I feel extremely honoured to nominate S/Sgt Sandra Sparling of the Ottawa Police Service as the LGBTQ police hero. Sandra has been an inspiration to many LGBTQ persons! She is the first staff sergeant to be appointed by the chief to hold the Ottawa police service GLBT liaison committee police co-chair position. 

Sandra has been an inspiration and role model to many! Before joining OPS she was active member in the Canadian Armed forces. Her story of courage and determination makes her shine above most. She has been an active voice and a champion for inclusion when speaking with members of the queer community. She currently presents with the GLBT liaison committee administrator to the new recruits and teaching them about the LGBTQ community and gives them guidance on how to communicate effectively and compassionately. She has traveled to Amsterdam representing OPS to learn about different diversity and inclusion training to bring it back to Ottawa to help extend training here. She has been a mentor to many queer and trans youth who are looking to move towards policing as a career. Her compassion and dedication for building bridges with our LGBTQ2 POC is second to none. Being that out spoken voice and that person you can turn to regardless of the time of day deserves recognition. Thank you for all you do Sandra!