REPORT

RAPPORT

 

DATE:

 

30 January 2009

TO:

 

Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board

FROM:

 

Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service

SUBJECT:

 

LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Attached for the information of the Board are excerpts from letters of appreciation / thanks received from the public, since the last regular meeting, for services rendered by members of the Ottawa Police Service.

 

 

(Original signed by Chief White)

 

Vern White,

Chief of Police

 

Attach. (1)

LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

 

 

Date Received: 07 January 2009

From: The Honourable Madam Justice Giovanna Toscano Roccamo

OPS Members: Sergeant David Nurse and Constable Hilary Rao

Excerpts from Letter: The purpose of this note is to recognize and applaud the professionalism of high standards of good service of two members of the Ottawa Police Service.  Today I want to say thank you for the help I recently received both Sergeant David Nurse and Constable Hilary Rao in the Airport Unit.  Although Sergeant Nurse and Constable Rao, worked many long shifts in the days that followed snow storms that crippled the air transportation system after December 17, 2008, they took the time to personally track and search through countless delayed and lost bags in the Canada Customs to locate and ensure early deliver of my luggage which failed to accompany me from Chicago on December 21, 2008 which contained legal documents.  I would be grateful if you would copy my letter to both Sergeant Nurse and Constable Rao, and if appropriate, recognize them in whatever way you deem appropriate for their good service.  I am truly thankful.

 

Date Received: 07 January 2009

From: Chief Michael Boyd, Edmonton Police Service

OPS Member: Sergeant Tessa Youngson-Larochelle

Excerpts from Letter: I am writing you to thank you for the assistance of Sergeant Youngson-Larochelle of your Professional Standards Section.  You will recall I wrote to you in August requesting that Hyacinthe Miller be afforded the opportunity to speak with one of your staff about the alternate dispute resolution process recently implemented in your Service.  At the time, Hyacinthe was conducting a review on behalf of the Edmonton Police Service into public complaints processing.  Sergeant Youngson-Larochelle contacted Hyacinthe and provided her with an excellent overview of the Ottawa Police Service Voluntary Conflict resolution Program (VCRP).

 

Date Received: 07 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Constable Jennifer Albert and Constable Trevor Gunsolus

Excerpts from Email: I am sending this on behalf of my wife and sister-in-law.  Two officers from the Ottawa Police Service responded to an injured elderly person on Haig Drive.  The person from Smyth Road had been returning home from St. Laurent Shopping Centre, when he slipped on the ice striking his head and face on the sidewalk.  Neighbours called 911, and Constable Albert and Constable Gunsolus responded to the call and were successful in persuading him that he should attend a local hospital for medical treatment.  We wish to thank the officers for their handling of the situation.  The officers took the time and used their tactfulness to get him the medical attention required. 

 

Date Received: 07 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Phong Le

Excerpts from Letter: I am writing to commend the actions of one of your officers (Constable Phong Le).  On December 17th, 2008, our car engine died in heavy traffic on Merivale Road.  Within minutes a police cruiser pulled in directly behind us, and Constable Le rendered us courteous assistance and phoned for a tow truck on high priority.  When the tow truck arrived, Constable Le drove us home for which we are grateful.  This representative of the Ottawa Police Service is everyone’s idea of how an officer should be, and we felt safe knowing this.  Once again, high praise for this young man. He is a credit to your Service.

Date Received: 07 January 2009

From: Valerie McGillis, Principal of Sacred Heart High School

OPS Member: Constable Jason Lehman

Excerpts from Letter: The SRO who was appointed to Sacred Heart High School this year is wonderful.  Constable Lehman has done an outstanding job for us and is dedicated, efficient and deals with young people at ease.  I have especially appreciated how quickly he follows up on any issues we refer to him for, and he has been very accessible to us.  I think Constable Lehman is one of the best SRO’s we have had.

 

Date Received: 09 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Ryan Clayton

Excerpts from Email: On Saturday, January 3rd, my wife and I went to a friend’s house for a party.  I was the designated driver and offered some of our friends a ride home.  After seeing our friends safely home, at approximately 1:45am I ran out of gas on the 174 between Blair and Montreal Road.  Constable Clayton stopped and assisted us and was also eager to help even though I doubt this was in his job description.  We would like to say thank you, and we really appreciated your help that cold night. 

 

Date Received: 16 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Constable Adam Grundy, Constable Keith Cummings, Constable Kim Desjardins and Constable Santiago De Los Santos

Excerpts from Email: I am writing to express my admiration for the efficient response of the Ottawa Police Service to a traffic accident at the intersection of Bayswater and Gladstone Avenue.  Fortunately no one was hurt.  But the young mother (driver) and her two young children were understandably shaken up.  My wife called the Ottawa Police to report the accident and the squad cars arrived quickly.  The young Constable who seemed to be leading the investigation was gently empathetic, effective, professional and did his best to reassure the children as he was interviewing their mother.  My wife and I would certainly appreciate you passing on our appreciation to Constable Grundy and the two other officers who were involved.

 

Date Received: 16 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Members of OPS

Excerpts from Letter: I would like to extend my apologies for an incident which occurred at the Scotia Bank Place on Dec 31st, 2008.  During the third period of the game, I was asked by the Scotia Bank security staff to leave the premises because they believed I was too intoxicated to remain at the event.  I was escorted to the main entrance of the building where I was met by three members of the Ottawa Police Service.  I was involved in a verbal altercation with the officers and had to be physically removed from the building.  Unfortunately, I did not obtain any of the officer’s names and or badge numbers.  It would be greatly appreciated if you could attempt to find out which officers were on duty at the main entrance that evening and let them know that I apologize for my behaviour.  I am not proud of the way the situation unfolded and I take full responsibility for my actions.

 

Date Received: 16 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Marcus Cibischino

Excerpts from Letter: While my wife and I were away, my step daughter, who was staying with her father at his residence in Gatineau decided to host a party at our residence without telling myself, her mother or her father.  As far as her father was concerned, she was to be sleeping at a friends house in Orleans.  This small party turned into a rather large party at which point due to the gathering on the street, one of the neighbours saw fit to call the police.  I wanted to pass on my sincere appreciation for the action taken by Constable Cibischino, which in my view was professional and complete.  Specifically, Constable Cibischino asked all the right questions and ensured that the incident was brought under control.  I should also note that following our telephone conversation, Constable Cibischino sent me an e-mail inviting me to call him back should I have further information.  Please extend my sincere gratitude to Constable Cibischino for a job well done.

 

Date Received: 16 January 2009

From: Dan Wiseman, Christie Lake Kids

OPS Members: Chief Vern White, Staff Sergeant Dave Veinotte and Mark Rockburne

Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of Christie Lake Kids, I would like to personally thank you for your recent contribution to our Adopt A family campaign.  This event could not have been a success without the help of you and your group at the Ottawa Police Service.  We hope that you know how much you are appreciated and recognized for what you did truly made a difference in the lives of many families who deserved the gift of your compassion.  Once again, thank you for your efforts and contributions.

 

Date Received: 20 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Khoa Hoang

Excerpts from Email: I am a Woman’s Advocate at Chrysalis House, a shelter for women and children fleeing violence.  I am writing this letter to inform you of an incident where a police officer made a positive impact on one of our clients.  Khoa Hoang, Badge #1896 assisted a Vietnamese client who is considered high risk from her abusive ex-partner.  The client had negative experiences with the police in Vietnam and subsequently is fearful and untrusting of police in Canada.  Khoa attended the client’s home to assist her.  The client reported that she felt safe and supported by this police officer and that he went out of his way to assure her that police were going to respond.  Khoa’s support for this woman has helped create a new trust for her and her children.  Please extend my thanks to Khoa Hoang for his excellent work in helping this family feel a little safer.

 

Date Received: 20 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Nancy Isaac

Excerpts from Email: I am writing this to inform you of an incident where Nancy Isaac from the Victim’s Crisis Unit went above and beyond to help a woman and her family who are fleeing violence.  I am a Woman’s Advocate at Chrysalis House, a shelter for women and children fleeing violence.  Recently, one of our clients moved from the shelter into her new home.  This family is considered at high risk and Nancy Isaac worked very hard and creatively to solve some complicated issues.  Nancy’s attention to detail was extraordinary and she went above and beyond to help make our client as safe as possible.  Please extend my thanks to Nancy Isaac in managing his high-risk situation in a professional and caring manner.

 

Date Received: 23 January 2009

From: John Mellon, Deputy Chief of Pembroke Police Service

OPS Member: Mike Metivier

Excerpts from Letter: I wish to bring your attention to the assistance that one of your members (Mike Metivier) has provided to the Pembroke Police Service.  On several occasions, Mr. Metivier has been contacted by members of the Pembroke Police Criminal Investigation Bureau who were seeking information and assistance.  Mr. Metivier has been extremely cooperative and beneficial to several of our investigations, assisting in their successful conclusions.  Our detective cannot say enough good about Mr. Metivier and that he has used his invaluable resources and selflessly provided assistance unconditionally to our officers.  Mr. Metivier is a credit to your service.  We wish to pass on our appreciation and sincerest thank you to him and your service for their unending cooperation.

 

Date Received: 27 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Scott Kendall

Excerpts from Email: Thank you to Constable Kendall and partner (sorry I do not remember much) for their help and kindness after being hit by a car on Baseline and Clyde areas.  The hospital gave me a free taxi.  If it hadn’t been for you, I would have ended up walking home and I ended up fortunately with only sore muscles and a little dizziness.  Thank you for putting my bike in my yard, I appreciate it.

 

Date Received: 26 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Constable Greg Rhoden, Constable Robert Miller, Constable Mark Lystiuk, Constable Kevin Birmingham, Constable Kevin Myers, Constable Robert Kurus

Excerpts from Letter: We are writing this letter to inform you of the invaluable assistance that was provided to us by Constable Miller, Constable Rhoden and other officers while dealing with our son.  Their compassion, understanding and patience was very much appreciated during a difficult situation.  Our community is very fortunate to have such professional officers.

 

Date Received: 27 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Staff Sergeant Lyse Fournier

Excerpts from Letter: This letter is to thank the Ottawa Police for their excellent service in a criminal harassment case handed by Staff Sergeant Fournier.  The case was one of stalking and intimidating behaviour that made me fear for my safety.  As a result of Staff Sergeant Fournier’s investigation into this matter, charges were laid which led to a conviction in October 2008.  The perpetrator was placed on probations for two years and the harassment has ceased.  Staff Sergeant Fournier’s professionalism and approach to this matter provided me with reassurance of my safety and security.  I felt better just knowing that the matter was in her hands.  It is because of people like Staff Sergeant Fournier that we as a society are able to be safe and protected.

 

Date Received: 27 January 2009

From: Julian Fantino, O.P.P. Commissioner

OPS Member: Ms. Sandie Wilson

Excerpts from Letter: On December 11, 2007, as a result of an audit by the Auditor General of Ontario, a subsequent report was tabled by the Auditor General.  In his report, he stipulated that a unilateral cooperative working initiative should exist between the Ontario Sex Offender Registry and police services across the province to ensure that non-compliant offenders are addressed in a timely manner.  Ms. Wilson (Coodinator for the Ontario Sex Offender Registry) was responsible for strategizing and coordinating an approach to non-compliant offenders.  Ms. Wilson fostered communications with the Ontario Sex Offender Registry in Orillia.  As a result, the non-compliant offender rate within the Ottawa Police Service geographical area has been addressed with remarkable results.  These results could not have been possible without the excellent work of Ms. Wilson.  I am pleased to see pro-active efforts, such as those demonstrated by Ms. Wilson, in monitoring non-compliant offenders who have done harm and who have the potential of doing further harm to the citizens of this Province if not monitored to the full potential, as provided by the provisions set out in Christopher’s Law.  On behalf of the Ontario Sex Offender Registry Program, please extend to Ms. Wilson our deepest appreciation for a job well done.  Her efforts are certainly contributing to the safety and security of our communities.

 

Date Received: 04 February 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Unknown

Excerpts from Email: I am not sure of the name of the officer, but I wanted to say thank you for being understanding.  I ended up going down a one-way street the wrong way during rush hour and I appreciate the officer’s help to assist with traffic while I turned around.  I don’t travel downtown very often, but as a result of the bus strike I was forced into new territory with zillions of cars.  I know your staff is doing it’s best and I appreciate that he understood my situation.

 

Date Received: 04 February 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Mark Lystiuk

Excerpts from Email: I was stopped by Constable Lystiuk for speeding.  Since that day, my life has changed forever.  Constable Lystiuk not only opened my eyes to things that I need to take care of in my life, but he showed me a side of dignity I had yet to see in any other person at any time, anywhere.  Constable Lystiuk could have been much much harsher on me and significantly hurt my future through a criminal record.  I would have lost my job, my car, and most certainly the respect of my family and peers.  Instead, Constable Lystiuk gave me a lecture of sound advice on how to straighten out my life and get on track.  I want to recommend him for the Officer of the Year and would like to extend my utmost thanks to him.  If every officer in the world handled situations the way he did, then we would be better off as a community. 

 

Date Received: 05 February 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Sandro Mazzarotti

Excerpts from Email: I live in Peterborough, Ontario.  Our son has been missing since August of 2008, and was believed to be in Europe.  We had no contact with him.  Our family was obviously distraught since this was completely out of character for him.  On January 13 of this year, we received a phone call at dinnertime from someone who had seen our son in Ottawa in early December.  We were confused, worried and ecstatic all at the same time.  I had no real idea of what to do, since we do not know anyone in Ottawa and the reported contact was over a month old.  I went to the Ottawa Police website and called the missing persons department.  Frankly, I fully expected the office to be closed, and even if someone answered, I did not expect that they would do anything more than take a report.  The phone was answered by Constable Mazzarotti.  I explained the situation and asked for advice.  Constable Mazzarotti offered to take a report but also suggested we contact the homeless shelters in Ottawa.  I asked for the names of the shelters, but he said they likely would not give me any information and said he would call me back.  Incredibly, not even 30 minutes later, Constable Mazzarotti called me and confirmed that in fact our son was registered at a shelter.  Constable Mazzarotti gave me the names and addresses of the 4 shelters, but could not divulge the specific location.  The next day, my wife and I drove to Ottawa and we were able to locate our son who is now safely with us in Peterborough.  Constable Mazzarotti’s extra effort and interest in our son, resulted in a family being reunited.  For that, we would like to offer him our sincere and heartfelt thanks.

 

Date Received: 27 January 2009

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Marilyn Warren

Excerpts from Letter: It is with sincere gratitude I wish to extend a well deserved commendation to the two officers who quickly, effectively and efficiently diffused a potentially volatile situation.  With tempers soaring (due to deep rooted challenges within our family) the professionalism and respectful attitudes displayed by these 2 officers were instrumental in restoring the peace.  Thank you both for a job well done.