By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The heroic legacy left behind by Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Brandon Malcolm was shared in loving detail Wednesday morning in the bowl at the Cobourg Community Centre, as his funeral service brought together those who loved him and those whom he served.
The 33-year-old officer joined the OPP six years ago. Along with serving his community on the job, he was a member of the force’s Golden Helmets precision motorcycle team.
Malcolm came to the OPP as a veteran, having served with 32 Combat Engineer Regiment in Toronto between 2014 and 2022. His policing career began as a member of the Toronto Police Service before joining the OPP.
He was killed while on duty April 27 on Highway 401 in a single-vehicle collision involving his motorcycle – the incident remains under investigation.
The honouring of his sacrifice began with a funeral procession that preceded the private service.
“Constable Malcolm’s safe passage has been entrusted to the OPP ceremonial unit,” Director of Ceremonies Chief Superintendent Karl Thomas said, setting the stage for the procession to the black-draped catafalque. Along with the eight uniformed pall bearers carrying the coffin draped with Ontario’s flag, there were hat bearer Constable Jared Malcolm (York Regional Police), insignia bearer Provincial Constable Dan Clark and flag bearer Mason Malcolm.
The a cappella singing of O Canada by Provincial Constable Richard Pauls followed, with a moment of silence afterwards “to honour the life of Sgt. Brandon Malcolm.”
Superintendent Thomas said it had been his honour to be Malcolm’s regional commander.
“As a commander, we carry constant fear of losing one of our members. When we lose one of our own, it has a profound effect on all of us – our officers, our leaders, our family and friends, and our community,” he shared.
Thomas was touched by the highway-overpass displays of respect at last week’s procession escorting him back to his community, standing in solidarity. And he pledged the OPP will stand in solidarity with Malcolm’s family – wife Vashti and parents Lisa and Nigel.
Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont said that his name will soon be engraved on the Police Memorial near Queen’s Park in Toronto, with its words “Heroes in life, not death.”
From speaking with his colleagues, Dumont shared that he was “known to be larger than life. With his big frame, he could be intimidating, but those who got to know him quickly realized he was someone who would – and I quote – do anything for anybody.”
When he decided to join the Golden Helmets, “the training was intense and he worked diligently, listened intently and quickly became a proud member.”
In this capacity, he appeared with rides across Ontario – and served as the most amazing ambassador.
He reached out to people, Dumont said, “and the people loved him back.”
Dumont was succeeded onstage by Premier Doug Ford.
“As we remember Sgt. Malcolm, I want to assure his loved ones and his colleagues that all of Ontario grieves with you in the face of this terrible loss,” Ford began.
“Sgt. Malcolm dedicated his life to serving his country, our province and the community here in Northumberland. Very few people in this country could ever say they served all three,” he pointed out.
“Sgt. Malcolm’s lifelong goal was to become a police officer, and his life was dedicated to public service – one we should all aspire to.”
And with his joining the Golden Helmets, that service went even further, exemplifying “bravery, compassion and a commitment to leaving his community better than he found it,” the premier stated.
“Brandon was a big man, but his heart was even larger.”
His sacrifice must not be forgotten, “and that’s what the average public doesn’t understand. People within the police family, they put their uniforms on every single day to serve the public, and some days they don’t come home.
“I promise you his legacy will never, ever be forgotten by the people of Ontario, He will be remembered forever as the hero he was, setting an example for all of us to follow.”
Commissioner Thomas Carrique described Malcolm as “a loved and respected member of our Ontario Provincial Police, but being a motor office is an earned privilege given to the select few.”
It indicates “a fierce determination to overcome repeated failure while learning to operate a 900-lb. motor with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel and the grace of a ballet performance on two wheels.”
It takes being in the thick of the worst weather, being exposed to greater risk and a relentless commitment.
“He exemplified all these character traits and more,” Carrique stated.
“Whatever he did, he was all in, giving it his all – a general law-enforcement officer, a crime detective, a uniformed sergeant and a Golden Helmet. His knowledge, skill and pride is the standard that inspired others to be like Brandon.”
He was “a naturally gifted and dependable leader who people followed, because he put people first, and officers trusted him with great confidence. He was the first to lend a hand, was enthusiastically followed – he led by example. He could be counted on when he was needed most,” he said, recalling his April 19 task of leading a very special funeral procession for a former police officer (who was also the proud father of a fallen OPP officer).
Malcolm’s brother Jared, who wore the York Regional Police uniform, recalled “a life filled with purpose, dedication and an unwavering love for others. It is with a heavy heart, though filled with pride, that I reflect on the profound impact he had on all who knew him.”
The memories he shared painted a picture of brothers who had been competitive while growing up, but always close. He called his brother Mr. Above and Beyond.
“Brandon was not only a devoted police officer, but a beacon of hope in the community, He believed deeply in justice, fairness and the opportunity for everyone to feel valued.
“I am proud of him, proud of the man he became, proud of the life he built, proud of the way he carried himself in and out of uniform,” he said.
“You don’t just remember him – we live in a way that reflects the best part of who he was”
“Rest easy, brother, we’ve got your watch from here.”
Malcolm’s wife Vashti was accompanied by family members as she shared her own memories.
“Being a police officer wasn’t just a job for him, it is who he was. He believed in protecting people and doing what was right, even when it was hard. He carried that responsibility with pride, with courage and with a quiet strength I admired more than I can put into words,” she said.
And there was the other side – “long nights, missed moments and the constant worry of loving someone who runs toward danger when everyone else runs away,” she admitted.
“He made very day feel extraordinary just by being in it.
“He died doing what he believed in, and that is the kind of man he was – selfless, brave and full of love.”
Three uniformed police colleagues shared their thoughts on their loss.
“I lost a best friend, a colleague and an incredible human being, but the family lost a husband, a son, a brother, a leader, a role model and someone that would do anything for his family,” Graiden Maynard said.
Justin Bertin-Nelson revealed that Malcolm’s nickname had been Big Sarge and recalled their first joint mission – tackling and subduing a goat that had somehow got loose on the highway.
“He was a bigger-than-life person that always stood for his values and always looked after his platoon,” he said.
“I learned a lot from him, but he was always somebody you could go to and ask for advice, even if you thought the question was stupid.”
Their last conversation was in the parking lot of the detachment in Cobourg. Malcolm was on his bike – where he always loved to be.
“I wish I could have given him one last hug,” he said.
Morgan Murphy recalled how Malcolm had made fun of the way his Nova Scotia accent sounded over the police radio, but added that he had been a valuable mentor as well.
“To me, not only was he everyone’s go-to for questions and guidance, but more than that, he was always the calm in the storm.”
Murphy’s last conversation with him had taken place as he was about to transfer to another unit.
“He gave me a big hug and said, ‘I’m proud of you, brother.’”
The Golden Helmets meant everything to Malcolm, Maynard recalled.
“As soon as the snow melted, he would have the bike out of the garage and riding around the parking lot.
He was an excellent, dedicated rider and a great addition to the team,” he declared.
Speaking with another Golden Helmet, he learned that as soon as the news of the tragedy broke, a fellow Golden Helmet came to the scene just to watch over and accompany him.
Speaking on behalf of Malcolm’s parents, Constable Pauls returned to the stage.
Riding with the Golden Helmets was one of his greatest accomplishments, Pauls said.
“He loved the team and all it stood for – precision, trust, tradition and excellence
“To Brandon, it was more than riding. It was belonging to something that demanded the very best of him,” he said.
“From his first day, his dedication, ability and pride in the team were evident.”
Pauls shared some biographical details that had not been brought up in all the tributes – Malcolm’s honoured position at 16 as a drum major for a Florida band, his music scholarship, his studies in forensic psychology, law and security.
And to his parents, “he was a son of integrity, curiosity and quiet determination.
“He lived with purpose, served with honour and followed a life defined by service, discipline kindness and heart,” Pauls said.
“His family takes comfort knowing Brandon lived with purpose, served with honour and followed a life defined by service, discipline, kindness and heart.”
“He always knew where he wanted to go and how to get there,” Chaplain Paul Carroll said.
“He was and is truly lived and will be missed by all.”
As the service concluded, the exit was led by a guard of honour made up of members of the Northumberland detachment and the Golden Helmets.
