I nominate Ottawa Police Service Officer Aaron Casselman for Service Beyond the Call of Duty. On February 17, 2021, my home was broken into during the day by a former acquaintance who acted violently in the past towards me. This individual left a cell phone charger and other possessions in my home, prior to my requesting that he leave the day prior. I informed the individual that he was required to have a member of the OPS accompany him to retrieve his possessions. 

I have been working as a Housing Stability Worker for Street Level Women at Risk for three and a half years. I believe London Police Service Sergeant Amy Birtch has been an incredible contribution and instrumental asset to the successes of our Program. I also believe her role working on the streets in the City of London has built a bridge of invaluable trust while breaking barriers for those most vulnerable and at risk. Sergeant Amy Birtch is shinning example of serving with community excellence.

OPP Officer Streng came to my home when my son had a mental health breakdown. He was kind, calmed my son down and helped him to get the help he needed. We've been trying for over 10 years to find help for my son and Officer Streng did it all in one day - took my son to the hospital to make sure he'd get the help, and brought him home again after the hospital released him. In my books, that's going out of his way for someone he doesn't even know except the 30 minutes he spent at the house and 30 minutes driving him each way. Thank you, Officer Greg Streng.

Cst Joe Zaina is with the Thunder Bay Police Association and I am nominating him for being compassionate and having much empathy. Constable Zaina understands that a lot of people in Thunder Bay go through incredible hardships. He shows compassion while still remaining professional. Constable Zaina has always shown a lot of integrity. He will go above and beyond and will never ask for a reward in return. Constable Zaina is wonderful with the youth in our community. He actively listens, remains calm and remains non-judgmental.

Over the years, I feel Brantford Police Officer Roberts hasn't received the credit he deserves. As a troubled youth, this officer has made not only mine but multiple youth in the community lead to better life choices. Instead of profiling a situation, on numerous occasions he comes in with a level head and numerous times has de-escalated violent situations. He's also really good to talk to in the community and he's all about seeing youth succeed and not make poor decisions... 

Barrie Police Service Constable Greg Schaus is the first face you see walking into the Barrie Police Station. He is a dedicated and caring person which is clear from the moment you approach him. He handles all the walk in reports, and makes sure the that your concerns are addressed and noted to make your experience dealing with police to be a positive one. He is always the calm voice of reason responding to all the concerns of our community through the Station Duty Office. 

I'm writing this submission to nominate Constable Marc Taraso of Halton Regional Police. I've known Marc for many years now. He used to be a community mobilization officer in my area. He was also responsible for a large portion of organization of services at public events near me. Over the years, he's personally shown great compassion and empathy towards my situation of life. 

OPP Cst. Ed Sanchuk goes above & beyond to keep people informed about what is going on in Norfolk County. He is at a accident scenes, helping people & children in the neighborhood, in all kinds of weather. He informs us of dangerous situations and updates when necessary. We have all come to realize Ed is an important part of our community & trust him completely. The OPP are very lucky to have such a competent Police Officer.

Saugeen Shores Police Service Constable Brian Lowerison is an exceptional officer that goes above and beyond with each person he deals with. Although he is extremely physically fit, beneath he is a gentle, compassionate giant. Regularly, he crouches down and talks in a soft, kind manner to children and his unusual calmness and compassion easily diffuses situations others cannot. Plus, his hard work on uniform patrol has made many in the public grateful to have experienced this fine officer. Everyone that knows him or that he has helped is better off for it.

We would like to nominate Halton Regional Police Service Constable Heidi O'Neill for this award. We have known Heidi for four years and is she someone who means so much to my sister and myself. This is our third year nominating Heidi as we can’t imagine someone more deserving of this award. Heidi is a dedicated, motivational and loving person who ensures each person she meets feels supported, loved and valued. I am currently studying to be a paramedic and will be graduating this year, Heidi is the reason why I have chosen to be in this program.