In 2001 when I was 14, I ran away from my group home in Bath, Ontario. A man picked me up while I was hitchhiking and didn't take me where I wanted to go. Instead, he pulled a knife on me and drove to a secluded area and sexually assaulted me. Then he drove onto highway 401, telling me about this place he wanted to show me. I had never been so scared in my whole life. As we drove onto an off ramp going into Napanee, my attacker saw a police car and did a u-turn back onto the highway. Constable Dennis Wolf of the Napanee OPP was very smart and said he knew something was wrong. The police officer pulled us over and my attacker begged me not to say anything, but I took off into the back of that police car fast as I could.

She has been such an inspiration for females in the Durham region area since Hannah has become the first female k9 handler. She shows hard work and dedication and it also shows in the community and in the pictures you see of her and K9 Kaos. They are both SO happy to be where they are. I hope to see Hannah (and K9 Kaos) win. They deserve it more than anything.

Hannah Elkington has made a difference in our community and my life in general. DC Elkington had numerous interactions with me while I was going through a period of addiction and mental illness. DC Elkington always encouraged me to do "simple things" like go for a walk. She would have "normal conversations" with me and offer me words of encouragement in efforts for me to get better. As a result of the numerous interactions I have had with DC Elkington, I did get better, regained access to my daughter - something Hannah always knew was important to me - and always spoke to me with a voice of compassion and kindness. She has inspired me to become a better person and live a life that I can be proud of. Hannah is one of the kindest officers on her force, has a diverse background in policing and has likely inspired many young females to become a police officer. I always smile when I see DC Elkington in the news, which is often. 

This officer was amazing and went above and beyond duty to help my family when my brother died. On December 3, my brother had a heart attack in his apartment. My husband and my son rushed to the apartment. Officer Draker talked to us and was so compassionate and caring to all of us. She even made my sister-in-law scrambled eggs because she is a diabetic and wasn’t feeling well! Amazing. We were in shock and she had so much compassion for all of us. She spent hours with us waiting for the coroner and we could tell she was a very warm person. I meant to compliment her, but I just was in so much shock and disbelief after losing my brother. We all appreciated her kindness and warmth and having her there with us at such a difficult time.

I would like to nominate Sergeant Kathy Stewart from the Hamilton Police Service. Kathy was the lead detective who handled an incident that was extremely traumatic and life changing for my family. Her handling with the children involved in the case, and her attentiveness to check up on them throughout the years changed my perspective and the many implanted roots that were installed in me as a young child. It was very difficult for me to trust that an officer of the law and I would be able to communicate without me being the one that had an issue. Kathy’s dedication to her work, herself and the city I live in is unheralded. Her care for assisting those she encounters was a display of empathy and concern I didn’t think a police officer could show, nor did I think I could accept it. 

Ed Sanchuk is the type of guy you want your son to grow up to be. On the job,, he is totally professional and genuinely cares that you get home safe. Being a police officer is not just a job, it's a way of life for him. You see Ed on his off hours helping his community and his family joins him. If you're having a fundraiser - he's there. A senior citizen has his scooter stolen and he's there to help get a new one. I often wonder if he ever gets to go home! Simcoe loves Ed and we love him back.

This man has got to be the best police officer out there! He is always so caring and heartwarming during his video announcements. He has the biggest heart of gold! His job is not easy and I can guarantee that he doesn’t get thanked as much as he deserves. He has one of the hardest jobs ever and he does it with all focus to the situation, and shows compassion to his job no matter how hard the situation may be. He deserves more than just a reward. He deserves recognition.

Hannah has become a very strong leader in our community. The public loves to see her on our streets and so many young girls look up to her and are so inspired to become like her. She is truly an amazing police officer who is there for her police family and our community. She has inspired so many people.

Ian is the only cop who has shown care and concern for people in a fair and realistic manner. I know he was gathering teens from vulnerable neighborhoods for coaching football. He has told me personal stories to help in my neighborhood struggles with gang bullying, and has also helped me peacefully move people from our housing area who were bringing deadly drugs and chaos to the families. I can't thank Ian Clark enough for being that one cop who is a straight shooter, cares for family values, yet is also strict. Most importantly, he makes you feel heard and valued. Ian Clarke most definitely deserves this award!

Trevor McKenna is a wonderful person who cares for the people and the community he works in.