Const. Deanna Lamont is a very community minded person who is genuinely interested in the well being of individuals who are more, or less, strangers. When I moved to Windsor in 2014, into a new house and a new, to me, neighbourhood, Deanna came to my house and went through it with me pointing out how I could make my house safe and she emphasized that a security system was a good idea. I did what I've wanted to do for 50 years, (I am 71), I rescued a German Shepherd adult female from the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society as my security system. Deanna was very concerned that I had chosen this high-energy, dominant type dog, and once again, she visited me to ensure that all was good. I am so impressed that the Windsor Police Department have on their staff this woman who exhibits a very professional demeanor as a police officer and tempers it with concern for an "elderly" (which I guess I am) woman. Kay Hayes - Windsor

I would like to nominate Constable Akhil Mooken, for this years Hero of the Year Award. I have known Constable Mooken for almost one year, as he is the Neighbourhood Policing Officer for the elementary school I teach at. Throughout my teaching career, I have never met an officer who shows so much dedication to the students, school community and the youth of Peel Region. Constable Mooken relates very well to the youth of today. He is respectful and in turn is treated with the upmost respect by all.

I nominate Constable Troy Miller. Troy represents all Ontario Police Services to the highest of Moral standards. His intrinsic value is shown in a professional manner, at all times. He is a father of three, a coach in Sault Youth Hockey as well as Sault Youth Soccer. Troy is also a referee in the OHL. He is an Inspiration to children and adults alike, and is a true Hero an asset to the Sault District Community. Collin Strickland - Sault Ste Marie

On May 8, 2010, I was sexually assaulted in my home. I reported the crime to the Cobourg Police Services. This was the first time I met Detective Frank Francella. He was very kind with me during the interview and halfway through questioning me, he stopped, put his pen down and rolled his chair over to where I was sitting and very quietly told me that not only did he believe me but that I was doing the right thing by reporting it and that we would be done soon and that I could get through the rest of the interview. I will never forget how those words impacted me that day and still do to this day. 

To be a police officer takes more then just a badge...it takes a special person...it's not just about a job to Contable Lafreniere ...she goes out everyday not only to protect. .but to help! Her genuine heart shows so much compassion to those who are in need. That...you can't learn.!!!.It's part of who she is..For that reason I feel Debbie would be an amazing example of police Hero!! Heart of a Hero! - Valerie Kraayenbrink - Chatham-Kent

My hero is someone who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles…

Sgt. Scott Coulter likes to joke around with friends that he is Batman. When he works out at the station he even likes to wear Batman shirts. I think that this is his way of dealing with over 20 years service in policing. After every shift, he can bring tears to my eyes just telling what happened during a 12 hour shift. There are so many stories, I just wouldn't know where to start.

Sgt. Coulter is truly in the profession he was meant for. Living in a small town, you can easily bump into someone that you arrested years back or even yesterday! There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn't approach Sgt. Coulter and tell him "thank you". I would ask what happened after they left and he would say, "usually when I see these individuals they are at their worst, or under tragic circumstances". He would say that he would always treat them with respect and try to imagine what they are going through at that time. There have been many times that former drug addicts would introduce themselves to Scott, along with their new families, and thank him for being so nice to them when they were arrested, and helping them get their life in order. 

I have know Constable Gord Boulton all his life and have had the pleasure of watch him grown from a fine young kid to a great young man Being a police officer was definitely his calling as he's demonstrated brave qualities at a young age Constable Boulton in his teenage years was instrumental with a group of others in saving the life of a young girl from a house fire and the attempt to save her younger brother were unfortunately not possible (fire was at Battersea General Store).

I would like to nominate Jackie Beaulieu as my police hero. She is passionate about her job and about supporting her community. Jackie always has a smile and accepts challenges with enthusiasm. She has a busy home life and still managed to find the time and energy to run a successful "Toys for Tots" campaign. Jackie exemplifies the type of officer I want in my community. Sandra Kiers - Peel Region

I nominate James Orr for Police Hero. He's my hero for fact that I was going through a hard time in my life and he and another police officer prevented me from committing suicide. They took me to the hospital and stayed with me. I had been through a tremendous amount of trauma at the time and I need help. I don't remember who the other officer was, but I remember Officer Orr. Recently, I ran into Officer Orr again after many years and I hugged him. Not too many people realized what this man did for me but I have become a much better person and understand myself better now than I ever did before. He didn't remember me, as most officers do see and go thru a lot in their daily routines as an officer, but if it wasn't for those two officers, I wouldn't be here.

My life isn't the greatest, as I currently have separated from my long time partner but I have accomplished many things and have even reconsidered policing too. I took on a career in health care to help people and make a difference. Officers like James Orr are hard to find, and yet there are many of them that don't get recognized often enough. Georgia Angelatos, Stirling Rawdon