I would like to nominate my great pal and comrade, Constable Kevin VanRooyen as Ontario's Police Service Hero of the Year! Kevin and I are both officers with the Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service and have worked together for 6 years. Both Kevin and are former members of the London Police Service as well, however, we have only worked together in Strathroy. When I learned about the PAO's Hero of the Year award, I couldn't wait to get to the keyboard to tell you about my buddy "Vaner". In my 17 years of policing, I have never been so blessed and fortunate to work with a better partner. Kevin inspires me every day to be a better police officer, a better colleague and a better person. Although Kevin has been a policeman in Ontario for 28 years, he turns up everyday ready to give all he has for the people of his community and for his police service.

We police a small community in Strathroy-Caradoc, and I invite any of you to visit our town and ask our citizens about our local police officers. I guarantee you wont walk a block without someone sharing with you a positive story about Cst. VanRooyen. 
Kevin is one of our Community Services Officers and commits many hours of his own time in that capacity serving the people of our small tight knit community. Kevin can be found at every food drive, every benefit hockey game, every Camp Day every McHappy Day, and every other community event where he does the Strathroy-Caradoc Police proud. Kevin has volunteered his time for many years coaching both boys and girls hockey in Strathroy-Caradoc. Kevin is an excellent referee who is revered by the kids with whom he shares the love of the game. At Christmas time, Kevin becomes one of "Santa's Helpers" and spends time with the kids helping to make their Christmas season what it should be. 

I was present when Constable Kevin VanRooyen performed CPR and saved a local man's life. Kevin was humble about that event and to this day, it isn't something he ever talks about. I know the family of that man are eternally grateful. To Kevin, it is just what he needed to do. Constable Kevin Vanrooyen is an excellent police officer, he is fair and firm and compassionate. Every cop in Ontario who dons the uniform and goes out to work hard is a hero of mine.......but Vaner really is one of the very best we have. 

Thanks so very much for your service buddy.