Joël, the police's mister roller

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2009 Brussels News BRUSSELS PARADE Joël, the police's mister roller He ensures the safety of participants with good humour Joël De Keyser and his colleagues regularly put on their skates for the parade and even to patrol. (L. LANGE) Seven years ago, Joël De Keyser volunteered to put on roller skates and ensure the safety of hundreds of Brussels residents in full swing. Today, the roller parade is still his passion. The police commissioner explains why. The Parisian success had inspired a handful of Brussels residents, also ready to embark on the adventure. But for the roller parade to come to life in the capital, a few police officers had to be willing to take up the challenge. Having reached forty, Joël De Keyser had not worn skates for ages. Yet he volunteered without hesitation. "I had some skating basics but that was it. I took lessons for 15 days, in the afternoon, to master braking, slalom, crossings, etc. It was not the end of the world. In Paris, on the other hand, the police officers are very strong at this exercise. I finally took the plunge and took part in the first session... and I never stopped". JOËL HAS BECOME A REFERENCE IN WEATHER FORECASTS FOR THE PARADES A mission both fun and demanding for the police officer, who must ensure the safety of a few reckless daredevils, without spoiling the good humour that gives the event all its character. "From the start, the public's welcome was very favourable. Today, we are part of a roller-skating community that knows each other very well. It is much more than a simple demonstration. The atmosphere is exceptional. And for a police officer, it is a change from the repressive image we usually give". The police on wheels have a great time racing down the streets and tunnels of the capital. Yet these escorts assume a heavy responsibility. Stopping vehicles when the procession arrives, keeping an eye on the speedsters hoping to break the 60 km/h record, on beginners taking their first tumble or on the regulars of the broom wagon... Not exactly a restful job! But what stresses our commissioner the most is not the occasional little scrapes, it is the weather! "In Belgium, you have to put up with it! At the slightest drop of rain, we cancel everything. Too risky. Over time, I established very good contacts with the meteorologists and my error rate dropped sharply. This season, out of 12 or 13 parades, only one was cut short. So much so that the organisers of other parades phone me every day to ask for a forecast... It is a bit stressful when you know there are between 700 and 3,000 participants". The last outing of the parade is scheduled this Friday. Meet at 7.30 p.m. at Place Poelaert. Get your skates on! L.PO