I am best friends with an officer on the Niagara Regional Police force. She went through a very challenging time for several years. Many times, she mentioned how integral Sandy was in her recovery and her eventual return to unrestricted full-time duty. Over the couple of years of this process, I remember multiple conversations including how much love and support my friend was receiving from Sandy.

When my 14 year old granddaughter was taken to the emergency room for a drug overdose, I was out of my mind because it was a 20 year old who gave her the drugs. Constable Mounfield was amazing at calming me down and without his skills of deescalating my reaction, I possibly would have made some wrong decisions. He handled me with care but his authoritative firmness kept me level. He is amazing.

I would like to nominate my daughter, Sergeant Sherri Baltzer. She is a hard-working officer and worked very hard to get to the position of Sergeant. Sherri involves herself in all aspects of the police force. She is constantly helping others to live the best that they can. She and her husband run a golf tournament every year to raise money to help all EMS, police, firefighters, and ambulance families in need of medical help. The funds raised have helped many of these families. She is selfless in helping anyone to succeed. She is so worthy of recognition. 

I would like to nominate my cousin, Constable Marc Savignac of the Greater Sudbury Police Service, for a hero award. He went above and beyond his call of duty to help me when I was in crisis with my mental illness. He never once left my side - always taking my hand and guiding me through the toughest times of my life. Don't get me wrong, his fellow GSPS officers were great with me too. I just don't know how to thank him for saving my life. 

Mike Adams is an amazing officer who worked a lot with the youth in the community who were addicted to drugs. As overdoses continued to be a problem, Mike Adams was the officer these kids in trouble would look to for help. I have lived in Innisfil all my life and have never met any officer like Mike Adams. He always makes these young people feel like they are human and that they do matter. He is always encouraging them not to be afraid to talk about the situation they were in. As a parent, Mike Adams goes above and beyond.

In the summer, I was at a local park when a young boy had fallen off some playground equipment and broke his arm quite badly. Becky was at the ball diamond getting ready for her game when she saw the commotion. She immediately stopped her warm up and ran over to help the young boy. She consoled him, and had him calmed down in seconds. With the help of another teammate they moved the boy out of the sun, and stabilized his arm. 

It is my privilege to nominate Dave Stewart. He is a perfect example of an on-duty difference maker. Dave came to my daughter and son-in-law’s home in their time of crisis in dealing with their teenage son. With an open mind and a compassionate willingness to help this family get through a time of need, Dave was able to diffuse a highly combustible situation. He has appeared at their home on more than one occasion following up with empathy, conversation and concern for the family. Dave was a light at the end of a dark tunnel for this family restoring faith in the local police. God bless you, Dave Stewart. You are a local hero for which your help will never be forgotten. For that, I thank you.

I'd like to nominate Officer Wes Brown of the South Simcoe Police Service (SSPS). Wes is a genuine, down to earth person who takes on a lot of roles at SSPS. His commitment to his community and keeping us safe is unwavering and constant! Not only is Wes on SSPS Marine Patrol, but he is also the lead in their Training Unit and ERU. A true "Cops Cop", Wes is admired and respected by all his peers and commanding officers. 

Constable Evan Harrison has been and is an outstanding leader in the London community. He volunteers countless hours towards children. He volunteers at schools, hospitals and coaches sports. He is approachable and always in a positive attitude. We want to thank you for making our children aware and safe. It's comforting to know that there is someone looking out for our kids in this community. Keep up the amazing work!

Detective Cst. Blakely goes above and beyond his responsibility as a Police Detective Cst. on a daily basis. His empathy towards those that he works with, is second only to his work ethic which is admirable. Detective Cst. Blakely approaches every case he works on with his full attention and ensures that everyone he is involved with is treated with respect regardless of their role.