Brendon has proudly served with the Ontario Provincial Police since 2009. He began his career at the Cochrane Detachment, transferred to the Carleton Place Detachment in 2018, and moved to the Ottawa Detachment in 2021, where he continues to serve with distinction today.
In 2022, PC Pacey responded to a call regarding a man in severe distress standing on top of an overpass above the busiest 400-series highway policed by our detachment. Reports indicated the individual appeared ready to jump into live traffic below. PC Pacey was the first officer on scene.
Recognizing how rapidly the situation could turn catastrophic, he immediately made the necessary notifications and operational requests while en route. Upon arrival, he observed the male preparing to jump and directed a colleague to shut down the highway beneath the overpass — a decisive action that would ultimately prevent further tragedy.
I have listened to the radio transmission from that night, and it still gives me chills. PC Pacey’s voice remained calm, compassionate, and professional. He spoke to dispatch with clarity and to the man with empathy in the limited moments he had.
As he approached, PC Pacey realized the man’s intent could not be de-escalated and that there was no time to wait for EMS, ERT, or additional backup. Acting without hesitation, he grabbed the man’s arm as he dangled above the highway. A struggle ensued, and the man ultimately fell to the roadway below. Because PC Pacey had ensured the highway was closed moments earlier, no innocent motorists were injured or killed.
The man was transported to hospital, where trauma staff worked tirelessly to save his life. His survival was nothing short of extraordinary. A short time later, the man’s family reached out to PC Pacey to thank him, calling him a hero.
PC Pacey rarely speaks about that night, but as his partner and a fellow officer, I know how deeply it affected him. Some members who worked that shift have found it too difficult to patrol that stretch of highway since. PC Pacey, however, returned to duty as soon as he was permitted following such a traumatic event — a testament to his resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to service.
Since then, he has continued to be a pillar within our detachment. He is a trusted mentor to new officers who regularly seek his advice and guidance. He always makes time for them.
His work ethic is exceptional. He consistently manages a high volume of calls for service while leading the region in traffic enforcement occurrences for several consecutive years. His performance is unmatched, yet he remains humble and team-oriented — the first to offer assistance, regardless of the task. He truly is the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back.
Throughout his nearly 20 years of service, he has spent several years as a Detective Constable and has also taken on supervisory responsibilities. While he has the skills and leadership ability to excel in any role within our organization, he feels most at home on the road, where he thrives responding to calls for service and enforcing traffic safety.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, PC Pacey is the devoted father of five children, four of whom are under the age of seven. He is a present, engaged, and loving father — a role model not only to his children, but to all who have the privilege of working alongside him.
