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)

Vern White,

Chief of Police

Attach. (1)

LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

Date Received: 30 September 2010

From: Douglas Baum, Defence Counsel Association of Ottawa

OPS Members: Acting Inspector Sweet and Sergeant Patrick Malone

Excerpts from Letter: I am writing to convey our condolences on the occasion of the Memorial Service for your loss this past year of a valued member. I would also like to take the opportunity to compliment the Parade Commanders and Master of Ceremony for an excellent service. I’ve had enough time on the parade grounds in Gagetown, Valcartier and in garrison to appreciate a smart turnout. This year’s parade was particularly impressive. Kudos to A/Insp. Sweet and Sgt. Malone.

Date Received: 7 October 2010

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Trevor Archibald

Excerpts from Email: I am writing this letter to let you know about my experience. My car was stolen and I called the police to file a report. At first I was disappointed. Three weeks past and nothing was happening. Then it was a turn for the better. The case was assigned to Cst. Archibald and things began to happen. In a few days, he phoned me with the news that my car had been found. Not only did he catch the thief and recover my car, he also stayed with me and directed me on what to do next and how to do it. Thanks to Cst. Archibald, I got the feeling that there is some kind of justice and you’re not alone against the bad guys. Cst. Archibald is a very good man. The Police Service needs more people like him.

Date Received: 12 October 2010

From: Matthew Torigian, Chief of Police, Waterloo Regional Police Service

OPS Member: Constable Michael Storozuk

Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, we wish to thank Cst. Storozuk for his outstanding contribution to helping keep our community safe. Off duty Cst. Storozuk witnessed an individual breaking a front store window in the City of Kitchener. Due to his quick thinking and willingness to put himself in harm’s way, he pursued this individual until he was apprehended. Cst. Storouk prevented this individual from continuing on a violent and unpredictable rampage. He shows the finest qualities of an officer with his commitment to protecting the public while off duty. We commend Cst. Storozuk for his actions and contribution to our community while off duty.

Date Received: 13 October 2010

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Jasdeep Bajwa

Excerpts from Letter: This letter is to express my sincere appreciation for the assistance provided by Cst. Bajwa in a recent case of driver rage. Throughout the process of dealing with this case, Cst. Bajwa was extremely professional – calm, thorough, knowledgeable, helpful, and very respectful of everyone involved. During the forty years or so that I’ve been living in Ottawa, I’ve had little contact with the Ottawa Police Service. From the situation in which I was involved with recently, I gained a much better appreciation of what tour police officers face every day. It is comforting to know that there are good people like Cst. Bajwa out there helping to keep us safe. Cst. Bajwa is a real credit to the Ottawa Police Service and I would like to express my thanks to him and to you.

Date Received: 14 October 2010

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Aza Huska

Excerpts from Email: I, my wife and my daughter have recently had occasion to consult with Cst. Huska about a domestic situation. We were extremely appreciative of Cst. Huska’s assistance. She was knowledgeable, professional, insightful and her advice was appropriate and beneficial. We were very fortunate to have such an effective officer helping us cope with a troubling episode. It is difficult to predict what might happen, but I hope that if anything further arises, we would again encounter excellent assistance from your police service.

Date Received: 14 October 2010

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Zdzislaw Kogutowicz

Excerpts from Letter: It was indeed an honour and a great pleasure to be welcomed at Police Headquarters for the official opening of the October Islamic History Month that is part of the Canadian Islamic Congress activities across Canada. On a personal level, I take this occasion to give full credit to the professional manner in which Cst. Kogutowicz handled my rain-stimulated slide accident on Alta Vista where I did not realize that in the rain, I was wrong by being too close to the car up front and I caused a bump which lead to a bump behind me. It happened, no serious injury. One must pay the price for mistakes. Cst. Kogutowicz treated me respectfully and he carefully provided the necessary documentation to take care of the repairs required. In my case, I was given a $110.00 ticket that I had to accept from his police hand. It was Cst. Kogutowicz’s overall genuine service attitude that struck me. In true policing and in citizen response, we are in it together.

Date Received: 14 October 2010

From: Paul Roy, Director, The Ottawa Hospital

OPS Members: Constable Stephane Quesnel and Constable Stephanie Glenn

Excerpts from Letter: The purpose of this letter is to extend my appreciation and compliments to the two police officers who attended the First Episode Psychosis Program offices today and were extremely helpful. Our office is a satellite of the Ottawa Hospital. We treat young people who are usually suffering from a diagnosis of schizophrenia. On occasion, these young people can be extremely ill and potentially violent and agitated. We had one such man brought in to us today by his father. This young gentleman clearly required certification and we required police assistance to get this young gentleman to the hospital. I was able to contact the Mental Health Unit and very quickly I was put in touch with Cst. Quesnel. Cst. Quesnel was extremely prompt, courteous and professional. He quickly grasped the situation and we felt very reassured by his presence. Cst. Quesnel and Cst. Glenn were extremely professional and very well organized.

Date Received: 15 October 2010

From: Greg Peters, Superintendent, R.C.M.P.

OPS Members: Staff Sergeant Brad Hampson, Sergeant Patrick Malone

Excerpts from Letter: Twenty-one years ago, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police began producing a small show, entitled Sunset Ceremonies. Over the years, this performance has grown to encapsulate other sectors of the organization, as well as key partners. The demands on our planning committee, performers, and volunteers are great indeed, and it is due to your individual and team efforts that we were able to put together such a welcomed and cherished performance. Year after year, the Ottawa Police continues to provide an exemplary service and continues to be a true pleasure to work with. We are most pleased this year with your Pipes and Drums members’ performances at the Ceremonies. Your patrolling officers’ professionalism and dedication were most appreciated. The 2010 Sunset Ceremonies centered on youth, with the RCMP Foundation as our chosen charity. The RCMP Foundation raises funds to develop local community programs in support of Canada’s youth at risk in areas such as Community Policing, child safety, drug awareness, crime prevention, and anti bullying, literacy, internet safety and victim services. Through the Sunset Ceremonies, we were able to thank the National Capital Region for their continued support of the RCMP and local policing agencies, and together we helped raise over $17,964.00 for the RCMP Foundation. This achievement speaks volumes not only about our partnership with the community, but also of your continued support to make this event the success that it was. Please accept my sincere appreciation – everyone helped to ensure the successful outcome of this event.

Date Received: 20 October 2010

From: Marco Calandrini, Explosive Force Entry Coordinator, Canadian Police College

OPS Member: Sergeant Milton Capaday

Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of the Explosives Training Team, I would like to take this opportunity to express our most sincere appreciation to Sgt. Capaday for his services on our recent Police Explosives Technician Forced Entry Instructors Course. The PETFEIC is very intensive and demanding and the co-operation we receive from subject matter experts is therefore invaluable. Sgt. Capaday’s expertise and competence, to both students and staff, combined with his friendly and tactful manner created an excellent adult learning environment. Sgt. Capaday spent many hours assisting our staff with the course development and delivery to ensure the course remains current and meets the needs of the police community. Sgt. Capaday showed his professionalism and dedication during the course and was a great representative of the Ottawa Police Service Tactical Explosives Unit. Again, let me thank you for your assistance, continue support and co-operation with the Canadian Police College.

Date Received: 20 October 2010

From: Terry Welsh, Staff Sergeant Major, National Memorial Service Coordinator

OPS Members: Sergeant Patrick Malone, Sergeant Al Ferris, Staff Sergeant Dave Thomas and Constable Shaun Steele

Excerpts from Letter: The 2010 Memorial weekend and service was a great success. The next of kin, police and peace officers, and friends of the fallen officers greatly appreciated the efforts of all concerned. On their behalf, I would like to thank you for acting as the Honorary Parade Marshall in this year’s service. Also, the Memorial Committee would like to thank Sgt. Malone, who takes the role of Parade Commander each year, and his team of Parade Marshalls who are officers from the OPS who volunteer for this post. Thanks to Sgt. Ferris and his team for the traffic support and escort on to the Hill, and to S/Sgt. Thomas for the security provided on the Hill on the day of the Memorial Service. Thank you also to Cst. Steele who played “The Last Post”. Please convey my sincere thanks to all parties for a job well done.