Members Archive - Page 2 of 3

Provincial Constable David Fawcett, badge # 9077, began his career in 1974 with the Metropolitan Toronto Police Service. In 1991 he joined Penetanguishene Police Service, and with amalgamation in 1996, Dave became an O.P.P. officer. He is currently stationed at the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment. Dave resides in the area he patrols, where he is well known, well liked, and universally respected.

Dave has held numerous Association positions during his 37 year career including Branch Director, Secretary, and Treasurer, and with Penetanguishene he was Vice President.

In 2006, Dave’s expertise was invaluable to Branch 7, as its Executive was comprised of new Directors. Dave’s assistance, combined with his knowledge and experience, allowed the Branch to continue to operate efficiently. Dave can always be counted on to provide support and skill to all OPPA functions including meetings, events and retirements. Since 1996, Dave has organized the Branch 7 Family Day and Barbeque. Dave has completed PACE Levels 1, 2 and 3, and hopes to complete his thesis prior to his retirement at the end of this year.

Sadly, Dave’s life and career have seen the loss of his friend and colleague, P.C. Thomas Coffin, and the passing of his wife, Maryjka Fawcett.

Dave was the second officer at the scene of P.C. Coffin’s shooting. Despite his grief, he patrolled for the known suspect. Tom’s wife, Kim Coffin, has commented on Dave’s endless support during this time. Dave wrote the funeral bulletin for Tom and was a pall bearer. Dave worked with Regal Monuments and Spruce Unlimited, who donated a plaque and maple tree in memory of Tom. Dave plays an active role in the organization of the Annual Tom Coffin Memorial Golf Tournament, which raises money for local charities. Dave also attended the dedication of the OPP, “Thomas P. Coffin,” vessel.

His attendance at the Ontario Police Memorial and Police and Peace Officer’s National Memorial Day is without question, and he encourages all to attend.

In September of 2009 Maryjka passed away after a brief illness. Their love of animals resulted in a request for donations to the Huronia Animal Shelter. In August 2010, Dave proudly unveiled a memorial plaque in Maryjka’s name for the shelter’s rebuilt dog enclosure. Dave’s dedication to 7 Branch was apparent when he fulfilled his Treasurer duties even during these difficult times.

Dave’s community work includes raising funds for children’s charities as part of his position of “Master” at the Huronia Masonic Lodge, where he’s been a member since 1995.

Dave’s heroism doesn’t stop when he’s on holidays, either. In March of 2011, while in the Dominican Republic, Dave swam 150 feet past a sandbar to assist a disorientated and exhausted female who couldn’t keep her head above water. When on land the woman embraced Dave repeating, “thank you for saving me.”

Dave’s tireless dedication and selfless contributions to the OPP Association, the OPP, and the community at large has benefitted many. Congratulations on your achievements, Dave, and on your award as the OPPA Bill Elliot Member of the Year.

Award of Merit

RANDALL PATRICK (PAT) PEARSON

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it was my honour to announce Brother Lincoln Dinning as the winner of the OPPA “Bill Elliott” Member of the Year Award for 2010.

Lincoln was honoured at the President’s Banquet at our Annual General Meeting on October 21st, 2010 in front of several hundred delegates and guests, including a touching personal tribute from Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Please see issue number 177 of Beyond the Badge for a full tribute to Brother Dinning, to be published soon.

Todd Provost
Director
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE ASSOCIATION

Gina has been the Academy OPPA member representative for many years. She has been a consistent support for members of the Academy during some very trying times of management change. She is a forthright, honest person who believes in using the tools the Association provides to speak up against what she perceives as non fair working practices of management. She has given strength to others by doing so. She is an active member and regularly attends Branch 18 meetings and functions. Gina also contributed as a civilian branch voting delegate at the 2007 AGM.

Gina has taken part in the OPP Children’s Christmas Party committee for many years including chairing the committee in December 2008 and the upcoming 2009 party. There is a lot of planning involved and she oversees a committee of 5 volunteers. Together they ensure all the children who attend have a present waiting for them as well as refreshments for the OPP families. This has become a real highlight of the season at GHQ.

Gina has been a volunteer board member for the 2009 OPPA “Bill Elliott” Member of the Year Recipient Gina West with, from the left, Treasure Island Day Care Facility at GHQ for over OPP Association Director Kevin Hummel, Bill Elliott and President Karl Walsh four years. One of Gina’s main responsibilities is fundraising as Treasure Island is a non-profit corporation. She has been instrumental in the successful local fundraising that is required to finance the children’s field trips that occur year round as well as assist during those trips. She has also secured corporate donations that have greatly helped the day care.

40 per cent of the children at the day care are children of OPP members. Gina also organizes the Children’s Treasure Island Christmas party for the day care as well.

Gina also volunteers her time as Secretary for the Lions Club. In her role there she has been involved in fundraising for the hospital and helped organize a golf tournament to raise money for the blind. She has also donated her time to work on the Orillia Fun Fest, a community sponsored event.

Gina, over the years, has participated in many events that have served the community and the OPP. If you were to think of someone with a community spirit of giving, Gina is that person.

There was no recipient for the 2008 OPPA “Bill Elliott” Member of the Year award

Cal worked at Algoma Steel of Sault Ste Marie before joining the Metropolitan Toronto Police Department where he worked for one year before making the move back to his hometown to join the Sault Ste Marie Police Department. He policed there from 1976 to 1983 attaining the rank of Sergeant when he took his first secondment to the Ontario Police College. Realizing a good thing, in 1987 he became a full-time member of the permanent instructional staff. While at the OPC he moved through a variety of roles including Special Projects Unit and Team Leader Coordinator of Recruit Training. From 1993 to 1994 Cal was the Acting Chief Instructor. In 1995 Cal became the Coordinator of Level IV Training and is presently the Coordinator of Advance Patrol Training. In that role Cal assists in the provincial delivery of Block Training to municipal police and OPP detachments.

Cal was instrumental in the movement to represent the civilian instructional staff at the OPC. He was deeply involved in the preparation of a successful business case that resulted in the OPC Instructors becoming members of the OPPA at the time all civilian members were absorbed into the OPPA. Cal continues to represent those members in a most tireless manner. He is well respected at the College in that role which he fell into naturally. He has held executive positions within the OPC Instructor’s Association on many occasions over the years he has spent at the College. As part of that organization, he has been involved in many charitable events in addition to his regular duties, including being an organizer of the OPC Golf Tournament for the past 20 years. This annual golf tournament has raised over $50,000 for the London Regional Cancer Research Centre. He is also a founding member of the OPC Instructor’s Association Tuck Shop that was initiated in 1983. Cal has remained continuously active with this group since inception holding every position on the committee from Committee Member to Chairperson.

Cal has been and continues to be an active member of his Branch, being a regular attendee at almost every Branch meeting since joining the OPPA. He was even attending Branch meetings before the change to OPPA representation. He willingly took on his current role as 2 Branch OPC Executive Officer and speaks on behalf of his members at every opportunity to College Management Committee. He supports the eventual movement of the remaining support staff in their goal of attaining membership in the OPPA to ensure a continuity of training during labour strife in the Ontario Public Sector. His early involvement firmed up his belief in the professionalism of the OPPA Branch system and he is supportive of the Senior Board and the overall staff and members.

Cal is involved in many ways with the police community outside his duties with the OPC. He is a part-time instructor with Applicant Testing Services that prepares and provides testing for future police officers in Ontario. There have been many meetings or training sessions where Cal meets up with former applicants and later when they are hired as recruits attending OPC. They all praise Cal’s steady leadership example.

Cal is also a supporter of a Junior C hockey team in Aylmer, the Aylmer Spitfires. Cal has even been known to sell tickets at the door and clean rooms after games to support his team. He is an avid basketball and sports enthusiast and travels to the US with friends to attend a few days of the College March Madness week.

As mentioned, Cal has been known to play a little golf in his time. He is a long-time member of the St Thomas Golf and Country Club. Cal recently made an odyssey to the links of St Andrews, Scotland just to prove that he really does know how to play the game. And he even pulled a few strings in his police brotherhood to arrange a round at the exclusive Red Tail Course outside St Thomas. Unfortunately, Tiger Woods, Magic Johnson and Mike Weir stayed away those days or he would have had an even better story to tell.

Cal and his spouse, Phyllis have one son, Nic, who is a French teacher at an elementary school in the London area. Following in the seeming family tradition of helping others, Nic spent some time overseas teaching English as a second language for a number of years in South Korea. Phyllis recently retired from full time duties as a registered nurse at London hospitals and works part time at the College as the College nurse. So, with Cal spending more time at home this year, now he can dutifully wait upon her when she returns from the College.

Cal is one of those members who believes in the ideals of the OPPA and feels that our role is truly serving its members equally whether uniform or civilian. He is to be commended for his involvement in policing and the community in which he lives. As one of his close friends and co-workers has described him, Cal is a “doer”. If you want something done, not “talked about”, or “discussed”, or “considered”, but actually done and done well, Cal’s your guy!!

Congratulations to Cal and his wife, Phyllis.

OPP Association Honourary Life Membership

The attached video clip highlights the OPP Association Honourary Life Membership presentations made by President Karl Walsh to Don Cherry and Ron McLean.

This video was played at the President’s Banquest at the 2007 OPP Association Annual General Meeting in Huntsville on October 18, 2007.

Branch 18 would like to nominate Brother Frank Kreisz for the OPPA Member of the Year. We believe that frank meets the Member of the Year selection criteria in the following manner:

He contributes to the Branch by being a faithful and regular attendee at Branch meetings. When at meetings, he actively takes part in the discussions and business of the meetings and it is noted that he often moves and seconds motions. He often volunteers to be our Sergeant at Arms and keeps a close eye on the consumption of wings at the social following our meetings.

He is the main organizer of the Orillia Perch Festival “Kids Day” and has held that position since 1997. The Perch Festival “Kids Day” is co-sponsored by the OPP and involves numerous No. 18 Branch members and their families as well as the general public. The “Kids Day” receives position media attention and has enhanced the image of the Ontario Provincial Police and the OPPA. Frank devotes numerous hours of his own time to ensure the day is a success.

For the past 9 years, Frank has been a member of the Orillia Literacy Council and has been teaching a local adult to read. He has also assisted a student to navigate his way through the Workplace Safety Insurance Board process to obtain a WSIB award.

Frank is devoted to his family and participates in a leadership role within his church.

He is also a director on the Orillia Public Library Board of Directors.

Frank demonstrates the principles of “Members Serving Members” and is a fine example of community involvement. Frank is a long time supporter of the OPPA and we believe he is deserving of being recognized for his contributions to the OPP, his community and the Ontario Provincial Police Association.

Frank Kreisz is a Staff Sergeant in the OPP’s Contract Policing Section.

Not only has he been regularly involved in OPP related fundraising activities at work, such as the Torch Run, Cops for Cancer, the United Way and the Big Bike for Stroke, but he volunteers his time outside the office and has:

coordinated the Orillia Chamber of Commerce, Perch Festival, OPP Kid’s Day for ten years, since 1997;
volunteered his time on the Orillia Public Library Board, as a school board representative, since 2002;
volunteered his time with the Friends of the Orillia Library, a fundraising group, since 2003; and finally
he has been a lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Columbkille Church in Uptergrove for the past five years

No. 7 Branch is requesting that you consider our Vice President: Marty McNamara (P.C. #9080 –Southern Georgian Bay Detachment) as a possible candidate for OPPA Member of the Year.

Marty has been involved with police associations for most of his police service, having served as the President of the Wallaceburg Police Assoc., Vice-President of the Penetanguishene Police Association and with the OPPA for the last 8 years since amalgamating into the OPP from the Penetanguishene Police Service. Here he’s held positions of Detachment Rep. (Midland Det.), Director and for the last several years: Vice President of 7 Branch.

Marty is extremely supportive of the branch, involving himself in much of the business of the branch as well as providing private rooms in each of his restaurants (Kings’ Buffets in Barrie and Orillia) as a pleasant location for holding Branch meetings.

Marty has always been involved in the community, particularly with local youth. Marty first started coaching baseball and hockey teams in high school at the age of 17, continuing this while attending the University of Windsor. Marty served as coach for the boys and girls’ Track and Field Team at Penetanguishene Secondary School. Marty has remarked that one of the most satisfying aspects of his coaching track is that some 8 students went on to become police officers, several now working in his same detachment. 4 others went on to become by-law enforcement officers and one is at university studying forensics.

Marty ran the detachment baseball team for several years, obtaining sponsorship and setting the schedules.

Marty and his wife Monique have 4 children of their own and he is very active helping out at their schools – Canadian Martyrs in Perkinsfield and also St. Louis in Penetanguishene.

All of Marty’s children are active in Lacrosse leagues and in addition to coaching a team himself he makes almost daily trips, driving various kids to various locations for games.

Marty was one of the key organizers for Cops for Cancer in 1998 and raised more money than anyone else. He is the planner and organizer of the annual 7 Branch Wasaga Waterworld Family day held each summer.

Most importantly Marty is the founder and annual organizer of the Tom Coffin Memorial Golf Tournament, held each September, for the last 8 years. Marty’s tireless efforts means he gives hundreds of hours of his own time making arrangements, advertising, selling tickets, organizing the play and dinner and seeking sponsorships and prizes. To date the annual tournament has raised over thirty thousand dollars which has been donated to local charities.

Through their restaurant Marty and his wife are involved in many community endeavors: sponsoring a local minor league hockey team, providing food for both the Women’s and Homeless shelters, assisting the local Meals on Wheels program (seniors who are shut-ins) and the Feed Kids for School program. Fundraising activities involve participation in the annual Orillia Perch Derby, the Helping Hands program, the Dragon Boat Races as well as supporting the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the local Christmas Toy Drive and the nearby Soldier’s Memorial Hospital.

Marty McNamara is a member who receives great enjoyment and personal satisfaction from helping others and who truly does give back to the community.

FAYE MCAVOY

When Faye first applied at Kingston Detachment to become a constable, women officers were new to the job and Faye didn’t even expect to be given an application form, let alone a job. But despite her lack of police experience and no college education to her credit, Faye was successful in the hiring process and reported to the OPP Academy on Jarvis Street on May 19th, 1975.

In the early days of her career she was a groundbreaker, being the first policewoman to work in Morrisburg, Long Sault and Kaladar Detachments. Faye retired from the OPP as a Constable from the Kaladar Detachment. Until illness forced her to re-evaluate her duties, she was proud to be a “Road Warrior”.

Faye was very dedicated to the OPP, the OPPA, and her community. She was the recipient of the Commissioner’s Citation for Work in Child Abuse and has been recognized for her fundraising efforts for the Canadian Liver Foundation. Faye received a prestigious award from Liberty Mutual, America’s largest insurance company, for her acts “above and beyond the call of duty” for her assistance to a person involved in a motor vehicle collision. She even has the T-shirt to prove it! She has received her fair share of accolades from the OPP, OPPA and the public, thanking her for her compassion and caring attitude both on and off the job. Her work with the VIP program has garnered many awards from the schools she has worked in. She was well respected among her peers within the OPP and OPPA and treasures the heartfelt words of gratitude she has received from her fellow workers.

Faye attended her first OPPA meeting in September 1975. Right from the beginning she was hooked. She could see the need for a professional organization to fight for and protect the needs of the membership. Faye was the Detachment Rep, and for a short time Secretary, at Morrisburg. She was one of the first females, if not THE first, to attend an annual OPPA province-wide Board meeting. Faye still remains heavily involved in the Association, serving as Detachment Rep, Secretary and Vice-President after her transfer to No. 9 Branch.

While a member of the No. 9 Branch Executive, Faye has helped to organize many charitable events, including the memorable Flat Foot Balls that have raised more than $10,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation and the Canadian Liver Foundation. Her assistance with Cops for Cancer Hair-a-Thons and golf tournaments has helped to raise funds in excess of $100,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. A favourite event of Faye’s was the annual retirees’ Christmas party, which honours local retirees. Faye was involved in her local police services board, in local church functions and in numerous other community and work-related events. Faye is a firm believer in people treating each other with kindness and respect. Faye is the eldest girl in a family of eight children. She was raised on Army bases around the world. She has been married for more than 20 years to Ian, a United Church minister. What a combination!

Faye is the eldest girl in a family of eight children. She was raised on Army bases around the world. She has been married for more than 20 years to Ian, a United Church minister. What a combination!

Faye retired on May 31st, 2005 and has been be pursuing her passion of sewing.

BRAD FILMAN

Brad Filman has lived and worked in the Peterborough area his entire career. He attended every No. 8 Branch meeting and actively participated in the discussions.

Brad was always known as a man who kept things on the even keel. He did this by providing appropriate advice to the members, and in one instance, by liaising with management to resolve a staffing issue.

Brad was referred to as “Mr. Community Policing”, and his policing professionalism has earned him the highest respect from all eight communities he polices. More often than not, he was able to solve major community policing concerns before they develop into major problems. Members of the public and the Detachment looked to him because of his vast policing experience.

Brad was been involved in many community events. He was one of the key community players responsible for raising $18,000 for the families of victims of the September 11 tragedy. He was instrumental in raising $22,000 for Fleming College Bursary Awards for Law and Security students. Brad organized and participated in the Peterborough County Detachment’s response to the Tim Horton’s Children’s Foundation, and he organized a sporting event that raised $3,000 for the Detachment’s DARE program.

Brad was the key organizer for the Detachment’s 2002 Cops for Cancer program that raised $55,000. He personally contributed a great deal of his time to this event, that resulted in him being selected as “Top Cop” in Ontario by the Cops for Cancer Committee. Brad continued working for Cops for Cancer, planning events for 2003 and 2004. He raised even more money in 2004 with combined events of a head shave and silent and public auctions.

IN 2003, Brad was the recipient of the IODE Police Community Police Award and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Community Policing Award.

Brad’s dedication, commitment, and demeanor clearly demonstrate that his work ethic is a way of life.

Congratulations to both Brad & Faye!

Congratulations to Sister Glenda Reid who was named the 2003 OPPA “Bill Elliott” Member of the Year. Glenda has been a tireless worker for our Association in her short time with us. Sister Reid is currently the Civilian Director for Branch No. 10S of the OPPA and is actively involved in all aspects of the Branch’s day-to-day activities.

Sister Reid has been instrumental in the success of the following organizations:

OPP Auxiliary Unit

Long serving member of the Leeds County Auxiliary Unit before resigning in 1996 as a Sergeant.
Recipient of the Leeds County Auxiliary Unit award for most proficient member

OPP – OPPA – 10 (S) Branch

Organized OPP attendance at the Police Memorial held in Cleveland, Ohio
Assisted in organizing the “Hook, Line and Sinker” OPP fishing weekend for Branch and local Police Service members.

Helps to organizes several hockey and golf tournaments for charity
Volunteer of the Month for September 2002 for Eastern Region

Community

Volunteer of the Month for January 2000 for the Town of Gananoque.
Assists in organizing golf and hockey tournaments
Involved with the Kingston East Fire Department.

Other

Organized/assisted numerous Retirement/Transfer parties.
Involved in on-the-job training of members for the OPP Radio Operators program.

Sister Reid’s present project is purchasing/selling OPPA 10S Branch T-shirts, with monies going to various local charities. Glenda is well known in both her community and the policing family as a tireless worker who freely gives her time in promoting the OPP, the OPPA and 10S Branch. The greatest benefactors are the children and families who receive assistance from the charities she champions.

Congratulations to Glenda!

Congratulations are sent to Peter McGuinness who was named the 2002 OPPA Member of the Year. Peter has always been a tireless and hard working member of our Association. While holding the post of President in No. 8 Branch, then No. 18 Branch, Peter was always there as an integral part of the Executive.

Peter was born and raised in Brighton, England. He received his secondary education at the De La Salle College, graduating in 1967. In August 1967 he joined the Brighton Borough Police as a Cadet. In January 1968, the five police services in the County of Sussex amalgamated to form the Sussex Constabulary and Peter was transferred to the new police headquarters in Lewes. He was appointed a Constable in February 1969.

Peter emigrated to Canada in June 1975 with the intention of joining the OPP. While waiting to join the Force he was employed in security work in Toronto. He joined the OPP in March 1976 and was posted to Apsley Detachment, north of Peterborough. While in Apsley, he began his involvement with the OPPA by attending Branch and Board meetings. Peter also began his long lasting membership with Lion’s International. He was Lion’s Member of the Year and was responsible for organizing one of the first fire department rescue units in rural Ontario.

In 1981, Peter volunteered for and transferred to the Northwest Patrol Unit in Sioux Lookout. He describes this posting as the highlight of his police career. In 1983, on the completion of his duration posting, he transferred to Peterborough Detachment. From 1984 to 1988 he was Detachment Community Services Officer.

In December 1988, Peter was promoted to Sergeant as the Provincial Crime Stoppers and Crime Prevention Coordinator in Field Coordination Branch at GHQ. In July 1993 he was transferred to First Nations and Contract Policing Bureau as a Contract Analyst. In 1998 he became the Transition Coordinator for Contract Policing.

Peter has been a member of the Branch 18 Executive since the early 1990’s, holding the position of Director and for the last 18 months Vice-President. He is Co-chair of the GHQ Health and Safety Committee. In 1996, he was asked to form an OPPA Colour Party for Association functions. This he did and it was not long before the OPP started utilizing its services. In 1998, Commissioner Boniface adopted the Colour Party as the Corporate Unit for the OPP. Now called the OPPA/OPP Ceremonial Unit, it takes part in over 40 events each year. Peter also secured funding and assisted in the formation of six Regional colour parties. These colour parties have also been very successful. Peter attributes these successes to the support he has received from all the volunteers, the Senior Board and his Bureau Commanders, past and present.

In partnership with the Barrie Lion’s Club, he was instrumental in starting the Branch 18 OPPA/Barrie Lion’s Youth Band, which gives young people the opportunity to get involved in community service.

Peter is married to Nancy, his partner of 26 years, and has two sons, Neil, age 24 and Colin, age 20.

Peter has always been a tireless and hard working member of the Ontario Provincial Police Association. Congratulations to him on an award well deserved.