Firefighter Brendan Rousselle recently organized a presentation with his sister, OPP Constable and Community Safety Officer Brianna Babin, in hopes of giving members of BVFD trainees a better idea of “who’s who in the zoo.”

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Eganville – Local police and firefighters have collaborated to better prepare the next generation of Bonnechere Valley Fire Department (BVFD) first responders.

Community Safety and Media Relations Officer for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Renfrew detachment, Constable Brianna Babin, teamed up with her brother Brendan Rousselle, a firefighter with the BVFD, to give the cadets a better idea of their police counterparts and how they’ll go on to collaborate in the front lines.

Fire Chief Darryl Wagner launched the BVFD junior firefighters’ program in March of 2024 with department members Mr. Rousselle, Emma Normoyle and Alex Goldsmith as training instructors. It was launched as a student-friendly way to start working towards being a member of the fire department. The program gives youth ages 15 to 18 the chance to participate in weekly lessons covering the basics of firefighting.

It shows cadets the fundamentals and skills required to become a future firefighter while providing them with one-on-one mentorship for their schooling and job applications. Since the cadet’s training has mostly focussed on the bread and butter of being a department member, a great deal of it is related to the understanding and safe use of equipment. They’ll typically study specifics like the names of different parts of a ladder or door-breaching tools like a Halligan, although they also enjoy practical exercises like learning to actually use these tools.

A cadet can only become a member of the department after no less than 10 months of junior firefighter experience. Department members also have to be over the age of 18 and in good standing before they’re approved for service by Chief Wagner. Some of the cadets have already been accepted into co-op programs from local departments across the county.

In her presentation, Const. Babin explored the elements of a career in policing, like the importance of community engagement in law enforcement and some advanced teams available for officers to join based on their interests and experiences.

“Just knowing what police officers do and understanding the different areas and specialties that we have helps. It’s good to know who’s who in the zoo,” she said.

She highlighted a few tactical response units available to the OPP which are scarcer to municipal police departments like the Ottawa Police Service. She mentioned officer programs like the K9 and Snowmobile, All-Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement (SAVE) Unit since the cadets may come across them in their future careers.

“Their job is to ride snowmobiles, drive boats and ATVs. That’s how they patrol,” Const. Babin explained. “What a sweet gig, right?”

Const. Babin said the most important takeaway from her presentation was the fact that their choices in life will follow them around indefinitely. She told the cadets she was a dental hygienist for over a decade before uprooting her life and beginning a career in policing, emphasizing the importance of having a crystal clean record before pursuing a career as a first responder.

“You want to be a firefighter, police officer or paramedic? Holy liftin’. You better make sure you’ve got a really great driving record. Having multiple convictions or charges like speeding tickets, careless or dangerous driving, those things stay on your record.”

Additionally, she said applying for these types of positions merits a background investigation so intense one has to submit their banking documents for the last three years.

“They want to see if you’re responsible for your money. If you don’t have any, that’s fine, but are you buying drugs or gambling? What are you doing with it? Are you able to pay your bills?”

Another quality she underscored was being articulate and a steadfast self advocate. She told the cadets OPP officers are required to take notes more often than not and document their every move in case they have to testify in court.

According to Const. Babin, if an officer’s report and/or notes don’t reflect the situation at hand, then it didn’t happen. She wrapped up her presentation by stressing the independence and responsibility of the job, since it’s more than just that for a lot of people.

“If we arrive on scene and something’s not working in an emergency situation, which nine out of 10 it is for us, then the onus is on you,” she said. “When you’re hired they’re going to assume you’re mature enough to handle this type of job. So, it’s making sure you’re accountable for your actions, your equipment and your notes.”