Updates
Matthew Koopman, Ontario Provincial Police
Matthew Koopman of the Oxford OPP is a kind hearted, dedicated and loving gentleman. He is dedicated to his job and has the biggest heart. I have never had to deal with the police much in my life, but the day that I did have to was very hard for me. I was broken and a mess, and Matt was the man to arrive to speak with me. He provided so much compassion and did everything he could to help me. I felt listened to, believed and understood. Matt is an exceptional officer and deserves all the recognition. I will never forget the impact Matt had on my life that day. Thank you so much Matthew!
Angela Mitchell, Guelph Police Service
In October 2018, I was employed with the Ministry of the Attorney General as a Court Service Officer with the Superior Court of Justice in Guelph. On the 22nd, I walked approximately 1km from parking into work. I entered the security office where I met Special Constable Angela Mitchell of the Guelph Police Service. Angela asked if I was having a problem with breathing. Even though I was having difficulty with shortness of breath as well redness in my face, I denied any problems. Angela insisted on me explaining what seemed apparent to her. I was in medical distress. She contacted the supervisor of courts with her concerns and advised the supervisor not to allow me to work the shift and that she would be taking me to the hospital. I was immediately admitted and was informed that I was having a heart attack. I was sent to St. Mary hospital for a double bypass. I would never have gone to the hospital on my own. Angela save my life. I never acknowledged to anyone or even myself that almost died and I have Angela to thank for me being able to live and enjoy the five grandchildren I have had since that day.
Read moreRob Panek, Guelph Police Service
I never thought I would be in a situation where I needed to call the police, but last year in early April, I did. And the officer who responded to my call was Officer Rob Panek of the Guelph Police Service. I was feeling a lot of emotions that day and Rob was amazing, trying to keep me calm and reassured me that everything was going to be okay. It didn't feel like it at that time, but he was right. There were several phone calls and emails between Rob and I, dealing with my case and every time, he was attentive, detailed and professional. I truly think Rob deserves this award because without him helping me navigate through the court system over the last year, I am not sure if I would have made it. Thank you, Rob, for all you did for me and for being a voice of reason in a very stressful situation.
Cst. Korissa Williams & Cst. Sonia Naccarato, Peel Regional Police Service
Cst. Korissa Williams and her partner Cst. Sonia Naccarato from the Peel Regional Police Divisional Mobilization Unit were invited to attend the Clock Tower lighting program at Brampton City Hall in recognition of Crime Stoppers month (January 22, 2022 at 5:00 pm). During this time, an elderly citizen in a wheelchair became stranded along the snow-covered sidewalk. Both officers jumped into action to help free the individual to safety.
Kerry Lucas, Ontario Provincial Police
Kerry Lucas is a member of the OPP and is assigned to the child sexual exploitation unit as an administrator. As everyone knows, it’s the staff who run the daily operations of a unit. Kerry looks after a unit that covers the province of Ontario, looking for people who prey on children. Kerry always goes above and beyond in supporting the unit. She truly is a super hero without a cape.
Kevin Webb, Ontario Provincial Police
I believe this nominee deserves to win the Police Services Hero of the Year award due to absolute dedication to the job 24/7, 365 days a year, an abundance of knowledge for which he shared on a day-to-day basis with colleagues, his compassionate nature, and his ability to connect with the public. Kevin Webb did not wear the badge for a sense of power, he wore it to make a difference in the community, to protect members of the community, and ultimately demonstrate the real meaning of policing. Throughout the years of his career, Kevin was able to make connections with various organizations outside of the OPP and took greatly to the idea of community involvement. Only one of many times Kevin has given back to the community with no instruction nor asking for anything in return is when he donated toys to a toy drive on his own accord.
Read moreChrista Hill, Ontario Provincial Police
It's hard to put into words, but Christa Hill is my hero. Her calm, strong presence is a gift. She made the process of navigating the trauma of an assault by coming alongside me, from the first statement with her to being in court on the day of the trial. By the time my day in court came around, she was on maternity leave, but she was still there with me that day, offering guidance on how I could get through my statement.
Robert Martell, Ontario Provincial Police
Rob was a great source of comfort and information. First, when my husband unexpectedly passed at home and then three days later when my children were in a bad car accident. He was compassionate and helped keep me calm in both stressful situations. He kept us informed of the investigation after the accident. He's a good example for all that serve the community.
Chris Doherty, Niagara Falls Police Service
I would like to nominate Chris Doherty. Chris Doherty is an absolute HERO to my son Spencer. Spencer is a sweet and kind teenager who is on the autism spectrum and has a mild intellectual delay. When he was in Grade 9, he was sexually assaulted by an older student in an empty classroom at his high school. Spencer told us about what happened immediately after school that day. Chris Doherty was the Detective Constable at the Child Abuse Unit at the Niagara Regional Police Service that interviewed Spencer and was in charge of the case. Constable Doherty displayed amazing kindness, patience and caring as he interviewed Spencer and spoke with me as a distraught parent. He clearly explained the process of how the investigation would work and patiently answered all of our questions.
Read moreJody Bigger, Ontario Provincial Police
Jody Bigger was the attending officer when my husband passed away recently at home. He was so kind, caring and compassionate and helped me through everything. He has kept in contact to see how we are doing. He is our new "family" member. He made the awful day easier to deal with and his kindness will never be forgotten. This type of officer is a credit to the OPP and they are lucky to have such an amazing person representing the service.