Updates
Neal Ridley - 2017 Nominee (3)
On Saturday, October 10, 2015, Constable Neal Ridley, suffered a major shooting injury to his arm, shoulder and neck while responding to a call at an apartment building with fellow uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service. Since that life altering night, he has had to take extensive time off to recover from his experience and ordeal. This incident has significantly changed the lives of those involved, most notably for Neal and his immediate family.
Read moreKen Steeves - 2017 Nominee (2)
Constable Steeves is the model officer, always caring for the community and sharing in every opportunity. We were all amazed when he climbed Mt. Kilamajaro to raise awareness and funds for youth . When you meet Cst. Steeves on the street he always has a smile and wears his compassion on his sleeve. We are blessed to have officers like him.
Kristina Garswood - 2017 Nominee
I nominate Kristina Garswood. She is the kindest most hard working person I know. She is not just an officer but she is a host mom to an international student. She spent years homeschooling her children while juggling her career. She runs a theatre company to keep kids off the street and interested in the arts in Windsor.
She goes to every event her children and her Japanese international student are a part of. She leaves her house early in the morning to drive her student across town and then her daughter to a School of the Arts (she just put one of her daughters in high school for the first time).
Read moreCst. Wes Brown - 2017 Nomination
I nominate Wes Brown from the South Simcoe Police Service. From what I understand he takes normal shifts, is a lead in their ERU, is also their training officer, and then to top that off he volunteers his time to teach their CPA program! Such a down to earth man, who truly wants to make a difference in the safety of his community. Smart? Wow! He's amazing! I took their CPA program and has really opened my eyes to how much a police officer must do and know, and the difficulties that can arise. It's Wes whose job it is to make them the best they can be, and he does that, and he leads by example. Sit and have a coffee with this man, and you get the feeling you've known him for years.
Cst. Ken Steeves - 2017 Nomination
Ken is an exemplary officer and a genuine, authentic human being who gives back to his community - he recently climbed Mt Kilimanjaro to raise funds for his community charity, Anago, a local non-profit organization that serves female youth in need of protection, male youth in conflict with the law, and those with developmental disabilities. He has a challenging job, is a great citizen and is devoted to his wife & community. He is strong, compassionate and caring. A shining example.
Cst. Kristina Garswood - 2017 Nomination
I nominate Kristina Garswood. She is the kindest most hard working person I know. She is not just a police officer but she is a host mom to an International student. Spent years homeschooling her children while juggling her career. She runs a theatre company to keep kids off the street and interested in the arts in Windsor. She goes to every event her children and her Japanese international student are a part of. She leaves her house early in the morning to drive her student across town and then her daughter to a school of the Arts. (she just put one of her daughters in high school for the first time) She's involved in her church, in the swimming community, the parent group, online group, book clubs, volunteering and being a police officer with so much integrity and kindness. On top of that she's a wife to a retired Peel officer! She does everything to be there for everyone but she barely has time for herself. She is my hero.
Marc Taraso - 2017 Nominee
I nominate Police Constable Marc Taraso to be my hero. Over the few years that I've lived within his main patrol district and have had many positive interactions with him, he has always shown great kindness and aptitude towards the citizens of Oakville. He continuously displays that he cares about the people around him.
I was having a rough go of things to a point that I may have ended up homeless. I'm a former crown ward and I'm now 22 years old. Through various community events put forth in downtown Oakville, I've had the pleasure of running into Marc and having great conversations about our community. I've seen him interact with the public in a kind and compassionate way that gives you the sense that he genuinely likes what he does and cares for the people around him.
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Cst. Patti Pastorius - 2017 Nominee
PC Pastorius attended my apartment building for a disturbance in the parking lot. It was in the middle of the day and I was just coming home with my two young boys. There were several police cars around and yelling going on. My kids and I were visibly upset by the commotion. Once the incident was difussed this kind young officer asked if she could speak to my boys. She came to our apartment and explained to them that what had gone on had nothing to do with anyone that lived in our building and they didn't have any need to be afraid to live there. She was very kind and told them that her partner was a canine and took the time to answer their questions about her job. She gave them cards with all of Windsor's police dogs on them and the boys really enjoyed the time she spent with them. What a kind and caring officer she is. She was a hero that day for my boys and Windsor Police is lucky to have PC Pastorius.
Neal Ridley - 2017 Nominee
On a Saturday evening in 2015, Neal and his fellow officers were called out to what they thought was a run of the mill call. However, the lives of these officers were forever changed that night. Neal was one of two officers that was shot shortly after responding to this call. He and his family have had to deal with life changing injuries, surgeries and stress.
Read moreSarah Standing - 2017 Nominee
I would like to nominate Detective Sarah Standing. She has been an absolutely incredible person and she has worked with me for the past 2 years, with not only coming forward and finally pressing charges against my abuser, but she has also gone above and beyond by checking up on me and helping me get connected to the proper services for counselling and therapy.
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