For Victor Janzen, volunteering isn’t just about wearing a uniform, it’s about showing up for the community he’s proud to serve.
Janzen is an Staff Sergeant with the Niagara Regional Police’s Auxiliary Unit, a role he’s held for decades across two separate chapters of his life. His journey with the Auxiliary Unit began in the early 1990s, when he first joined between 1991 and 1997 with aspirations of becoming a police officer. While that path didn’t unfold as planned, life took over, a growing career in manufacturing, marriage, and raising a family eventually led him to step away.
But the call to serve never fully faded.
In 2008, encouraged by officers he had worked with in the past, Janzen returned to the Auxiliary Unit, this time with a renewed focus on giving back. Since then, he’s logged 17 consecutive years of service, becoming a familiar and respected presence within both the police service and the broader Niagara community.
While some auxiliaries gravitate toward ride-alongs, Janzen says his favourite moments come at special events like parades, Canal Days, and community festivals, where he can connect directly with residents. He especially enjoys talking with kids and young adults who are curious about policing, offering insight and encouragement.
One of his proudest moments came when he encouraged a hesitant young man at a police expo to join the Auxiliary Unit. That individual later went on to become a full-time police officer, a success story that still brings Janzen a sense of satisfaction.
For anyone considering volunteering, his message is simple: just do it. The experience, he says, is rewarding, meaningful, and a powerful way to serve the community.
You can listen to the full interview with S/Sgt. Janzen below.
(Written by: Matt Latour)
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