as a circulation manager for the Toronto Star paid the bills but MacGregor longed for the public service and adrenalin rush of policing.
However, back then police work didn't pay much.
"They weren't making any money in the '70's. With the job that I had and a young family I couldn't afford it," MacGregor said. "Plus my wife was scared to death of what might happen."
MacGregor joined the Auxiliary at the age of 22, gained the satisfaction of community service and many stories about historic events - including the 1985 Barrie tornado.
"I was in the guard room at the police station and the call came in across the radio there's a lady been blown across the intersection of Essa Road and Burton Avenue." recalled MacGregor. "A few seconds later the d- car said 'Send everybody - ambulance, fire, anything you got get 'em over here. Allandale is just about gone.'"
Fast forward to 2016 and meet present Barrie Police Auxiliary Constable Brett Morrison.
Morrison, 39, works in the automotive industry and joined the Auxiliary a year-and-a-half ago.
He hopes for a second career as a cop.
"If you want to get into policing it's the real eye opener," said Morrison, looking spit and polish in his auxiliary uniform. "It's a very rewarding job."
The Auxiliary Unit parallels front-line uniform platoons with an Inspector, Staff Sergeant and three Sergeants who oversee 26 active members.
Auxiliary officers log more than 5,000 volunteer hours a year doing crowd control at festivals, parades, school dances, traffic control and ride-alongs with front-line officers.
They receive regular training sessions, including use of force and de-escalation techniques.
Staff Sgt. Mark Holden of Barrie Police joined the Auxiliary in 1985 to see what the job was like and is now the police officer who oversees the unit.
There have been more than 200 Auxiliary members since the program began in Barrie and Holden says there has been one dramatic change - demand.
"From 30 years ago, the roles are consistent but there's a lot more demand now," said Holden. "As the city grows, we rely on our auxiliary to supplement demands for front line officers."
This summer, these three past and present officers will join colleagues to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Barrie Police Auxiliary.
The reunion on June 2nd will be a chance to share memories and honour the dedication of these specialized community volunteers - like MacGregor who volunteered for more than three decades, Holden who continues to serve and Morrison who plans to apply to Barrie Police.
"Being able to help people, have that rewarding feeling at the end of the day," Morrison said smiling. "When they come up, shake your hand, thank you for your hard work. That's when you know that what you're doing is making a difference."
