I would like to nominate my husband Sergeant Douglas Pflug of the Guelph Police Service for this prestigious honor.

On August 9th, 1989, Douglas Paul Pflug fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a member of the Guelph Police Service. Throughout his 28-year career, he has had a tremendous positive impact within the Community through his ongoing commitment to the Guelph Police Service and Special Olympics, in addition to numerous coaching and mentorship opportunities, donating countless hours to various local organizations.

The few accolades listed below merely begin to depict Sergeant Douglas Pflug's commendable career:


1990  Chief Stewart Lifesaving Commendation - Doug performed the Heimlich Manoeuvre on a choking 8-year-old boy.

1994  Assigned to the Traffic Division, Doug investigated a fatal collision involving a child riding their bicycle without a helmet. Doug subsequently created the Guelph Police Service Bike Helmet Program. Each year, members of the Service and recognize youths aged 3-13 years for wearing their helmet and gave them a coupon for a FREE Dairy Queen. A draw is also held each August when a boy and a girl are awarded a bicycle courtesy of George Vettor Cycle. To date, 18,430 tickets have been issued and 38 bikes donated.

1995 Chief Bradburn Lifesaving Commendation On April 1st, Doug, along with two other officers, entered frigid waters and rescued a male who crashed his car into a 6 ft deep pond.

1998-2008 Doug established and organized the annual Guelph Storm vs. Guelph Police No-Stars Charity Hockey game�. During this time frame, the event raised over $40,000.00 for Guelph-Wellington Special Olympics.

2000 Guelph Police Service - Member of the Year

2000 Ontario Youth Officer's Award

2002-2016  Doug has served as a strength and conditioning coach for the Guelph-Wellington Buns Master Rollers Special Olympics Floor Hockey Team. The team recently won the Provincial and Canadian Championships and are training for the 2017 World Special Olympics Championships in Graz, Austria. In addition to weekly workouts with the team, Doug acts as a mentor, motivator, and lifelong friend to members. The team also earned a silver medal at the 2012 World Special Olympics Floor Hockey Championships in Boise, Idaho.

2003 Guelph Police Service - Award of Excellence for Community Service 

I've known Kevin since he was born, all he ever wanted to be was a K-9 Officer. It's so nice to see his dream come true. Kevin has always had a love for dogs and people. Kevin and Jake have assisted in arrests, along with visits with sick children at hospitals in the Hamilton area.

Best wishes to all Officers, Civilian Employees and 911 Dispatchers for keeping us safe!

Brian Mitchell, a Constable with the York Regional Police Service, was recently nominated for a Police Services Hero of the Year Award. Brian was involved in a tense situation that he managed to resolve using conversation and de-escalation techniques that saved lives.

Well let me take the time to say that the whole detachment deserves to be nominated but these 4 that I have named deserve the recognition as they always take the time of day to make other people's days brighter regardless if theirs is horrible. They are always very friendly and can be easily approached by anyone and have a conversation and be able to joke around. All in all, these Cst. Kehler goes above and beyond his call of duty and he is someone you can look up to and can always count on when called upon.

Well let me take the time to say that the whole detachment deserves to be nominated but these 4 that I have named deserve the recognition as they always take the time of day to make other people's days brighter regardless if theirs is horrible. They are always very friendly and can be easily approached by anyone and have a conversation and be able to joke around. All in all, these Cst. Milionis goes above and beyond his call of duty and he is someone you can look up to and can always count on when called upon.

Well let me take the time to say that the whole detachment deserves to be nominated but these 4 that I have named deserve the recognition as they always take the time of day to make other people's days brighter regardless if theirs is horrible. They are always very friendly and can be easily approached by anyone and have a conversation and be able to joke around. All in all, these Cst. Pat Shoppoff goes above and beyond his call of duty and he is someone you can look up to and can always count on when called upon.

Well let me take the time to say that the whole detachment deserves to be nominated but these 4 that I have named deserve the recognition as they always take the time of day to make other people's days brighter regardless if theirs is horrible. They are always very friendly and can be easily approached by anyone and have a conversation and be able to joke around. All in all, these Cst. Todd Pritoula goes above and beyond his call of duty and he is someone you can look up to and can always count on when called upon.

I would like to nominate Neal Ridley as this year's hero. He is a family man who loves his community. He cares about our youth and desires to help the next generation be all that they can be as upstanding citizens. He serves our community as a police office because he cares for us and desires to see justice reign. He is willing to great lengths to protect us and is not afraid to be in the line of fire ensure that we do not have to be. He was badly wounded in an altercation this last year protecting our neighbours. He is a hero!

I would like to nominate Sgt. Pat Corcoran of the London Police Service. Not only is he my uncle, but has also been my biggest mentor in life, and role model. He is one whom I can rely on when any kind of help is needed.
As a child I can remember seeing the cape that was on him with every story my brother and I heard, lighting up our faces like we just saw the greatest action movie. However, to Pat, it was just another day helping the community in what way he knew best.

Growing up without a father is something I wouldn't wish on anyone, or in Pat's case, a brother. Yet still throughout my childhood and adolescent years, that hero of mine in uniform made time to fill that seat in the stands at my football, hockey and soccer games. He did this all while being immersed in the community helping others. Anyone who has a family member in law enforcement knows the psychological struggles and the burden he or she faces after so many years of service. I know that now after 32 years of service, his need and desire to help others, greatly out weighs any burden that may be placed on his shoulders.

In February of 2016, Det. Cst Ryan Johnson came upon a distraught female who was sitting on the ledge of the Bridge of Nations in Sudbury, contemplating suicide. Det. Cst Johnson, showing the utmost empathy and compassion spoke with the female - calming her down and built a rapport with her. When the opportunity presented itself, Det. Cst Johnson sprung in to action and grabbed the girl off the ledge, risking his own life to save this stranger. This is the exact definition of a hero. What was just as impressive was how humble Det. Cst Johnson was in the days to follow when answering to media. 

www.thesudburystar.com/2016/02/10/all-in-a-days-work-for-hero-cop