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It takes a village fundraiser poster

Congratulations to North Perth OPP Detachment Sergeant Manny Coelho on his nomination for a 2021 Police Association of Ontario Police Hero of the Year Award. 

On Saturday February 27, 2021, Sgt Coehlo joined a member of the “It Takes A Village” organization in a 24hr fundraising event in his capacity as the Contract Sergeant of the North Perth OPP office. “It Takes A Village” is a community supported “free store” that provides items to people who need support during difficult times. 

The official nomination is copied below from the PAO website PoliceHero.ca

Sgt. Manny Coelho is a Listowel OPP Officer in Perth County. On Saturday, February 27, he spent 24 hours outdoors to help raise money for our homeless with the “It Takes A Village” organization. The goal was to raise $2,400.00 and the event ended up raising over $31,000.00. Sgt. Coelho is also a member of the Listowel Legion. He made our community proud, and brought a lot of awareness to our community on this issue.

A video of the event was posted on the OPP West Region Twitter and Facebook and can be watched below:

Oxford County OPP Provincial Constable Frank Kempf has been nominated for a 2021 Police Association of Ontario Police Services Hero of the Year Award for his work advocating for mental health. Congratulations and thank you for your advocacy Frank. 

The nomination is posted on the Police Association of Ontario website PoliceHero.ca and is reproduced here, along with a video and link to a Woodstock area news article about Frank’s work. 

 nominate my husband, Oxford OPP Officer Frank Kempf. Frank is not one that looks for the spotlight, however, he has publicly opened up about a personal life tragedy to help others start conversations. After finding his brother, who’d taken his life, he soon after supported the idea to help turn his pain into music. Frank made sure to communicate his emotions in dealing with the loss which allowed myself & musician Brett Kingswell to create a song – “The Questions Burn” – now on a National Top 50 chart and getting air play in over 10 countries.

Many people have personally related to the song and reached out thanking Frank for sharing his story and shedding a light on #SuicideAwareness (including many of his fellow officers). He is back on-duty serving his community with a heightened empathy, attending mental health/suicide related calls. Frank just wants to see the numbers of these calls go down in the near future. Thank you for considering Officer Kempf and thank you to all other nominees – we need more like them in this world.

Congratulations to Southern Georgian Bay Detachment OPP Provincial Constable Debra Brown for being nominated twice for a 2021 Police Association of Ontario Police Hero of the Year Award. 

The first nomination is posted on the PAO website PoliceHero.ca and is copied below.

OPP Officer Debra Brown has been in my life since the age of 15. Throughout that time, she taught me so many important life lessons. When I was younger, I was in a bad way, but she changed that forever. Now as a Policing student, she is my biggest role model, along with many others. She has 20+ years on the job. She started with Midland Police Service, moved onto APS, and is now with OPP. She has done so many things for the community around Midland, Penetanguishene, and Christian Island. She is a true hero without a cape.

She mentors many young people, including myself. She goes out of her way to go above and beyond her job. I’ve seen her work 22 hours during a 12 hour shift just so she can make sure the problem someone is having will be ok. She has stayed at the hospital all night, way past her shift’s end time, just so she can make sure that person is ok and has a safe way home. She’s seen many horrible things done to people that no one knows of, not even me, but I know she’s seen a lot. But to this day, she’s stayed humble.

The first thing she ever said to me was “I believe in you”. Not very many people believe in people, but she truly does. She puts blood, sweat and tears into this job. So many people in the community look up to her. If anyone deserves this, it’s Debra. She truly is a hero. She goes so above and beyond with her job. It’s her life, it’s not just a job. She takes her title seriously. She saves peoples lives everyday. She’s the best Officer anyone will ever meet. She’s my hero, and a hero to many people she helps. She’s a true hero.

The second nomination is posted on the Police Association of Ontario website PoliceHero.ca, and is reposted here: 

OPP Cst Debra Brown always puts people first. In her many years as a police constable in the different polices services she’s worked for, the only thing that changes is the patch she wears. Her commitment to the communities she polices and the people in them is inspiring. Her heart is big and she always places her all and mite into those she is called to assist. Never backing down until she has done all she possibly can to help someone else. Having the opportunity to work with Cst Brown and being such a good friend, I’ve observed this first hand. She is deserving of this award and so much more.

Congratulations Provincial Constable Tim Gadd on community nomination for a 2021 Police Association of Ontario Police Services Hero of the Year Award for being an On Duty Difference Maker in Dryden, Ontario. 

The nomination is posted on the PAO website PoliceHero.ca and is reproduced below:

I am nominating OPP Officer Tim Gadd for the Police Services Hero of the Year Award for the Community Role Model Award. Tim joined the OPP Police Service in April of 2016. Along with being an excellent team member on-duty, supporting his fellow officers, Tim shows exemplary leadership qualities off duty as well. Whether he is coaching youth bowling or taking part in organizing community activities with the Kinsmen Club of Canada with which he is a member, he is always looking for ways to be involved in the betterment of his small community of Dryden.

His passion for helping others can also been seen by the many hours he dedicates to serving on the Executive Board of the Northern Ontario 5 Pin Bowler’s Association. Through his position as Vice President, he actively works to ensure that the sport of 5 pin bowling flourishes through activities such as fundraising, meeting with local executives and always listening to the needs and concerns of others.

He consistently puts others before himself and is always there to lend a hand to others when needed, no questions asked. He participates in fundraising events such as Movember and charity runs. He leads by example of what it means to be a role model and is an excellent candidate for this award.

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ is Monday March 8, 2021. The OPP Association wishes all women celebrating this day best wishes in your personal and professional lives. Thank you for all you do to make our communities a better place to live, work and play.

Today we are featuring the service and inspiration through quotes of four women in leadership roles past and present at the OPP Association.

Terri Hubbert has served as a police officer with the Peel Regional Police and the OPP. Terri currently serves full time as an elected member of the OPP Association Board of Directors. Terri states:
“I feel honoured and privileged to be elected to represent all uniform and civilian members, active or retired of the OPP Association, regardless of gender. I work tirelessly in unity with my fellow Board Members to ensure the health and well being of our membership. I encourage everyone, regardless of your gender, to become involved in your Association, and work together collaboratively for the good of the membership, and in turn the communities we serve.”

Debbie McKenna served the OPP Association in various roles starting in 1980. In 1996 she became the first female Executive Officer in the OPP Association. Debbie states:
“With a network of trusted mentors and colleagues, hard work, patience, and sacrifice I was able to achieve various positions within the OPPA.  I believe this was done through the acquisition of labour relations knowledge and sharing of that knowledge with others.  That knowledge enabled myself and others to achieve the vision and goal of improving our members and their families lives for the better.  I was very proud to have been able to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Cindy Bahm joined the OPP in July, 1985, and served over 35yrs as a Detachment Administrative Clerk. In 2001 Cindy was elected as an Executive Member of the OPP Association Board of Directors, a position that she held for eight years. Cindy states:
“I am proud to hold the distinction of being the first female and first civilian director on the OPPA Board of Directors.  It was only after serving 8 years in that role and leaving the board that I actually realized the enormity of those achievements and the doors that I opened for others.  At the time, I had to hit the ground running without the normal preparation and progression for such a role.  Just as well, as this forced me to push my discomfort and insecurities to the back of my mind and work hard to gain respect from my colleagues and the members that I represented.  I juggled the complexities of a male dominated work environment as well as my responsibilities of wife, mom and home, mostly while away, with the unwavering support of my husband.  In retrospect, I am honoured to have left a legacy within the OPPA and wouldn’t change the path of my OPP career if given the chance.”

Kim Williams began her policing career in 1976. Over the years, she actively attended OPP Association meetings. In 2000 she was elected to the 18 Branch Executive, holding the positions of President and Director. In 2005 she was elected to the OPP Association Board of Directors and served for six years. Kim states:
“I understood very early in my career, when woman officers were few, that I had the power over myself and that I needed to use my voice. The Association provided me with that opportunity to be heard but also allowed me to advocate for others particularly other women. I realized the importance of my voice when I saw others in the world who voices were silenced.  But I didn’t move forward alone. I was supported by people such as former President Brian Adkin who was always forward thinking and cognizant of the role of woman in policing. There were other woman before me such as Susan Storry and Faye McAvoy, who challenged the organization and paved the way for me to be elected as the first woman officer on the Board of Directors. It is an ongoing responsibility to support and celebrate woman’s rights.”

Thank you to those who provided us with photos and quotes to celebrate International Women’s Day 2021. Your service and willingness to share your experiences are greatly appreciated.  We know there are many more women who have made and are making a difference out there. If any other members, past or present, wish us to consider sharing your stories, please email communications@oppa.ca. Your service and willingness to share your experiences are greatly appreciated, and hopefully will inspire others to follow in your footsteps in a legacy of service.

Happy International Women’s Day!

OPP South Porcupine Detachment Sergeant Stephen Meunier has been nominated for a 2021 Police Association of Ontario Police Hero Award. The nominination is posted on the PAO official website PoliceHero.ca and is reproduced in its entirely below. Congratulations Sergeant Meunier! 

Stephen has been an OPP Officer since 1998. He has been a role model for many in his detachment. Since his start, he has worked in several departments having different positions but has always been who he is and continues to work hard to achieve his goals. He takes on any task given to him without hesitation. His hard work, dedication and determination makes him an excellent officer. No matter what, he is the one that will never say no and always there to back up his colleagues and members of the OPP. 

It doesn’t matter if they are officers, civilians or community citizens, Steve will be the first one to lend a hand and help in anyway he can. He is always available to listen and offer help and guidance. He leads in a very positive way and is very supportive.

He was diagnosed with a workplace injury, namely PTSD, in 2017, which was a hurdle for him to deal with. He sought help, continued to work hard, and is now raising awareness amongst his peers and his community.

Steve also volunteers with many organizations in our community in order to give back and make our community a better place. He is a volunteer with MADD Timmins Chapter, The McIntyre Curling Club, Northern Ontario Curling Association, Ontario Curling Counsel and more. Steve is also a school board trustee. I can say that above his full time job, his volunteering and taking time to curl a few nights a week, he is an amazing husband and an awesome father to us. We are extremely proud to call him Sgt. Dad. He is our HERO and a Hero to many in our Community.

Congratulations to Provincial Constable William Watts of the Highway Safety Division in Mississauga, Ontario. PC Watts has been nomniated for a 2021 Police Association of Ontario Police Hero Award for being an on duty difference maker dedicating his time to the child seat safety program. The community nomination is noted below: 

In the time that I have known him, OPP PC Watts has shown a special dedication to the OPP Child Seat Program. He volunteers his time and efforts to several of the Auxiliary-run clinics at the Toronto and Port Credit (Mississauga) Detachments, and Community Clinics put on by other Partner Agencies such as Halton Region Public Health and car seat initiatives in Peel Region. PC Watts’ involvement has gone beyond just being a Child Seat Technician to also include his being a Certified Child Seat Technician Instructor where he volunteers his time to teach others.

On more than one occasion, I have been witness to PC Watts going above and beyond in assisting a parent in need. I was there when after a very long day at work, followed by additional hours at a child seat clinic, PC Watts initiated a traffic stop for a vehicle in which the child was visibly not secured properly. At the side of the road, PC Watts, rather than issuing a citation for the offence, assisted in securing the child properly in the vehicle.

Nominations for your Police Hero are open until March 15, 2021. Details on the Police Association of Ontario website here: PoliceHero.ca. 

The OPP Association supports Ontario improving safety and enforcement of the towing industry. The images above and below are media assets provided by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation at a press conference on Tuesday March 2, 2021. 

A portion of the press release reads:

TORONTO – The Ontario government is making our roads and highways safer by launching a Joint Forces Operation team to address violence in the towing industry and introducing a tow zone pilot on designated sections of provincial highways. Ontario’s provincial towing task force has also recommended additional actions to better protect customers and improve towing industry safety, including establishing an oversight model of the towing and storage industry, exploring licencing for tow truck drivers, and introducing clearer equipment standards.

“The ongoing violence in the towing industry is unacceptable, which is why our government is taking action to make the towing industry safer through strengthened oversight and standards,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Ontario’s towing industry is a vital service on our roads and highways every day, and these actions will help to improve safety for all drivers.”

Based on recommendations from the provincial towing task force established last year, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and municipal police services will form a Joint Forces Operation team to investigate criminal activity in the towing industry with the goal of enhancing consumer protection and public safety. The province will also launch the first phase of a pilot that would introduce restricted tow zones on designated sections of provincial highways to help clear highways faster and safer.

“As part of our government’s plan to improve oversight of the towing industry, we are forming a Joint Forces Operation team led by the OPP and municipal police services to shutdown criminal activity in the towing industry that puts Ontarians in danger on our roadsides,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “This operation will root out criminals and ensure that decisive actions can take place to address incidents of violence in the towing industry.”

In response to the recommendations of the task force, the province intends to propose legislation that would, if passed, enhance standards and improve safety. The province is also forming a new technical advisory group made up of representatives from towing companies, consumer advisory groups, automobile insurance companies, municipalities, and law enforcement organizations.

“We are thrilled to see the results of the provincial towing task force, including the introduction of a tow zone pilot that will provide faster and safer towing services to truck drivers travelling on some of Ontario’s busiest highways,” said Geoffrey Wood, Senior Vice President, Ontario Trucking Association. “With the introduction of this tow zone pilot, truck drivers in the Greater Toronto Area will see benefits such as faster service and standard rates for towing services.”

“We commend the Ontario government for developing a plan to increase safety and oversight for the towing industry that responds to the needs of the industry,” said Mark Graves, President of the Provincial Towing Association of Ontario. “Today’s announcement is a positive step towards consistent oversight and improved safety for Ontario’s tow truck drivers who work hard every day to provide professional service to drivers on roads and highways across the province.”

The full press release can be read on the media advisory section of the Ontario Government by clicking on this link.

Restricted Tow Zone Poster

A number of posts were made on social media after the press conference. A few of those posts are embedded here on this blog post for ease of reference:

 Congratulations Provincial Constable Ed Sanchuk on community nomination for a 2021 Police Association of Ontario Police Services Hero of the Year Award for being an On Duty Difference Maker in Norfolk County.

To read a CTV London media story click here.

Community Nomination from PAO website PoliceHero.ca is reprinted here:

OPP Constable Ed Sanchuk goes above & beyond to keep people informed about what is going on in Norfolk County. He is at a accident scenes, helping people & children in the neighborhood, in all kinds of weather. He informs us of dangerous situations and updates when necessary. We have all come to realize Ed is an important part of our community & trust him completely. The OPP are very lucky to have such a competent police officer.

After the PAO and OPP Association publicly posted Ed’s initial nomination, the PAO received several more public nominations. They are reprinted below: 

Recently, I started a “Birthday Card Bonanza” for my friend’s daughter Sarah Hamby, she turned 12 on December 5, 2020. This girl has gone through more in her 12 years, then some of us will ever face in a lifetime. On October 29th, 2020, her mom, Gillian, called to let me know that Sarah relapsed for the 5th time in her short life with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She had to be admitted yet again to Sick Kids, Toronto, and start her next fight. She was first diagnosed at age 3, and I’ve stood by and tried to support her and family as I watched a huge chunk of her childhood be stolen. So many special occasions she had to miss – Birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween – spent in the hospital or at Ronald McDonald House away from family and friends.

Sarah has been robbed of a regular childhood, unable to meet or know friends outside of the hospital, school is considered unsafe for her immunocompromised body to attend when she is feeling well or in remission. Every fever is a hospital visit. Every remission, more appointments. Imagine spending most of your life in the confines of a hospital bed. So when Sarah had her 5th diagnosis on October 29th, 2020, I was talking to her while playing an online game together, she told me that she would be spending another birthday and probably another Christmas at Sick Kids. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, and she replied “100 birthday cards would be soooo nice!” Her mom, Gillian, had already sent an email to a family and friend group asking for cards, so I took it a step further to make sure she got 100 and made a post on my Facebook. I got a valuable lesson in things going viral. My post was shared and O.P.P. Officer Ed Sanchuk saw it and got a hold of me asking if he could repost it and I said “yes!” Then my version of going viral took off. Not only were all our communities involved, people from across the Province, people throughout Canada, then people from all over the world sent birthday cards. This story touched the hearts of people all over the planet, and Sarah got THOUSANDS of cards and presents, encouragement and well wishes from quite literally everywhere!

I can not express my thanks enough to Officer Ed. The O.P.P. arrival and the support vehicles was absolutely amazing. At first sight of lights and sirens, Kiarra, Sarah’s 14 year old sister turned to Sarah and asked “What did you do!?!?” We all laughed so hard, and it was so needed, with so much sadness enveloping the family, I had wondered if they forgot how to laugh and enjoy little things. We didn’t think Sarah would be home for her birthday. We met many wonderful officers and their families that day – while adhering to social distancing. I can not think Officer Ed and the O.P.P. enough for making Sarah feel like an absolute princess, they got her to smile and it lasted the whole day! Of course, as per the family’s usual, we finished Sarah’s day with a trip to Sick Kids as her chemotherapy filter failed and she was leaking cytotoxin.

What started as a couple strangers with the common goal of making a memorable birthday for Sarah, ended up with a socially distanced celebration bigger than either of us even imagined. I am honoured to now call Ed my friend. Officer Ed was instrumental in helping me make sure Sarah’s birthday was memorable for her and her family. The best thing is, Sarah called Ed her friend. For a child who has so few people outside of a hospital to call her friend, this was huge. In a time where police officers are continually fighting bad raps and negative media, this gesture of kindness showed what awesome officers that make up the O.P.P. I am so proud that these officers, especially Ed, showed Sarah, me and all our communities’ compassion, commitment, respect and kindness. I am forever indebted to Officer Ed and the O.P.P. Ed gave me a renewed sense of humanity in this world.

He is truly an asset to your organization and to our communities.
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 I believe that Ed Sanchuk is an upright police officer always willing t help out the community and anyone who needs it. I find him to be very passionate about his work.
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Ed Sanchuk is rewarding of this title because he is a friendly,caring person and does his duty in his County. He goes on line to let us know what is going on in the area, as to accidents and weather updates to accidents. Easy to listen to and does rewarding thing in the OPP. This year, he organized and led a wonderful birthday for a young girl that has cancer. He went on fb and other medias, asking the public to send cards to her via Simcoe OPP and he would make sure she got them. Now she lived far away and he and his crew from different places organized and video taped them bringing all the things to her at her home. We all got to see it and it just warmed my heart to see all these men and women giving their time to do this for her birthday. There where thousands of cards and gifts given to her and she still is opening them up today. Way to go Ed.
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He’s a great guy always willing to help others.
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Ed goes above and beyond for his community
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Acting Sgt Ed Sanchuk is always onsite to explain what is going on.. but more so to always give the public the knowledge that they can make a difference by slowing down. Drive to conditions etc. He also gives info on how we can help the community. I have seen him in the snow.. the rain and terrible accidents. He is always trying to help the public.
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I look forward to his updates of current events; road conditions, accidents, special events etc. The Facebook announcement about a beautiful young lady celebrating her 12th Birthday while battling cancer touched the hearts of people all around the world during a pandemic. The last update, this young lady had opened over 5600 birthday wishes with many more awaiting her attention. I think this idea was a reflection of a caring, loving person inspiring the same from others. I think he represents the OPP in very positive way. Thank you Ed for being you!!!
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Not only is Ed jr. my son he is also my every day hero. With his over 20 years of service Ed has proven time and again that community service is one of many that he does on a daily basis. Taking time out from family at Christmas time to deliver bags to churches and women’s shelters to to give the unfortunate a better holiday. To help so many stuck in snow at the side of any road. To be there for cancer related issues in small children with little time left. To give lectures at schools on safety, the perils of drug addiction and more. When my son puts on his uniform he does so to be there to do whatever whenever he can to to make the community a better and safer place to be. I love him with all my heart and being. He really deserves to be acknowledged for this award.
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Wonderful, caring, essential part of our everyday.
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Constable Ed Sanchuk has always been a wonderful person, I remember him when he was a boy, he was always doing some sort of fund raising for families in need, hes always had a heart as big as the universe.
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Ed goes above & beyond to keep people informed about what is going on in Norfolk County. He is at a accident scenes, helping people & children in the neighborhood, in all kinds of weather. He informs us of dangerous situations and updates when necessary. We have all come to realize Ed is an important part of our community & trust him completely. The OPP are very lucky to have such a competent Police Officer.

Mental Health Awareness and Communication Series

Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program

The Encompas program is launching a monthly Mental Health Awareness and Communication Series (the “Series”).

About the Series:

The Series will alternate monthly between virtual Open Houses and a Speaker’s Series. Both the Open Houses and Speaker Series will include 30-45 minutes of presentation, followed by 15-30 minutes for questions and answers.

Speaker Series:

These presentations will provide education on topics and solutions for healing and resilience.  They will also showcase some of the specialty services such as Residential Treatment or Intensive Outpatient treatment.

Open Houses:

The Open House presentations will focus on sharing Encompas program updates and taking questions or suggestions for program enhancements. Encompas is a program designed uniquely for OPPA members, and we are committed to continued program evolution to serve your needs.

The First Session is February 24, 2021!

Encompas Presents
The Encompas Experience: Program Overview and What to Expect
Mental Health Awareness and Communication Series

If you missed it you can watch the webinar on Youtube.

Visit www.encompascare.ca to learn more about the Series.

Note: To ensure your anonymity, your registration information will ONLY be available to the hosts from Dalton Associates.   Registrants will NOT have the option of turning on their camera or microphone at any time.   Questions will be managed through the text Q&A which are sent only to the hosts – Dalton Associates.   They will either answer those questions verbally without referencing the name of the participant who asked the question, or privately through the text function.

All sessions will be delivered through the PHIPA complaint version of Zoom Webinar.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact encompas@daltonassociates.ca