INSPIRE - Meet OPP Inspector/Detachment Commander Jennifer Neamtz - Celebrating International Women's Day 2025
Public safety - It plays a critical part in ensuring residents of any community have the opportunity to live well and reach their personal full potential. Public safety is about protecting the general public and prioritizing an individual's physical safety. First Responders - including firefighters, police officers and paramedics - are most often providing the hands-on support that makes any community physically safe.
The individuals who protect and serve their communities are professionals dedicated to being their best with each situation they face. In honour of International Women's Day and together with the Ontario Provincial Police, Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services, Central York Fire Services, and York Region Paramedic Services, we are excited to again present four female emergency first responders who represent their professions with honour and distinction. We invite you to read each of their stories and learn more about how their aspirations, motivations, celebrations and strong ethic of caring for themselves and others have shaped their respective careers.
More IWD 2025 INSPIRE First Responder Stories:
INSPIRE - Meet CYFS Firefighter Miranda Hebert - Celebrating International Women's Day 2025
Introducing Jennifer Neamtz - Ontario Provincial Police Inspector/Detachment Commander
Q: How long have you been a first responder?
A: I have been a proud member of the Ontario Provincial Police for 19 years. My journey began as an Auxiliary member, then later as a Cadet, Provincial Constable, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, and now as an Inspector.
Q: Did you grow up wanting to be a first responder?
A: Becoming a police officer never felt like a career choice I made but more like something I was destined to do. I’ve always felt a deep pull toward this career from a young age even though I didn’t come from a family of police officers. I'm actually the first in my family to choose policing as a profession. My influences were the officers I saw doing their jobs while growing up in Niagara Falls and this is what sparked my interest.
Q: Where did you go to school to learn to be a first responder?
A: Policing is one of those unique careers where a variety of educational backgrounds can be beneficial. I originally planned to pursue Law and Security, but my mother didn’t feel comfortable with me becoming a police officer so I pursued other paths. I studied Dental Assisting, Educational and Special Needs Work, and Child Psychology. Despite this, the desire to be a police officer was always there. I eventually went back to school to complete the Police Foundations Program. I later earning a Bachelor of Arts in Policing from Wilfred Laurier University. I believe learning is an ongoing process and for me, a constant focus on continuing education has been key to my success in this career.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career?
A: There have been so many highlights, it’s hard to pick just one. I’ve been fortunate to work in diverse communities across Ontario, including the Pikangikum First Nation where I helped implement the first Mental Health Program in the community. Something that had a profound and positive impact, especially for the youth.
I’ve also had the opportunity to work in various roles including patrolling on foot, by snowmobile, ATV, and bike. I've even piloted a vessel. I’ve worked in remote northern communities, frontline patrol, mental health support and as a Sergeant at the Provincial Communications Centre.
Now as Detachment Commander, I’m able to support and mentor my team and give back like so many others who have supported me over my career. I’m also extremely proud to co-chair Women Igniting Change, the first Member Support Network in the OPP. This program focuses on providing support and mentorship for women in the OPP.
Q: What do you do to keep physically fit and take care of your mental wellbeing?
A: Staying physically fit and maintaining mental health are priorities for me. I find balance in spending time with my family who keep me grounded and give me the freedom to be my authentic self. I enjoy outdoor activities including walking, baseball, pickleball and cornhole that help to keep me physically ready for the challenges of the job.
For mental strength, I talk to my coworkers, family, and my trusted team. I also invest time in activities that "fill my cup," such as my work with Women Igniting Change and the Advancing WE in Policing Committee programs. Remember to always take care of yourself and others and always remember we are all in this together.
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do outside of being a first responder?
A: My favorite activity outside of work is spending quality time with my family. Whether we’re camping at our trailer, traveling, or visiting Disney World, these moments allow me to recharge and enjoy life outside of my career.
Enjoy more first responder stories:
INSPIRE - 3rd Annual IWD First Responder Community Event - 2024
INSPIRE - 2nd Annual IWD First Responder Community Event 2023
York Region Community Open House - Celebrating First Responders and IWD 2022
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