RCMP150 O Division employees reflect on their service - Constable Sarah Brophey

In this Q&A, Constable Sarah Brophey (#54075) helps to mark RCMP’s 150th anniversary by sharing some of her experiences as a police officer for the RCMP, including her time as a member of the iconic Musical Ride. Cst. Brophey graduated (Troop 14) in 2006 and is currently serving in Hamilton-Niagara, ON.

Why or how did you decide that you wanted to be an RCMP police officer?

I was in high school when I decided I wanted a career full of diversity, pride and teamwork as I have profound desire to help people. Major crimes peaked my interest and I followed that to university where I applied myself towards sociology, psychology and forensic anthropology. I thoroughly enjoy the complexities of an investigation and the challenges of solving it. After university I immediately applied to the RCMP and I was afforded the opportunity to attend Depot (training academy).

What do you remember the most about your time at Training Academy (Depot)?

The camaraderie amongst my troop. We stuck together and had a great time whether we were sweating through the tough aspects of training or laughing during our down time. On some weekends a group of us would attend the movies and not one of us managed to watch the entire movie because we would all be sleeping from the exhausting week.  Still today, we are in touch. Hey Troop 14! … knock, knock.

Tell me a little about your career so far?

After graduation I was posted to North Vancouver, BC where I gained experience in general duty, the Crime Reductions Unit and Scenes of Crime Officer work, and joined the Ad hoc Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) part-time.

From there I moved to Ottawa, ON and became a member of the Musical Ride. Some of my experiences there include, Queens Diamond Jubilee ceremony in the UK with The Tenors performing; participant in the filming of Heartland “Thread the Needle” episode also in 2012 and international travels to Germany, England, USA – Boston and Wyoming.

After my Musical Ride tenure, I transferred to Toronto, ON – Special O Unit (fulltime surveillance specialist).

From there I landed in Niagara-on-the-Lake working in Tech Ops as a drone pilot, radar operator; as well as in Shiprider with Cross Border designation as a US Customs Officer.

I am currently working as an Integrated Serious and Organized Crime Investigator in Hamilton, ON with experience as a file coordinator and surveillance coordinator as well.

Were there any members or employees that made a positive difference in your service?

I have been very fortunate to have worked alongside some incredible people who remain friends to this day. They have mentored me, trained me, inspired me and have remained a constant positive influence throughout my career. I can call on any one of these individuals and they will be there. 

Describe the proudest, scariest or hardest moment in your service.

The proudest moment of my career was performing with The Tenors for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee as a Canadian ambassador with the Musical Ride. There was something magical about the entire experience that made you sit up straighter in the saddle. Every time I see the video of our performance in front of her Majesty, it takes me right back and, pride and the memories of the entire experience come flooding back. I will talk about this moment forever.

Looking back at your service, is there a time or type of work (unit) that you value the most?

Both North Vancouver General Duty and the Musical Ride have made quite the impact on my life. 

In North Vancouver it really felt like home. The camaraderie of my team was amazing and we took care of each other. We ensured each other’s safety while conducting our patrols. We played sports together, went on trips together and most importantly we were a family. 

The Musical Ride was a very proud time for me. Aside from the historical aspects and being an ambassador for Canada, it was wonderful to see Canadians lining the streets and cheering us on.  It was a breath of fresh air after working in general duties. My first-year touring began in Germany. The crowds cheering was so deafening we couldn’t hear the music.

Do you feel that you were negatively affected, either directly or indirectly, by the culture of policing?

Date modified:

2023-07-10