30 years on police beat

Police Chief Richard Laperriere pins a 30 year service medal to Const. Mickey Auger. Auger has been on the police force since 1974 and is frequently seen walking the streets.

Photo: Heather Spadafore, The Daily Press

30 years on police beat

By Heather Spadafore
Local News - Saturday, December 18, 2004 @ 07:00

It doesn’t feel like 30 years for Const. Mickey Auger.

The Timmins Police officer has been walking the streets of Timmins since 1974, and recently received recognition for his work from the Governor General of Canada.

“Thirty years in a career is a long time, but it went by fast,” Auger said. “It’s an honour to serve for that long and to get recognized.”

Since joining the force, Auger has seen a lot of changes.

“The changes have been all for the better,” he said. “It seems that every year, there have been changes coming in and it’s getting more modern. It’s unbelievable.

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Auger still enjoys getting up in the morning and heading to work.

“I look at it as a beautiful career,” he said. “Those who are in the police force realize that every day is a challenge. You don’t know what to expect when you go to work. The main thing is you go out and do the best you can, make people smile and have a good day.”

Police Chief Richard Laperriere said it’s nice to see someone enjoying his job so much.

“He joined the service prior to when I joined,” Laperriere said. “He enjoys being on the beat, he’s happy go-lucky and really enjoys promoting this service.”

Auger gives up a lot of his time to the community, including building a basketball court in South Porcupine, and that speaks really well in regards to his involvement in the community, Laperriere said.

“He really loves the interaction with the community.”

Auger has also created a partnership with Tim Hortons to help needy children.

“He’s really committed to serving the community, and he’s always been that way,” Laperriere said.

Auger believes police officers have to be there when needed.

“When someone calls the police, it might be a minor thing and it might not be important to you, but it’s important to them,” he said. “You treat every call as serious to assist the people in whatever it is that they are unhappy about. From barking dogs to something serious, we just make sure they get the best service you can give them.”

And after his long service to the community, Auger is looking in a new direction.

“Retirement is in the works right now,” Auger said.

“Now that I have 30 years, it’s time to look at retiring, and we’ll see where we go from there.”

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