I went through a very traumatic situation this year in Brantford. When I found out what was happening, I was given the police station's phone number and his, as he had started an investigation before the incident with me. I had to give 3 separate statements to him because of all the trauma. And I cannot begin to tell you how patient and kind this man is. Every time he met with me, I was greeted with a smile and a hello. He was also aware of previous trauma with the police (from when I was a small child and no fault of the police). So, he would charge into street clothes before I would start so I could be more comfortable. I cannot think of a more deserving person, as he works on the crisis team helping the community. I will forever be grateful for Terry and his work. He made me feel validated and supported for the last year while the case was in court, and I know I can count on him for anything. I’ve never been more appreciative of a police officer in my life.

I want to nominate Kristy Ashton, Kevin Stoddard, Robin Lockie Hoyt Miller and Mandy Clemens. They all go above and beyond in their community. This team of officers is always doing their best to be progressive and supportive towards the citizens of our municipality. On a professional level, they constantly refer to and try to find support for the people they come across. When they were asked to help with a community project, this team jumped aboard to help. They helped construct the Keswick community fridge, which is helping give 24/7 dignified access to food. They are remarkable, and I’m proud that they are serving my community.

Steve Simone, from the London Ontario sexual assault unit, is my hero! I’ve never had a hero before other than my father. Steve is the kindest, most compassionate, understanding, empathetic person I know. I came to Steve with a sexual assault case. He took on my case with so much determination. The moment we spoke, I was believed. Steve worked so hard on my case. We brought it to court. We are waiting for the verdict now. Steve was incredibly amazing in court. He stood by me the entire time. I felt safe and protected. I felt love and respect. He never left my side. He blocked my assailant from seeing me until I stepped on the stand. He is an amazing and truly kind man. I feel so connected to him. He is family now. He helped save my life. He found me therapy as I was slipping through the cracks. He went out of his way to help me find inner peace. He helped me survive what was so very traumatic for me. I will never forget him. I am so impressed. He is so caring. I can’t say enough about him. Steve Simone is my HERO! He deserves to be recognized for his very difficult job. For being so approachable and kind. He is also very humble. I want Steve to know how much he is appreciated. I don’t know how to thank him enough for all he’s done. He made such a difference in my life. I am still here walking on this earth because of him. I was in such a dark place before we met. I was ready to no longer go on. Now I’m happy to be alive. Steve made this happen. I give him 100% credit for my life. Please consider Steve for the award. He is the most deserving officer. If I had my way we would be friends for life. I’m so attached to him now. Thank you for everything Steve Simone. I’ll never be able to show you how much you mean to me and my family. Steve helped me move from victim to survivor. He helped me get the courage to proceed with my case. I truly care and love him as family. Steve Simone is my HERO, forever and always! Thank you

What’s special about Ali is he always tries to go the extra mile to help others. I know he has worked countless overtime shifts and stayed past his 12 hours to finish work or help others. He always strives for empathy and compassion in his work. Whenever he sees someone struggling, he’s always the first one to offer to help others. He is always patient and understanding, even when helping or educating a civilian or a co-worker. Ali gives people a fair opportunity to express themselves and express their perspectives. He loves what he does and strives to make a difference in others’ lives on or off duty.

Saved a young man that was shot in the neck area. He applied his hands on the wound until paramedics arrive and kept the young man calm during the event. What an amazing hero.

He assists in our awareness protest to ensure everyone is safe and sound. He comes and helps us out with the youth of our Junior Canadian Rangers ages 12-17. He’s a wonderful person, and we count on him to help, and he deserves to be honoured!

Paul is a dedicated police officer to work and an amazing father, son and husband to his family. He is a father of 5 (4 girls and 1 boy) and a grandfather (Yoda) to one 4-year-old girl… the light of his eye! He has been run down (fights, snowmobiles and cars), shot at, fought and beat cancer, undergone several surgeries (ankle, hips, knees) and is now waiting on yet another surgery. Paul has caught several criminals and helped several people through some very tough times. He has served on several committees, taught in schools, mentored many students and rookies, volunteered in various organizations, and ran charity tournaments to help others through tough times. He is active in the community and with his family and fellow officers. Won medals in the police/fire games, played on several sports teams and loves being adventurous. Paul currently has 32 years of service. He has been knocked down several times, but as a stubborn man, he gets back up, brushes it off and gets back out there to fight crime. Honestly, he’s more like a superhero!

Jarrett Thomas has been a police officer with York Regional Police for 16 years. He also serves as York Regional Police Association’s 3 District Director. He is an active member of our Association’s Community Engagement Committee, and involved in a number of member-driven community charity events such as Newmarket Optimist Club Cops for Fishing Event, YRPA Bass Tournament, York Vintage Hockey Tournament and most notably our Give Back Program – all of which he does in his free time and in helping to make a difference in our communities.

In 2021, when Jarrett first joined our Community Engagement Committee, he brought forward the idea of the Give Back Program – whereby civilian and uniform members are encouraged to nominate York Region charitable organizations, causes and interests they care about and that are important to them. Each month the Community Engagement Committee reviews member submissions and selects 1 to 2 charities to receive a donation up to $1,000. The member nominee then presents the donation to the charity on behalf of the Association.

Since inception in 2021, the YRPA’s Give Back program has donated $16,500 to local charities such as food banks, youth mentoring organizations, shelters, hospices, rehabilitation centres for animals, and health services and medical research organizations. Jarrett is actively involved in every Give Back donation and makes an effort to join our members for each of these cheque presentations, helping to forge a positive relationship between our members and the communities we serve.