Evan Harrison embodies what it means to be a community police officer - his dedication and passion can be seen daily in his work and I have witnessed it personally when he attended our 3rd Annual BeYOUth Mental Health Conference. PC Harrison attended the conference in Toronto and was a mentor to over 100 youth in attendance to gain strategies on how to cope with mental health in their daily lives. PC Harrison shared his personal story and was able to build positive relationships with the youth, empowering them and being an exceptional role model. 

I would like to nominate Constable Greg Stephenson for the Police Hero Community Role Model. Greg is in his 27th year of policing with the Thunder Bay Police Service. He is the Past president of their Association and is heavily involved in the community. Greg has been responsible for organizing the Thunder Bay Police Association's Cops for Cancer head shave fundraising event and has been the Chair of this event for over 20 years.

I would like to nominate Heather Lewis - she created the Greater Sudbury Police Services Museum, then moved on to be a specialist in the processing of video evidence. She also created a Spiritual Support Service for all Sudbury police personnel and is now an Association representative. She has taken countless secondary school students under her wing and treated them with care, compassion and given them excellent leadership. She is a terrific person who is positive and just helped raise almost $40,000 for Special Olympics. The GSPS is indeed very blessed to have Heather on staff.

Sgt. Maria Keen is with the Ottawa Police Outreach and Recruiting team. Sgt. Keen has gone above and beyond her duties to promote diversity, mentor students/recruits and actively promote growth within the service. Sgt. Keen, along with her team, has organized events such as “A day in the life of a police officer,” which is a way to open doors for women into the policing world. Sgt. Keen has also inspired other police services to follow in her footsteps. She has shown that policing is not only a career for men but for anyone willing to put the work in. She is inclusive towards all and inspires many of us on a daily basis.

I wish to nominate my husband Frank for the police hero award. For the past two years, this dedicated officer has battled PTSD from over 20 years of service. After admitting he needed the help of his service and those qualified to deal with the injury, he was able to return to work and dedicate his life again to the Cobourg Police Service - even taking on President of the police association in order to ensure he advocates for his brothers and sisters in uniform. 

Jason responded to my sixteen year old daughter when her (now ex) boyfriend beat her and then tried to roll the truck to cover up the injuries. She was frantic, running down the highway when the truck stalled and was assisted by a passerby. Jason’s kind, professional security and support during that time was something we will never forget, to say the least. It was so much appreciated under the circumstances - he is forever our hero.

Cst. Judith Drover-Janes supported me in laying charges against another person. She helped me during some very difficult police procedures while I battled PTSD and serious depression due to a friend having committed suicide in front of me. She saved my life for sure. What an asset to the Ottawa Police Service, as are many others.

Officer Dugdale was there for me through my entire domestic abuse case including court. Even when I got scared and took off, he took it upon himself to drive around looking for me, worried about whether I was okay. I have thanked this officer so many times, but wanted to nominate him for this award.
I truly wish there were more sworn officers like him on the force...thanks so much.

I would like to nominate Constable Evan Harrison. He volunteered to be a non-parent coach to our girls hockey team this year. Through his involvement in the community, he encouraged our girls to get involved and help others in their own communities. He has demonstrated to this group of girls what it takes to be a leader. 

Jeremy Dinning has volunteered his skills and time to Transway Girls Basketball team in Hamilton. He spends most of his off duty time teaching the girls how to improve their game, and drives them to their games which are out of town. This takes a great deal of time and dedication, and I think he should be recognized for this.