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Concluding our series on Pride Month, Inspector Wendy Burrow, Commander of the OPP’s Perth County Detachment, joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the importance of Pride Month. Topics include the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Positive Space Course, changes in diversity and attitudes of members over the last 25 years, the importance of flying the Pride Flag, the Pride Progress Flag, and being “out” at work and in the community.

Listen to the podcast on the player above, on the OPPA blog OPPA.ca/Media or on Google, Apple, Spotify and more by clicking on the image above. 

Progress Pride Flag flying at OPP Association Head Office in Barrie, Ontario June, 2022
Progress Pride Flag flying at OPP Association Head Office in Barrie, Ontario June, 2022

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

Happy Father’s Day to all of our policing family Dads and all fathers!

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the CAO of the OPP Association,  I would like to thank all of our members who are Dads for your dedication to your families, friends, colleagues and the community.

As members of the police family, no matter what special day it is, there is a good chance that you may be working. Please know that your tireless work is appreciated.

Hopefully all of the Dads celebrating will get some time to reflect and be proud of all that you have accomplished as a father and a valued member of the OPP serving and protecting our community.

As we enter the summer season, travel to graduations and other family functions, cherish these family moments and be safe.

Sincerely,
Rob Stinson
President OPP Association

Congratulations OPP Provincial Constable Brandon Joyes of the Chatham-Kent OPP Detachment on receiving the 1 Branch OPPA Eve/McFadden Award presented in Petrolia at the 1 Branch meeting June 16, 2022.

Pictured presenting the award are Margaret Eve’s husband John and daughter Colleen, along with Brandon’s coach officer Sean O’Rourke.

The award is presented annually to a new recruit who exemplifies the qualities and characteristics of excellence of both Sergeant Margaret Eve (EOW June 9, 2000) and Senior Constable James McFadden (EOW December 31, 1999).

Both Eve and McFadden died in the line of duty in separate incidents when struck by vehicles on Highway 401 near Chatham, Ontario.

Listen on player below or click on image for links to listen on Apple, Google, Spotify and more.

June is Pride Month and OPP Sergeant and Serving with Pride Director, Ben Cruickshank, is joined by his husband, OPP Provincial Constable John Hill, to talk about “Serving Ontario with Pride and Married to a Cop.” Topics include the positive and negative impacts to their policing careers, information on the organization “Serving with Pride”, the importance of pronouns, “locker room talk”, Pride and Pride Progress Flags, being a cop and being married to a cop, being “out” at work and in the community, and a new segment on the 10-5 podcast we call “three wishes.”

Listen to the podcast on the player above, or on the OPPA blog OPPA.ca/Media, or on Google, Apple, Spotify and more by clicking on the image above. 

For more information on Serving with Pride, please visit www.servingwithpride.ca or contact them at info@servingwithpride.ca.

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

144 golfers participated in the OPPA 15th Annual Charity Golf Classic

Our “Heroes in Life, Not Death” were celebrated on Thursday June 9, 2022, at the Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club in Thornton, Ontario.

OPPA director Mike Adair
OPPA Golf Classic Organizing Committee, OPPA Director Mike Adair

OPPA Director Mike Adair was the chair of the organizing committee for this year’s OPPA Golf Classic, and stated to a packed dinner crowd:

After the last two years of the provincial shutdowns this year’s 15th Annual OPPA Charity Golf Classic tournament was long overdue.  The amount of interest we have had by both participants and sponsors for this tournament has been amazing and with that a sold-out venue. Without these donations the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation could not manage the memorial or hold the annual Ceremony of Remembrance at Queens Park.  We owe it to our brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities they served.  We also owe it to the families of those heroes that they leave behind, to let them know they will never be forgotten.  This year the OPMF added 6 names of officers who died in the line of duty to the 266 names already enshrined on the Wall. Among those honoured this year was our very own OPP Provincial Constable Marc Hovingh who died tragically November 19th, 2020.  Six more Heroes in Life shall forever be listed among those whom we shall never forget.  Thank you to all that made this day the success it was.

One hundred and forty-four golfers came out on what started as an overcast day that turned into a beautiful sunny day for golf for the OPPA 15th Annual Charity Golf Classic. All proceeds are donated to the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation. Attendees were from Police Associations across Ontario, as well as community partners and sponsors. The Ontario Police Memorial Foundation was represented by OPMF President Jason Tomlinson and OPMF and OPPA Board Member Lynn Neale.

A shotgun start and best ball saw the golf course populated with many accomplished golfers, along with many novices. Regardless of your skill level, it was smiles all around for the entire day. Many attendees were able to reconnect with several colleagues and friends that has been missed over the past two years during the Covid restrictions.

A full course dinner was served for all the attendees.  A tribute was led by Director Adair of a longtime supporter of the OPPA Golf Tournament and benefits partner with the OPP Association, Bill Vito, who died earlier this year. A heartfelt round of applause followed. Vito’s daughter Michele Sterns, CEO of Williams Leal and Vito Inc. Target Benefit Administrators Ltd. was present for the moving tribute.

OPP Association President Stinson was in attendance and addressed the full banquet hall at the dinner. Stinson thanked all of those who sponsored, attended and organized the event.

Several organizations greeted golfers at various holes, including the Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program representatives from Dalton Associates.

A Hole In One contest, two putting games operated by OPPA staff and the silent auction all added to the funds raised for the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation.

Items for the live auction, generously donated by our sponsors included a gift certificate for Hydro Pools ($10,000 value), a Treager Smoker with accessories ($3,300 value), an electric golf cart package ($1600.00 value) and a Lous Vitton Women’s Wallet (valued $860.00) amongst other items. The Auction was entertaining for all in attendance.

We have posted a number of photos of the golf tournament on our social media celebrating an excellent event. Thank you to Director Lynn Neale for these photos celebrating a memorable day for all and once again, to each and every person who was a part of the success of this day, a heartfelt thank you from the OPPA.

 

Burlington OPP Provincial Constable Noel Middleton with OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique
Ontario Women in Law Enforcement Banquet June 9, 2022 in Mississauga, Ontario

Burlington OPP Detachment Provincial Constable Noel Middleton won the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement 2022 Police Bravery Award on June 9, 2022 at an awards banquet in Mississauga. Congratulations to Noel and all of the award recipients from the OPP Association. 

The following is a brief summary of the events, leading to Noel’s nomination, from OPP Sergeant Fletcher:

On November 25th, 2021 at approximately 9:39 a.m. Hamilton Police reported an active shooting in the area of York Rd just west of Hwy 6 in the City of Hamilton.  A firearm had been discharged from a vehicle resulting in a victim being shot twice.  The suspects had attempted to pursue the victim but were involved in a collision and were now fleeing on foot. 

PC Noel Middleton was in the area and responded immediately to the scene and located the collision.  She spoke with a witness and was able to obtain a description of two male suspects and a direction of travel.  PC Middleton began to search the surrounding vicinity and quickly located the two suspects matching the description on Old Guelph Road, just west of the collision. 

As she drove towards them, both males began to run and attempted to flee the area.  Additional responding units had not arrived yet and PC Middleton knew that if she delayed engaging the suspects that they would likely evade police and presented a continuing danger to the victim and the public. 

She recognized that the males may still be armed and there was substantial risk to her own safety but she believed there was a significant public safety concern and an immediate need to apprehend the suspects.

PC Middleton stopped her cruiser behind the fleeing suspects and initiated a high risk take down alone.  She drew her firearm and moved behind the rear of the police cruiser where she began to issue verbal commands.

While directing one of the suspects to walk slowly towards her cruiser with his hands raised, the male attempted to pick his cellphone up off the ground. PC Middleton remained calm and exercised good judgment while issuing commands for him to stop.  Both suspects were directed to lay face down in a prone position and they complied. 

PC Middleton remained in her position of cover until other officers arrived and assisted in taking them into custody.  Following the arrest PC Middleton located a set of keys at that scene which matched the vehicle involved in the collision.  It was also learned that one of the parties was a federal inmate on parole serving a sentence for manslaughter and bound by a firearms prohibition order. 

Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen recognized PC Middleton for her actions and personally wrote a letter to the OPP Commissioner expressing his gratitude.  He remarked “I truly believe Constable Middleton’s efforts saved the victim’s life”, and that “she represented herself and the Ontario Provincial Police with the utmost excellence, risking her own safety to save another.”

PC Middleton showed tremendous courage and personal bravery during this incident and I nominate her for the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement bravery award.

OPPA Directors Lynn Neale and Terri Hubbert were at the banquet and Director Hubbert was honoured to present the OPP Sergeant Margaret Eve Leadership Award to York Regional Police Superintendent Ronda Corsi. 

OPP members were also among those honoured for the OWLE Team Achievement Award for work done to ensure community safety at the Windsor Ambassador Bridge Protest earlier this year. Congratulations to all of the award recipients. 

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2022 marks the 20th anniversary of civilian members joining the OPP Association. Their work is critical in keeping Ontario safe and on this episode we speak with Communications Operator Lee Matthieu, who recently retired from the OPP for a 2nd time. Topics include the transition from OPSEU to the OPPA from Lee’s perspective, staffing issues in the Provincial Communications Centres, the mental health of Communications Operators, and Lee’s upcoming keynote at the Invisible Wounds Conference.

Listen to the podcast on the above player, on the OPPA blog OPPA.ca/Media or on Google, Apple, Spotify and more by clicking on the image above.  

To listen to the song “Hands of Time” by Lee Matthieu, please click here.

The Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council YouTube channel can accessed by clicking here. For more information on this organization, please click here.

The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available to eligible active and retired OPPA Members:

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program speaks at OPPVA AGM in Sudbury in May, 2022

Happy Vets Day! Monday June 6, 2022 is OPP Veterans’ Day.

The OPP Association are very appreciative of the efforts of of our 2,000 plus members of the Ontario Provincial Police Veterans’ Association (OPPVA).

We are delighted that we are able to gather again, and members of our OPP Association Board of Directors and  staff will be joining our Vets today in Orillia to celebrate this special day.

Our OPP Association President, Rob Stinson, along with our staff members Lisa Hillstrom, Amie Fabiano and Erin Baumruk as well as our Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program leaders, Dalton Associates CEO and Social Worker Carl Dalton, Dalton’s Manager Corporate Client Relations Louise Hanson and Case Manager Jen Welsch were honoured to attend the OPPVA’s recent Annual General Meeting in Sudbury on May 26 and 27, 2022. It was inspiring for us share in the great work being done by the OPPVA across the province. 

OPPA staff president

LtoR OPPA Executive Officer Pension and Benefits Lisa Hillstrom, OPP President Rob Stinson, OPPA Manager of Member Benefits Amie Fabiano and Receptionist Erin Baumruk receive a certificate of appreciation from the OPP Veterans’ Association at the OPPVA AGM 2022 in Sudbury

Dalton's Louise Hanson (left) and Jen Welsch (right)

Dalton Associates power the OPPA’s Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program. Dalton’s Louise Hanson (left) and Jen Welsch (right) had a booth promoting wellness at the OPPVA AGM in Sudbury May, 2022.

The Commissioner’s Veteran of the Year Awards were presented at the 53rd OPPVA AGM held in Sudbury   Congratulations to all of the award recipients. 

Carmen Marrier and Bill Lee

Photo supplied by OPPVA Branch 18. The Commissioner’s Veteran of the Year Awards were presented at the 53rd OPPVA AGM held in Sudbury.  Congratulations to Provincial Secretary and Chapter 18 Vice-Chair Carmen Marrier who was the 2019 recipient and Chapter 18 Member Bill Lee who is the 2021 recipient.

For our OPPA members, please reach out and connect with our OPP Veterans known to you by phone, online or by email today and any time you get the chance. They are our mentors and their wisdom and insight is invaluable. If you don’t know any OPP Vets, please consider visiting the OPPVA.ca website and learning about the men and women who form the history of the Ontario Provincial Police. Of particular interest is documentation of the first thirty years of the OPPVA which is available on OPPVA.ca/First30

Anyone can also consider purchasing a stone on the Pathway of Memories located at OPP GHQ in Orillia. The Stones can be purchased for a $300 donation to recognize an OPP member past or present. The inscriptions on the memory stones donated by members, friends and colleagues reflect expressions of pride, friendships, love and careers, creating lasting memories. Click here for information on how to purchase a memory stone

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Dr. Michelle Vincent is a Program Evaluation Specialist and Researcher for Dalton Associates, the provider of the OPP Association’s Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program. She joins guest host Carl Dalton to talk about the stigma that comes with treating the mental health of first responders. Topics include the Encompas program evaluation, the impact language has on stigma, negative self-talk, and giving a voice to stigma.

Listen to the podcast on the OPPA blog OPPA.ca/Media or on Google, Apple, Spotify and more by clicking on the image above.

The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available to eligible active and retired OPPA Members:

To listen to Dr. Nick Carleton’s appearance on “The Command Post” podcast, please click here.

To access the study “Assessing the Relative Impact of Diverse Stressors among Public Safety Personnel” referenced in this episode, please click here.

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

LtoR OPP Sergeant Ezra Zugehoer, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique & OPPA President Rob Stinson
in Orillia at OPP Central Region Awards Ceremony May 26, 2022. (photo by Jayne van der Veen)

OPP Association President Rob Stinson was honoured to join OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique at the OPP Central Region Awards Cermeony on Thursday May 26, 2022 in Orillia. The awards honoured the service of our OPPA members witnessed by family, friends and colleagues. 

Congratulations to all of the award receipients. Your dedication to serving and protecting the citizens of Ontario in your role as sworn OPP police officers, civilian OPP members and Auxilary volunteers is exemplary. You and your families who stand behind you and support you every day make us all very proud. Thank you for your service.

Rob Stinson

Awards were presented in the following categories:

OPP Civilian Service (20yrs and 30yrs)
Police Exemplary Service Medal
Police Exemplary Service Medal – First Bar
Ontario Auxiliary Service (20yrs)
OPP Youth Foundation Youth Development Award
Commissioners Commendations 
Commissioner’s Letter of Commendation, St John Ambulance Award 
Commissioner’s Citations for Lifesaving Bravery and Selfless Actions