As a community police officer, Dawn works very hard to make my community a better place to live for everyone. She is the most engaged CPO I have met and you can tell she loves her job. 

Kathy Williams works on the cyber unit in Thunder Bay. She is committed to our community, volunteering her time as a coach and mentor. She is my boxing coach but she also refs women's basketball here in our city.

I'd like to say a special thank you and nominate Ian Jarvis for hero of the year award. He is my hero. He went above and beyond. He believed in me when I didn't think anyone would. 

Cst. Ryan Rodrigues is currently one of the Officers of the Mounted Unit with the Hamilton Police Service. I have worked with Ryan for 11 years and have seen him with the public on numerous occasions, interacting with parents and children with his equestrian partner "Lincoln". 

Kristina Farrington Garswood is tireless in her devotion and dedication to the Riverfront Theatre Company. In her capacity as Executive Director, Kristina creates a safe, caring space for young actors to explore theatre, including children with Autism, ADHD and anxiety. 

Mark Oberhauser of the Peel Regional Police Force sustained a severe Traumatic Brain Injury on the job several years ago when responding to a call. With his strength and determination, Mark was able to return to his job as a Police Officer with the Peel Regional Police Force.

I am nominating Const. Jagdeep Dhaliwal of the Hamilton Police Service for the Hero of the Year award because of his contributions to everyone around him. Firstly, Jag is a school liaison officer for Division 3. He is well liked and respected by the students he works with and especially the school staff. Jag completes his work with patience and professionalism. 

Joanna has always been my mental image of what it means to be a police officer. She is always respectful, regardless of how she is being treated. From her bravery in going into fire, and her example in the community. I never doubt the hard work and effort she puts into her job daily.

I couldn’t be more proud than to tell you that Mark Patterson is my uncle. Proud for many reasons. Uncle Mark is a respected officer who is very serious and dedicated to his work yet can balance his family and other commitments.

February 23, 2018 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) is launching the 3^rd Annual Police Services Hero of the Year Award starting today, February 22. Ontarians are encouraged to submit a nomination/story over the next six weeks to PoliceHero.ca about how their police services hero went above and beyond the call of duty during a specific event, or why they should be recognized for their ongoing support and commitment to their community.