The OPP Association are posting this research study on behalf of Dr. Marianne O’Byrne. We
My name is Dr. Marianne O’Byrne, and I’m a Registered Psychologist who works primarily with first responders at Thrive Psychology and Wellness Centre. I am supporting Diego Pereira, a psychology major at Glendon College, York University, who is working on his honors thesis under the supervision of Professor Andrée-Ann Cyr and myself. We are conducting a study on the experiences and well-being of first responders, with a focus on moral injury.
What will participants do?
Participants will complete an online questionnaire that assesses their work experiences, stress, well-being, and demographic/professional background. The survey takes approximately 20 – 25 minutes to complete and is confidential.
Who is eligible?
We invite first responders in Canada (aged 18 and above), including police officers, firefighters, paramedics/EMS personnel, corrections personnel, dispatchers/communications personnel, and related roles. Current and former first responders are welcome. All years of service are eligible.
What is the goal of the study?
This research aims to learn more about the experiences and well-being of first responders over the course of their careers. First responders often face stressful and challenging situations, which can affect their mental and emotional health. By participating in this study, you will help us understand how these experiences may impact first responders over time and contribute to better support and resources for people in these professions.
Benefits, risks, and compensation
You may find it meaningful to reflect on your experiences. Some questions about your mental health and stressful experiences may be uncomfortable to answer. You may pause or skip any item at any time. If you experience distress, we will provide a list of confidential support resources at the end of the survey.
As a thank-you, participants will be entered into a draw for a $100 gift card. Participation is voluntary.
Interested?
Please visit the following link to participate here:
Questions? Email me at diegmgp@my.yorku.ca.
Thank you for considering this invitation and for the work you do.
Sincerely,
Marianne O’Byrne
Humanizing Conversations Among First Responders and Their Families
Living Undiagnosed: Irene’s Story of Autism, ADHD, and Autistic Burnout in the OPP
Recorded Session Now Available
A new recorded conversation is now available as part of the Encompas Compassionate Response series, featuring Irene’s powerful story of discovering late-diagnosed Autism and ADHD after a 35-year career with the Ontario Provincial Police.
After retiring in 2019, Irene entered an unexpected period of exhaustion, social withdrawal, and emotional collapse, which she later learned was autistic burnout. In this session, she reflects on navigating neurodivergence within a regimented workplace, the toll of masking, and the relief that came with finally understanding her own experience.
This recording shines a light on late diagnosis, workplace barriers, and the unseen challenges many first responders and civilian members face when their needs go unrecognized.
About This Recorded Conversation – Shared by Irene:
I consider myself fortunate and am grateful to have had a 35-year career with the Ontario Provincial Police as a Civilian Member. Never could I imagine a more fulfilling and rewarding line of work than being of service to the citizens of Ontario. As fulfilling as the job was, I struggled throughout the years with interpersonal dynamics in the workplace and often found navigating new environments and processes challenging.
I retired in 2019 and went through a very rough couple of years. Transitional challenges are not unusual for retirees, but what I experienced was beyond adjusting to different routines or focusing on new objectives. Eventually, I began to emerge from the unrelenting fatigue and social isolation. I started slowly with solo activities like reading. More and more, I was drawn to articles and information regarding neurodiversity. Pieces of a lifelong puzzle began falling into place, and I realized that I might benefit from undergoing an assessment for Autism and/or ADHD. In November of 2024, I was assessed and diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 (Requiring some support in the areas of Social Communication and Restricted Interests/Repetitive Behaviour) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Combined Type. I realized then that what I experienced when I retired was autistic burnout. I had spent a lifetime managing an undiagnosed condition and could no longer keep it up.
I finally had an answer to the questions I had been asking myself for decades. Why do I find everything so complicated? Why can’t I maintain a friendship? Why doesn’t eye contact come naturally to me? Why do I have to do things in a certain way, or does it just not feel right? Why do I struggle with “ice breakers”? Why do people take me the wrong way? Why do I fidget? Revelations about longstanding behaviours, i.e., masking and stimming, began to sink in.
Unfortunately, due to difficulties navigating social interactions, interpreting others’ intentions, ineffective communication styles, etc., individuals with ASD/ADHD are inordinately susceptible to bullying and harassment. They are also at an increased risk of developing PTSD. This neurotype can also sometimes hinder career advancement, especially in a regimented organization such as the OPP. Conformity and protocol adherence are expected to maintain efficient operations effectively. Additionally, people on the autism spectrum frequently have sensory issues such as sensitivity to light, noise, and scents, which are among the most common. Accommodations for special needs can, in some cases, be challenging to obtain. I was personally impacted by all of these issues during my career.
The fact that I was unaware I had ASD/ADHD resulted in years of struggle and not understanding why. My requests for support went unmet because neither I nor my supervisors understood why I needed it. ASD and ADHD are recognized as disabilities in Ontario under the Ontario Human Rights Code and Canadian human rights legislation, and are chronically under diagnosed in females. Therefore, you are entitled to workplace accommodations if you are diagnosed with one or both disorders. That is why I am sharing this intensely personal information with you; I’m hoping to assist others in avoiding a similar experience. I sincerely hope that if my story resonates with anyone, they will delve deeper into questions they may have asked themselves throughout their lifetime.
The assessment I took was conducted remotely and was entirely covered by our health benefits. In-person assessments are also available. Getting a predetermination from Canada Life before doing an assessment is best.
Visit encompascare.ca to watch the full recording.
The OPP Association and the OPP are supporting this anonymous survey led on the policing side by the Canadian Police Association in conjunction with the University of Regina.
We sincerely hope you choose to participate, thereby supporting yourself and your peers, and allowing us to provide evidence that can inform appropriate resources for supporting the mental health of Canadian police and fire fighters (i.e., fire, rescue, and emergency medical services).
The following is sent from the Canadian Police Association for your consideration:
Public safety personnel (e.g., border services agents, correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, municipal and provincial police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and public safety communicators) face potentially psychologically traumatic events such as accidents, assaults, and natural disasters that can be difficult to manage or cope with and can be associated with mental health disorders. Additionally, there have been several new societal challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, mass casualty events, public calls for pervasive organizational changes, and natural disasters that can reasonably be expected to have negatively impacted the mental health of public safety personnel.
With the support of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Police Association, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Ministry of Solicitor General, and Wounded Warriors Canada, we have designed a survey to share your experiences in an anonymous Canada-wide assessment of well-being in police and fire fighters (i.e., fire, rescue, and emergency medical services).
The survey will ask you to reflect on your own mental health and work-related experiences which may be challenging at times but will add your anonymous voice to those of your peers across the country. Your experiences in your role are important to us; as such, we invite and encourage your participation. Your collective voice will contribute to a better understanding and fostering of mental health among your colleagues. We sincerely hope you choose to participate in full, helping us to support your mental health and that of your peers. The estimated time required to complete all sections of the survey ranges from 60 to 120 minutes.
The survey link is provided above and will take you directly to a secure website that will:
1) Provide you with instructions on how you can participate anonymously.
2) Ask for your consent.
3) Provide you with a very important randomly generated unique login code will allow you to leave and return to the survey at any time if you wish to do so. Please do not lose your code.
4) Direct you to the survey entry page.
The current research project was approved by the University of Regina Research Ethics Board (File #1210; Approval date: May 7, 2025). If you have any questions about the survey before or during participation, please feel free to ask by contacting the research team at:
katie.andrews@uregina.ca or nick.carleton@uregina.ca or by telephone at 306-337-2473 (out of town participants may call collect), or if required the Research Ethics Board by email at research.ethics@uregina.ca.
Please note: if you choose to contact the researchers, you are revealing that you may be a participant or that you may be intending to be a participant in the study. The researchers will not be able to link your survey responses to you in any way.
If you already have an access code and are looking to return to the survey. You can access the survey with this link.
If you have already started the survey and are looking to withdraw, please use this link. You will need to have your access code for your information to be removed.
Carl Dalton and David Sabatini at the OPP Pathway of Memories and Milestones 2025 Dedication Ceremony
Acting OPPA President David Sabatini was honoured to be joined by Carl Dalton of Dalton Associates and the Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program at this morning’s Pathway of Memories and Milestone Event at OPP GHQ in Orillia.
Congratulations to the OPP Youth Foundation for spearheading 94 newly inscribed stones for the 2025 Dedication Ceremony. The OPP Association is proud of the accomplishments of all members who are named on the stones, and encourages anyone interested in donating a stone for next year to visit OPPYouthFoundation.ca. After today’s dedication ceremony there are a total of 726 stones.
Acting OPPA President David Sabatini (3rd from left) among the dignataries at the dedication ceremony
OPP Association Board of Directors pictured with Darius Garda Legacy Award Recipient OPP Identification Constable Chris Dobbs and his wife Victoria at the 2025 Canada Beyond the Blue Champions of Change Gala in Toronto.
OPP Indentification Constable Chris Dobbs and OPP Provincial Constable Katy Viccary were named the winners of the prestigious Darius Garda Legacy Award at the 4th Annual Canada Beyond the Blue Champions of Change Gala at Palais Royal Banquet Hall in Toronto September 4th, 2025.
This award recognizes any uniform or civilian service member or family member within the blue family who is sharing their story of struggle and perserverence.
IC Dobbs and PC Viccary were among thirteen OPP members who were nominated in five categories at the Gala which acknowledges and celebrates police service members and community partners who are championing the progress of mental health initiatives within their respective police services.
Chris joined the Ontario Provincial Police as a Provincial Constable in 2016. In August, 2020, he read “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins-a book that would soon become life-changing. On November 26, 2020 Chris was critically injured in the the line of duty, suffering severe injuries to his neck, spine, vertebral artery, face, head, legs and internal organs. Waking up in the ICU unable to move or speak, he reflected on that book and made the decision to push on and not give up.
After two months in hospital and a long recovery, Chris returned to work in 2022. Despite doubts from others about his readiness, he applied for and won the position of Forensic Identification Constable. As a survivor of trauma, he now advocates for mental wellness within law enforcement. Chris regularly checks in on colleagues’ mental health and has hard conversations when needed so they feel truly supported and understood. He believes everyone should have acess to counselling; while exterior wounds may heal with time, true healing begins within.
PC Viccary started her law enforcement career with Toronto Police Service, where she served for a decade, and is now with the OPP since 2017. She is an Acting Sergeant for Media and Community Services. Throughout the years, she has initiated numerous mental health awareness campaigns. Katy has lived experience with mental health challenges (including diagnosed with CPTSD), as well as having located her father who tragically died by suicide. She is a mother to four young children, and strives to reduce stigma and create more understanding surrounding mental health challenges in the community and within the policing culture. She openly shares her story and hitting rock bottom, and her personal journey of resiliency in the hopes of ‘normalizing’ mental health challenges.
The awards are in five categories and are open to anyone to nominate champions of change within policing who fit the criteria for the Darius Garda Legacy Award, Agent of Change Award, Leadership Award, Association Advocacy Award and Community Partner Award.
Congratualtions to all of the nominees from all the police services and community partners. Special congratulations to London Police Service Constable Shayna Wintjes who won in the Agent of Change category, Peel Regional Police Sergeant Justin Vandenbrink who won the Leadership Award, Hamilton Police Association President Jaimi Bannon who won the Association Advocacy Award, and Retired Peel Regional Police Staff Sergeant Jamie Davis, who won the Community Partner Award for his work with Boots on The Ground-Peer Support for First Responders.
The OPP Association is a proud sponsor of the Gala and very supportive of all the work being done by the team at Canada Beyond the Blue in their efforts to recognize the Champions of Change, and honour the service and sacrifice of members of the police family who have died by suicide, and support their families.
For more information on the Gala and the Ontario Police Suicide Memorial visit CanadaBeyondTheBlue.com.
Nottawasaga OPP Provincial Constable Katy Viccary holds a photo of her father, John Garner, who died by suicide in 2017 after struggling with depression for many years. Photo by Brad Pitchard, Metroland.
The following press release was issued today by the OPP Association:
Barrie/CNW/June 24, 2025
Today, OPP Provincial Constable Sean O’Rourke was acquitted of manslaughter in the Superior Court of Justice in Chatham, relating to a line of duty incident that occurred on Highway 401 near Ridgetown, Ontario on July 7, 2021.
On that day, a 25yr old man tragically died as PC O’Rourke and other police officers were trying to apprehend the suspect while fleeing police after a theft of gas.
The lives of the family of the deceased, our police officers and our civilian members have been forever impacted.
OPP Association President John Cerasuolo commented:
“We respect the court’s decision and believe it reflects the complexities faced by police officers in dangerous and unpredictable situations. Our officers are dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of Ontario, often in circumstances beyond their control. This has been an extraordinarily difficult period for all involved, and we remain committed to supporting Provincial Constable O’Rourke, along with all our members and their families, as they continue to navigate the emotional aftermath of this event.”
Defence Counsel Sandy Khehra added:
“It is essential that the law recognizes the realities and risks inherent in policing. Police officers are entrusted to use reasonable force to protect themselves and others. We are relieved that the court’s decision reflects this understanding.”
The OPP Association encourage anyone impacted by this situation to reach out and lean on those closest to them, as well as seek professional mental health assistance. We also encourage you to reach in to those you know are impacted by this tragedy.
For members of the public, the Canadian Mental Health Association has a number of resources on their website ontario.cmha.ca.
The Ontario Provincial Police Association’s (OPPA) Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available to our members and their families by calling 24/7: 1-866-794-9117 or by visiting encompascare.ca.
Confidential support services are available to all OPP members, families, retirees, and auxiliaries through the OPP’s Healthy Workplace Team (HWT) available by phone, toll-free at 1-844-OPP-9409 (1-844-677-9409), or by directly contacting any HWT member.
Media Contact: Scott Mills Cell 647-449-2801 Email: communications@oppa.ca
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Photo: OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, C.O.M., and OPPA President John Cerasuolo, M.O.M. May 14, 2025 in Ottawa
OPP Association President John Cerasuolo, M.O.M., was appointed as a Member in the Order of Merit of the Police Forces at an Investiture Ceremony that took place at Rideau Hall on May 14, 2025. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, invested 9 Officers (O.O.M.) and 60 Members (M.O.M.) into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces honours the leadership and exceptional service, or distinctive merit displayed by the members of Canadian police services and recognizes their commitment to Canada, contributions to policing, and community development.
John Cerasuolo is known for his exemplary police service with the Ontario Provincial Police, and his dedicated leadership in the Ontario Provincial Police Association.
Cerasuolo was in good company with three other OPP members being invested, OPP Inspector Marcel Beaudin M.O.M., OPP Detective Inspector Joseph Lee Fulford M.O.M., and OPP Detective Inspector Robert Johnston M.O.M. Fellow Police Association partners, Constable Matt Jotham M.O.M. of the Guelph Police Association, and Sergeant Steven Schmelzle, M.O.M. of the Waterloo Regional Police Association were invested as Members, and Ottawa Police Association member Andrea Lamothe O.O.M., was appointed a promotion to Officer of the The Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
For a complete list of the appointees across Canada invested in 2025, visit The Governor General’s press release.
Congratulations are extended from the OPP Association to all the appointees.
Photo: Police Association of Ontario President Mark Baxter and OPPA President John Cerasuolo May 14, 2025 in Ottawa
Today on National Police Women’s Day we celebrate women who serve and protect the province of Ontario and beyond.
The year 2024 marks 50 years of women in uniform for the Ontario Provincial Police.
We are proud of the accomplishments of our police women, and will always work for equality for all of our members.
Thanks for all you do each and every day to make our world a better place.
(photo courtesy OPP Museum of 1974 OPP Recruit Class, first class with female Constables to graduate)
OPP Association President John Cerasuolo was honoured to deliver remarks on behalf of the OPPA creating awareness for suicide prevention in Parry Sound on World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, 2024.
He joined the Mayor of Parry Sound, OPP Parry Sound members, fellow First Responders and community members at a Bench Dedication led by the Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council.
Special thank you to our OPPA members who had a leadership role in the event. OPP Provincial Constable Katy Viccary was the master of ceremonies and shared her own mental health journey with attendees, retired OPP Communicator Lee Matthieu was a key organizer, and sang and played the guitar, and retired OPP Detective Constable Shawn Evans played violin, and constructed the bench and donated it.
For anyone in the area, the bench is located at 10 Salt Dock Road in Parry Sound and is designed to be a place of quiet reflection. It overlooks the beautiful waters of Georgian Bay.
This is the 9th Bench dedicated in various communities by the Council. To learn more about their work visit HopeEqualsLife.ca.
A video of the ceremony including President Cerasuolo’s speech is available to watch on Youtube
Congratulations to OPPA Director Rob Jamieson on being honoured with the 2024 Association Advocacy Award at the Canada Beyond the Blue Champions of Change Gala September 5, 2024 at Palais Royale in Toronto. The award recognizes police service association members who are working to provide their membership with advocacy resources, supports and champions of mental health.
Congratulations as well to Ontario Provincial Police Deputy Commissioner Chris Harkins who was awarded the Leadership Award, recognizing police service members who serve in a formal leadership role and are committed to making changes within the organization.
Special mention and congratulations to OPPA Pension and Benefits Advisor Marilyn Elaine Thomson-Joseph on her nomination for the Association Advocacy Award.
There were six categories for awards. Nominations were submitted and judged by a selection committee comprised of people dedicated to changing the narrative on mental health for the police community. Congratulations to all of the nominees. You are all winners and champions of change.
The OPP Association were represented at the event with an OPPA table led by OPPA President John Cerasuolo and VP David Sabatini in attendance along with several OPPA Head Office staff.
Canada Beyond the Blue is a national non-profit organization with nine chapters across Canada. Beyond the Blue provides mental health resources and supports to their respective local police service members and their families. Beyond the Blue has become the national voice of police families and will continue to advocate for and support our members across the country.
For further information about about Canada Beyond the Blue visit CanadaBeyondTheBlue.com.