Brian Mitchell, a Constable with the York Regional Police Service, was recently nominated for a Police Services Hero of the Year Award. Brian was involved in a tense situation that he managed to resolve using conversation and de-escalation techniques that saved lives.

Well let me take the time to say that the whole detachment deserves to be nominated but these 4 that I have named deserve the recognition as they always take the time of day to make other people's days brighter regardless if theirs is horrible. They are always very friendly and can be easily approached by anyone and have a conversation and be able to joke around. All in all, these Cst. Kehler goes above and beyond his call of duty and he is someone you can look up to and can always count on when called upon.

Well let me take the time to say that the whole detachment deserves to be nominated but these 4 that I have named deserve the recognition as they always take the time of day to make other people's days brighter regardless if theirs is horrible. They are always very friendly and can be easily approached by anyone and have a conversation and be able to joke around. All in all, these Cst. Milionis goes above and beyond his call of duty and he is someone you can look up to and can always count on when called upon.

Well let me take the time to say that the whole detachment deserves to be nominated but these 4 that I have named deserve the recognition as they always take the time of day to make other people's days brighter regardless if theirs is horrible. They are always very friendly and can be easily approached by anyone and have a conversation and be able to joke around. All in all, these Cst. Pat Shoppoff goes above and beyond his call of duty and he is someone you can look up to and can always count on when called upon.

Well let me take the time to say that the whole detachment deserves to be nominated but these 4 that I have named deserve the recognition as they always take the time of day to make other people's days brighter regardless if theirs is horrible. They are always very friendly and can be easily approached by anyone and have a conversation and be able to joke around. All in all, these Cst. Todd Pritoula goes above and beyond his call of duty and he is someone you can look up to and can always count on when called upon.

I would like to nominate Neal Ridley as this year's hero. He is a family man who loves his community. He cares about our youth and desires to help the next generation be all that they can be as upstanding citizens. He serves our community as a police office because he cares for us and desires to see justice reign. He is willing to great lengths to protect us and is not afraid to be in the line of fire ensure that we do not have to be. He was badly wounded in an altercation this last year protecting our neighbours. He is a hero!

I would like to nominate Sgt. Pat Corcoran of the London Police Service. Not only is he my uncle, but has also been my biggest mentor in life, and role model. He is one whom I can rely on when any kind of help is needed.
As a child I can remember seeing the cape that was on him with every story my brother and I heard, lighting up our faces like we just saw the greatest action movie. However, to Pat, it was just another day helping the community in what way he knew best.

Growing up without a father is something I wouldn't wish on anyone, or in Pat's case, a brother. Yet still throughout my childhood and adolescent years, that hero of mine in uniform made time to fill that seat in the stands at my football, hockey and soccer games. He did this all while being immersed in the community helping others. Anyone who has a family member in law enforcement knows the psychological struggles and the burden he or she faces after so many years of service. I know that now after 32 years of service, his need and desire to help others, greatly out weighs any burden that may be placed on his shoulders.

In February of 2016, Det. Cst Ryan Johnson came upon a distraught female who was sitting on the ledge of the Bridge of Nations in Sudbury, contemplating suicide. Det. Cst Johnson, showing the utmost empathy and compassion spoke with the female - calming her down and built a rapport with her. When the opportunity presented itself, Det. Cst Johnson sprung in to action and grabbed the girl off the ledge, risking his own life to save this stranger. This is the exact definition of a hero. What was just as impressive was how humble Det. Cst Johnson was in the days to follow when answering to media. 

www.thesudburystar.com/2016/02/10/all-in-a-days-work-for-hero-cop

I nominate Officer Ian Jarvis of the Belleville Police department. A year ago I left a emotionally and mentally abusive relationship out of the fear that things would become physical. I struggled with accepting that I had been in an abusive relationship and it took a toll on my self esteem and confidence in ways only those who have been through it could understand. My ex was not happy with me leaving and tried desperately to regain control by calling the police on me a number of times and making false accusations. I found myself constantly having to explain the situation and defend myself as I often felt that officers thought I was trying to build a case against my ex for court when all I ever wanted was to feel safe and be left alone to start my life over.

I would like to nominate Terri Smith and all other officers involved in attending the shooting at Quinte Secondary School in March, 2016. The officers and the school staff helped to protect the lives of hundreds of students. Everyone went home to their loved ones that night because of their heroism.

Photo courtesy of the Intelligencer