I’m nominating Jacob Moore because he goes above and beyond doing his job as a police officer. He is always there for the people and has a big heart to help people. He always makes time to sit down and have a one-on-one conversations with whomever needs it. 

As we know, police officers have been getting a bad wrap these last few years. Officer Paul McDonald is one of the many fantastic officers who protect and serve his community to the best of his abilities, but Officer McDonald goes above and beyond to make sure the people of his community feel safe and cared for without even knowing it.

In July of 2015, my family was shattered by the news of my young brother's passing in a car accident. One of the responding officers was Officer Paul McDonald. For almost seven years, I’ve tried to think of ways to repay him for the love, care, support and service he provided my family and myself the night of and after my brother's unexpected passing. Even though the news wasn’t easy to break to my family nor was it easy for us to take, I felt comforted at the same time when Officer McDonald told me. He stayed by us to make sure we were getting all the support we needed and helped arrange for us to see my brother before he was taken to the coroners office.

Officer McDonald went above and beyond that night and after to make sure my family and I were receiving all the support we needed. I have yet to figure out a way to repay him for everything he has done for us, but I hope that he gets the recognition he deserves for the incredible service he provides to the community. To Officer Paul McDonald, as I write this with tears in my eyes and a very heavy heart, I need you to know that you made an incredibly horrifying situation better. I know there is nothing I can do to repay you for what you have done and continue to do, but I thank you very much for being supportive, caring, kind and most of all my hero. We need more officers like you. Thank you.

I would like to nominate Sergeant Paul McDonald (Haliburton Highlands OPP) for this award. Not only because is he an impeccable police officer, but also because he is an amazing community role model. He has helped coach a few of my hockey teams over the past few years. His dedication to the team was so genuine. He inspired me because he was always there in time of need. He always looked out for everyone's well being. He cares and it shows. He always made everyone feel important and a sense of belonging. He included everyone and showed compassion and commitment to the team. He was always there to listen and give great advice and mentor not only on the bench but in real life situations. His wealth of knowledge about life and making smart choices have influenced me and inspired me to be the best version of myself, something that will stay with me forever. He is professional, compassionate and an awesome human being. He has made a difference in our community. I am very fortunate to have him in my life and to call him a friend.

I would like to nominate a deserving and dedicated member of the OPP's police service that I have had the pleasure of knowing and watch grow throughout his policing career he began 16 years ago. Sgt. Paul W. McDonald is quite honestly one of the most capable, compassionate, respectful and kind human beings that has walked this earth. He is a humble man and would brush off compliments as he doesn't feel like it's necessary to describe him in such a way because he is just doing what he feels is right. He has made a major difference in many people's lives, my own included. He's kind, funny, he loves to talk with people and really gets to know folks on and off the job, because that's just his nature. 

It seems as though Jon did an excellent job at policing, even though he dealt with a lot of trauma. He struggled and attempted to work through it, but knew when to take some time off due to his mental health. Even with PTSD, Jon uses his time, energy and experience to help others with mental health issues by creating programs and fundraising for the cause. He could have given up but didn't....he now easily sympathizes with others who are experiencing mental health issues and works to erase the stigma associated with such!

We read the story in the newspaper about Graham’s compassion towards a woman that desperately needed this loving intervention. We know Graham and he is a stand up man, so to read this story we know that it couldn’t have been the first time or the last time that he went above and beyond for someone in need. He has a really big heart and he stands out in his career. We nominate Graham, and we are thankful for his service!

I would like to nominate Staff Sgt. Brent Bennett. I was once the co-op student for the OPP, and Staff Sgt. Bennett was the one who hired me. I was quite a shy and anxious individual at the time. Staff Sgt. Bennett would pick tasks for me that really brought me out of my comfort zone. I am sincerely thankful for my time working under Staff Sgt. Brent Bennett, and appreciate his determination into helping and guiding me during placement. It was a pleasure to have known him.

I will never forget that day, exhausted and terrified, when I finally built up enough courage after keeping a secret for a long time, to place that call for help to Haliburton County OPP to let them know I was a victim. I wasn't sure if anyone would listen to or believe me. I am forever grateful that I spoke with Sergeant Paul McDonald. I never met this soul before, but because of you I feel that I was finally listened to and believed. Sergeant Paul McDonald is a really great listener, supportive and kind. Because of your professional and courteous manner, I feel a sense of relief and security for the first time since this incident. I want to let you know how much you are appreciated. Words are not enough to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication and professionalism. I will never forget when you said to me "You sound tired" and I responded "I'm fine." Thank you for noticing I wasn't. It is comforting to know there is someone like you who will listen. Because of you, I am able to fall asleep at night feeling a sense of security. Thank you for all the sacrifices you make everyday. You are my hero.

I want to nominate Officer Ben Bertrand of Quinte West OPP. I was at one of the most difficult times in my life. I found it difficult to accept that I was in an abusive situation as I had several people very close to me experience similar situations. I was indecisive about leaving as much as I wanted to stay in hopes that he would change, I realized that wasn't going to happen because he didn't want to. I was feeling hopeless, stuck, alone and afraid. I was tired of the situation, thinking I had no way out and that there was no hope. To be honest, it took me awhile before I knew clearly that this was the right decision. It was 2019 when I called Quinte West OPP to let them know I was ready to leave and that I needed their help. Officer Bertrand came to my rescue. He was very courteous, he made the process quick and he made me feel safe. Without his assistance, I may not be here today. You are my hero. Thank you for your service.

I see Marc fairly often on Twitter and enjoy the pictures and commentary he posts. He catches so many general everyday infractions in the HTA and highlights what they have done wrong and what it is going to cost them. I feel he is promoting law enforcement well and getting the message out to be a safe driver and use proper road etiquette when sharing the road with others. He also interacts with Twitter followers when he is asked a question, once again showing a positive image of the Police Service.