RUSSELL COUNTY DETACHMENT COMMANDER CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH OPP
Josee Sabourin never thought about a career in law enforcement.
After graduating from the University of Ottawa’s criminology program, Sabourin volunteered with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), an opportunity she said piqued her interest in policing.
“I said to myself, ‘this is really something I can pursue’,” said Sabourin. “I remember how interesting and friendly their presentations were when they used to come to school and talk about what the OPP did. “
Fast forward to 2024, and today, Sabourin serves as the detachment commander for the OPP’s Russell County detachment, PWFSTFFJOH 3VTTFMM &NCSVO BOE 3PDLMBOE
Sabourin was first appointed to the position on an interim basis in October 2022, and was later given the official title of the detachment’s commander in April 2023.
“I have been around since 1999, and it has been an interesting journey to say the least,” she said. “It is still a very demanding career, but it has also been an extremely rewarding one. I certainly believe a career with the OPP was the right choice for me.”
Sabourin’s career has taken her across the province, and she always intended on, someday, somehow, working in the community she calls home.
A Rockland native, Sabourin is thrilled for the opportunity to serve in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. She calls it a full circle moment as it was the community that helped launch her in career in the OPP.
“It was always my intention to come to the &BTU 3FHJPO * KVTU EJEO U LOPX XIFO JU XPVME happen,” said Sabourin. “I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given. But I am so glad to be home and am honoured to be able to lead this detachment.”
Bourget still reeling from shooting
The May 2023 shooting in Bourget that
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officers injured rocked the community, said Sabourin, adding that residents are still reeling from its impact.
And while the community has been doing its best to deal with the shooting’s effects, May 11 will always have a significant meaning for residents of Bourget.
“The outpouring of support and messages we received, it was so overwhelming, and was amazing to see from the people in the DPNNVOJUZ u TBJE 4BCPVSJO i8F BMM XFOU
through this together and we and it was quite the journey we had building our resilience back.”
Vehicle thefts, cybercrimes among issues in community
Beyond the shooting and just like many other communities across Ontario, Sabourin noted that vehicle thefts have been a growing concern.
Sabourin said the OPP does carryout proactive patrols to help tackle the issue, while also spreading awareness through social media on how people can protect not only their vehicles, but their properties.
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have great resources and receive support from other detachments who can share information with us.”
Sabourin said that traffic, road safety and speeding are also areas of concern for the community. She also stated that the OPP is proving residents with resources on cybercrimes, as fraudsters tend to target an elder or vulnerable group of people.
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and resources for them to succeed and best serve the communities they protect,” she
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campaigns and presentations to educate and inform the community on what is impacting them.”
An unforgettable journey
Sabourin said that while her OPP career has been met with difficulties, she has no regrets on the journey thus far.
She calls her experience with the OPP sometimes heartbreaking, but overall, a time she would never trade in for anything.
“It’s an opportunity to help people in the community I call home,” she said. “It is challenging for sure, but it is worth it. 8IFO ZPV IFMQ TPNFPOF BOE TFF IPX NVDI of a difference you have made for them, it is worth it.”