Agency/Member of Public	Officer/Employee	Excerpt from Letters
Frances Tanner	Cst. Marc Desjardins	“I would like to express belated thanks to a very professional and helpful officer. On the morning of July 19, 2001, my husband, Richard Taylor rode his bike into the back of a parked van on Lapierrière Avenue. Very shortly after that, I had a call from your officer, Marc Desjardins, who handled my worries in an exemplary fashion. He started by making sure that he had the right person and reassuring me that Richard was fine. He made it seem as though the most pressing task I faced was cancelling a morning appointment for Richard, and the next most important thing was to let me know where the bike could be found. And oh, yes, they’d be taking him to emergency at the Civic just to check him over. He didn’t lie about Richard’s injuries but wouldn’t let himself get drawn into describing them. When I asked directly how badly hurt he was, Marc said, “Oh, I leave those things to the professionals, all I know is the paramedics are looking after him just fine.” My guess is that Marc knew perfectly well there was a suspected spinal injury but he was too smart to say so.”
Lance B. Curtis Barrister & Solicitor	Cst. Mike Besner	“I just wanted to say thanks again to the Ottawa Police Force for the work of Mr. Mike Besner. He was extremely professional, honest and did a thorough job preparing the case for trial. I remember the evening when he came to take down the statement of my (at the time) 9 year old daughter Melissa, my confidence in the integrity of the Ottawa Police Force was enhanced considerably as I noted that he did not edit her comments; he took down comments that would both help and hurt the prosecution’s case. As I mentioned to Mr. Besner, it’s a tough job and he has the heat from both sides - the defense or family of the defendant say the police are too hard on alleged criminals and try to discredit him and the victims claim that he is not hard enough and should lay more charges. I do not envy the position he is put in, in his day to day job, which he is great at.”
David Roberts Assistant Crown Attorney Ministry of the Attorney General	Sgt. David Veinotte, Sgt. Rolly Lalonde and Major Crime	“I would, in particular, like to recognize the work done by Sgt. David Vienotte who was assigned as lead investigator on this matter. It was a pleasure working with him over the course of the last 18 months. Sgt. Veinotte was very responsive to my requests and upheld the highest standards of professionalism throughout my dealings with him. In fact, it was Sgt. Veinotte’s suggestion to have the original videotape exhibit released for further forensic examination that secured the issue of continuity of evidence in this case. This ultimately resulted in the court easily admitting that vital piece of evidence. On a personal level, Sgt. Veinotte and Sgt. Rolly Lalonde were very engaging personalities during the course of the trial. They helped keep things light when we were out of court, and this assisted me in avoiding anxiety, which can be the downfall of any litigator. I will always be grateful for their assistance.”
Luc St. Cyr Brad Feasey Robert Proulx Vic Rajewski Ron Rocheleau The Board of Directors Russell Condominium Corporation No. 4	Cst. Francine Taillefer Cst. Steve Cashin	“On behalf of the community of Russell Condominium Corporation No. 4, we would like to draw to your attention the hard work of Constables Francine Taillefer and Steve Cashin in dealing with a difficult situation we recently encountered in one of the townhouse blocks in our neighbourhood. The professionalism and vigilance the constables brought to their task has been commented upon by a number of our fellow neighbours. No doubt, Constables Taillefer and Cashin’s attention to our concerns has meant our summer will be much more peaceful and safe than might otherwise have been the case.”
Paul Cellucci Ambassador of the United States of America	Insp. Gilles Larochelle and Sgt. Robert Barrette	“The Ottawa Police Service, working in concert with the RCMP, provided traffic control in the streets around my residence at 500 Lisgar Road during the July 4 event. In addition, Inspector Gilles Larochelle and Sergeant Robert Barrette attended the Embassy security briefing and July 4 planning session held at my residence several days before the actual event. They and the officers in their respective units played a critical role in maintaining law and order during the reception and are to be commended for their dedication to duty. It is important to note that, despite the large crowd and potential for problems, not one security incident was reported to my staff.”
Neil M. Leslie Executive Director of Operations Christie Lake Community Centres	D/Chief Larry Hill Debra Frazer	“As the waters have calmed down on the Rideau Canal, and the first bus loads of children are returning from the first session at camp, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your involvement in the Sixth Annual “Canoe for Kids” fund raiser.”
Catherine Donnelly	Cst. Tammy Casselman and Ottawa Police Service	“I would like to compliment the quality of response, service and assistance provided by your officers this past weekend. I was involved in a situation with squatters at 40 Main Street where your people who appeared in minutes were like Maalox to an upset stomach. They defused the situation and stayed with difficult circumstances to the very end. The story stretched over a couple of days and everyone I was connected with was impressed to the extent that we kept remarking on the professionalism and adept handling of the crisis. The perpetrators were quieted and we felt secure and the threat diminished. In particular an officer Cst. Tammy Cassellman, who was the one constant throughout, was a wonder. This is not to reduce the contribution of her fellow officers as they worked as a team supporting one another and all parties in the situation.”
Ronald Driscoll	Sgt. Goble Cst. Jeff Patterson Cst. Tom Page Cst. Ted Branch Cst. Rick Comba Cst. Andy Jasiak Cst. Daryl Coburn	“Their professional manoeuvring throughout the procession and ceremonial salute added dignity and honour to Leo’s final ride. I felt proud to have worn a police uniform throughout my career. After the funeral the feedback from our relatives and friends regarding the escort was one of very high praise for your officers.”
Don M. Johnson Special Agent in Charge U.S. Department of Justice FBI Salt Lake City Division	Chief Vince Bevan	“...Your efforts and Chief Fantino, resulted in a most informative and educational week, which was highlighted with numerous opportunities for participants to socialize, get to know each other, and develop friendships. I most appreciated your presentations during the class time periods, and I want you to know that your efforts did not go unnoticed and were extremely educational.”
Kate Westman Manager Ongoing Protection The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa-Carleton	Cst. Lee Jones	“I was touched by his compassion for the mother and her situation. He was cooperative and supportive of our role. He was engaging and non-authoritarian in his approach with the parents, myself and the worker. I feel that Cst. Jones could easily be a role model for his fellow officers and exemplified the ideal interaction between our two departments.”
R. Wayne Allan Detective Ontario Provincial Police	Det. Paul Heffler	“Would you please thank Detective Heffler for his efforts above and beyond the normal course of duties. We were fortunate to have a contact Officer such as Detective Heffler who has greatly assisted our mandate and commitment to public safety.”
Inspector L. Favreau Crimes Against Property Peel Regional Police	Det. Andrew Buchan Det. Allman Det. Cartright Cst. Dunnett Cst. Spencer Cst. Fitzgerald Cst. Pidcock Cst. Miller Cst. Sacco Cst. Pourpolia Sgt. Waucaush Sgt. Cunha S/Sgt. Thomas	“Throughout the investigation, officers from our Bureau relied heavily upon the extensive knowledge of Detective Andrew Buchan. In addition to Detective Buchan, the officers from the Ottawa Police Service who provided much needed assistance to our investigators are, Detectives Allaman and Cartright; Constables Dunnett, Spencer, Fitzgerald, Pidcock, Miller, Sacco and Pourpolia; Sergeants Waucaush and Cunha along with Staff Sergeant Thomas.”
R. Paul Welsh, M.S.W. Executive Director Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services	Ottawa Police Service	“On behalf of the staff at Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, it is my pleasure to extend sincere thanks to you for your generosity in aid of Rideauwood’s 7^th Annual Charity Open which took place at the Pineview Golf & Country Club on June 21^st, 2001. In recognition of your support, please find enclosed a “Certificate of Appreciation”. Because of your participation, we surpassed our goal of $15,000!”
Bill Watson	Sgt. Barb O’Reilly	“I would like to congratulate all of the people involved about my recent report of stolen property from the front porch of my house on the morning of Sunday (8^th). Yesterday, I received an e-mail regarding my report at 09:37 a.m. and upon my return home, I received a message from Sgt. O’Reilly..”
Bozena Lech	Ottawa Police Service	“We have lived in Canada since 1981 and the night of July 25^th (1 a.m.) was the first time that I had to dial #911. It was a matter of life and death situation for my husband. I just wanted to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in response to my desperate call. Thank you to the police officers that arrived within a few minutes, to the fire fighters, arriving shortly after and most of all to the paramedics who gave my husband first help and took him to the hospital in a timely manner. It is very reassuring to know that we have such great and dedicated people on duty. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Just too many times we hear complaints about all of the above, but my experience is to the contrary. They were all exceptional and I would like them to know that. Thank you again.”
Mohamed Basha Farah Ajuki Ike South-East Ottawa Centre	Cst. Innocent S/Sgt. Nystedt	“On behalf of South-East Ottawa Centre for a Healthy Community, we (Ajuki Ike and Mohamed Basha Farah) would like to send out heart-felt appreciation to you for participating in our Career Day Workshop.”
Stuart Irving Chair Person Twelfth of July Regional Committee	Cst. Gilbert Bastien Cst. John Webb Sgt. R. Thomas	“We the members of the Loyal Orange Lodge Family wish to thank you for assisting us on the weekend of July 14^th. Traffic control during the afternoon Parade Hour was greatly appreciated. Please refer out gratitude to Constable Gilbert Bastien for his efforts through out the afternoon, and to Cst. John Webb and Sgt. R. Thomas, who assisted him during the Parade. It is my hope that no problems arose from this activity.”
Frances McKeague Manager Program Development Section Police Support Services Branch Ministry of the Solicitor General	D/Cst. Ann LaPointe D/Cst. Robert Landry Sgt. Atallah Sadaka	“I am writing to thank you for your assistance in developing Ontario’s Youth Crime and Violence Initiative. On behalf of the Ministry of the Solicitor General, I want to thank you for your time and valued input. Your contributions were significant to developing the overall initiative.”
Tina Brunet	Cst. Mark Cartwright	“In the interest of time I will make this brief. A few years ago one of your officers responded to a call at my home and offered but a few words of wisdom which changed my life forever. I’m sure that officer Mark Cartwright probably thought that his advice fell on deaf ears, as good advice often does, but, it most certainly did not. Almost immediately, I began the agonizing process of removing myself and my small children from an abusive home to begin rebuilding my life. In a few short years I became an educated professional and a confident young woman. Frequently I think of your dedicated and compassionate officer to whom I feel I owe at least this note of commendation.”
Gilles Tanguay Paroisse St-Victor	Cst. E. Beaurivage	“Le constable E. Beaurivage s’est présenté à moi aussi bien qu’a un conducteur fautif avec beaucoup de professionalisme. Etant donné qu’un individu appréhende toujours le contact avec le policier il est agréable de rencontrer un agent se présenter avec grande politesse, compréhension, dignité. Cela rehausse l’image de n’importe quel corps policier.”
Alex Sinclair	Cst. Paul Bosley Cst. Jamie Kusiewicz	“Rather than explain the details of the call, I simply wanted to commend the conduct of these two officers, especially Mr. Bosley. This is the first time I have ever called 911 and have dealt with the Ottawa Police Force. Mr. Bosley displayed a genuine concern for our situation and was both professional and caring in his demeanour. Throughout the ordeal, he was reassuring and calming and treated all of my family with respect and in a very gentle manner. It was difficult for myself and my wife to go through this ordeal, both of your police officers assisted us in getting through it. You should be very proud to have Officers like Mr. Bosley and his partner on the Force. If they are a representative sample of the type of policemen on the Ottawa Force, then as a taxpayer, I am reassured that we have one of the best Police Forces in the country. Keep up the good work.”
Barb Gage Vice-Principal Merivale High School	Cst. Tracy Butler Cst. Judy Sadaka	“For the duration of the 2000/2001 school year, I had the pleasure of working closely with Constable Tracy Butler and Constable Judy Sadaka. Both are very experienced officers who worked a job share this year, which proved to be a very satisfactory approach to having an SRO in the school. I highly commend both officers for the work that they do with schools. It is a wonderful support system to have for the Vice-Principal.”
Claudia Tilley	Ms. Reed	“Over the course of the next few days I had occasion to call Ms. Reed about various matters pertaining to the case and write to draw your attention to the exemplary service I received from her. She was efficient, methodical and at all times professional and dealt very well with a member of the public who was frustrated and annoyed by what had happened.”
Cheryl Parrott	Cst. Roy Lalonde Cst. Sarah Lawson	“Our community is so pleased with the work done by Constables Roy Lalonde and Sarah Lawson. We hope that they won’t be transferred for some time. Through hours and hours of work they were able to close a long standing drug house that had been in the neighbouring community for more than 10 years. The dedication of these two officers to making this a better and more livable community is very much appreciated.”
Hubert Reiter Director Protection Services University of Ottawa	Insp. Ron Lamothe S/Sgt. Monique Ackland Sgt. Dan Delaney Cst. Mike Rouleau Cst. Robert Arbour D/Chief Hill Supt. Smith	“I would like to thank you and your staff for making possible the success of the security within the Village of the Francophonie Games on the campus of the University of Ottawa. Those that collaborated closely with our service are; Insp. Ron Lamothe, S/Sgt. Monique Ackland, the team of Sgt. Dan Delaney, Constables Mike Rouleau and Robert Arbour. Also, I would like to mention that we were impressed by the dynamic leadership of Deputy Chief Hill and Superintendent Smith. We are fortunate to have such capable managers within our Police Force.”
Donald and Rebecca Zubis	Sgt. Walsh	“My wife and I wanted to write this letter in connection with an event that occurred in early August, 2001. My daughter, Megan, who is 13 years old had just received a threatening phone call from a stranger that warranted a call to 911, and the filing of a police report. Within a short time Sgt. Walsh visited our home and spent upwards of 2 hours talking to our daughter, calming her down, giving her some very helpful advice and gathering information about the threat. Given the nature of police work today, in a society that has become ever more violent, we really appreciated not only the time he spent, (neighbours also noticed a police cruiser frequenting our area at night), but also the nature in which he handled this delicate situation. Officers such as this are a credit to the police force, and we wanted to express our heartfelt appreciation for the help that he provided to our family.”
Madeleine Meilleur Councillor Rideau-Vanier Ward	Insp. Gilles Larochelle Cst. Kenny Bryden Cst. Jim Hutchins Kathy Creppin	“I would like to bring to your attention the good work done by the Police Team in my Ward under the leadership of Gilles Larochelle. Indeed last Monday, two of your young officers - Kenny Bryden and Jim Hutchins - organized a golf tournament to raise funds for Le Patro d’Ottawa and Children at Risk. This initiative is a testimony to their dedication to give a helping hand to our youth in need. An amount of $9,000 was raised to support these two groups. I also want to note the contribution of Kathy Creppin who worked very hard on the logistics of this event.”
Adele	Ottawa Police Service	“As I made my way down from Parliament Hill this afternoon, I stopped and thanked each police officer I could for a job well done and to let them know how much we the people of Ottawa, appreciate them. Theirs is not an easy job and we forget to say thank you. As well, the police presence at today’s ceremony was wonderful. The men/women in cars, the men/women dressed in uniform on the motorcycles, the men/women walking the beat. They never made us feel nervous, but made us feel secure. We truly are lucky and spoiled to have a wonderful team of men/women protecting our daily lives. All should be congratulated and I hope others will take the time to thank them too.”
Peter Marwitz ASH President	Ottawa Police Service	“There are three to four police cars on duty all day long with two police officers per car to protect the restricted areas so that the heavy work may be concluded on time. I told the Ottawa Police traffic section officers on duty that Action Sandy Hill supports their actions 100%”.
John M. Janusz Le directeur Gatineau-Métro	Ottawa Police Service	“Je tiens à te remercier pour ton appel à la suite de ma nomination au poste de directeur du futur service de police de Gatineau. J’ai beaucoup apprécié les échanges de numéros de téléphone personnels pour les journées plus moroses. Je me considère privilégié de pouvoir compter sur un confrère de ton prestige. Sois assurée de ma plus grande collaborations dans les dossiers impliquànt nos organisations respectives et de mon dévouement pour la sécurité des citoyens de la nouvelle ville.”
Jean Tremblay	Cst. Luc Beauvais	“...he had the courtesy to leave me alone for a couple of moments so that I could regain my composure. To this officer I am very grateful for his “coolness”. I do not know who he is but sitting at my father’s side, I should have thanked him for his prompt processing and my release from this added stressful situation. I know it’s probably not much to you, but it meant a lot to me!”
Samantha Nemiroff	Cst. Edgar Cst. Escobar	“A couple of weeks ago, I had a problem with a boyfriend in my apartment, and had to call the police. The two police officers who arrived are named Edgar and Escobar. I just want the police chief to know how wonderful and kind these officers were to me. They handled the situation absolutely perfectly. I felt that I had been given a helpful therapy session by them. I truly felt that they were my heros coming to my rescue. So I would like to thank those officers and the Ottawa Police Force for employing such great people and giving them such excellent and in-depth training. They are like police and counsellors in one.”