Letters of Commendation Received since last Regular Police Services Board Meeting

Agencies/Member of Public	OPS Member	Excerpt from Letters
Mrs. Brenda Taylor Mr. Steve Taylor	Cst. Lianne McAughey Cst. Kevin Hall	“Our house was broken into… We are impressed with how the OPS handled this crime… Even though the damage was minimal and the theft relatively small, both officers made us feel that this incident was as important as any other. We were comforted through the professionalism and level of concern they both demonstrated.”
Mr. Jose Mergulhao	Chief Vince Bevan OPS Members	“As a resident of the former Rideau Township, I would like to thank the effort of your officers trying to apprehend the suspect in the series of house break-ins in this area. Although I am well aware of the unfortunate outcome, I would like to ask you to convey to the officers involved my deep appreciation for their conduct.”
Ms. Shawn Kelly	Cst. Chris Partridge	“This is a letter of thanks to praise an officer who has gone above and beyond the call of duty… We approached the officer to inquire as to where and when we might be able to make a bus connection back to downtown Ottawa. The officer seemed to be quite concerned that we might be exposed to harsh weather conditions and offered us a ride to an area better serviced by OC Transpo… He is a real credit to your department and a fine example of how police officers promote themselves as guardians of public safety.”
Mr. Luis Gijon	Chief Vince Bevan	“I am deeply sorry for the death of an Almonte couple this week following a car chase by the Ottawa Police, but I am also deeply disappointed in the media and the public in general for blaming police for this tragic event… As far as I’m concerned, the OPS are doing a great job at what they do, risking their lives for the public’s protection, day in and day out. Thank you for a job well done.”
Ms. Patricia Veinotte	Sgt. Pat Murphy Cst. Jeff Simpson Cst. Fernando Vieira Cst. Steve Tate Cst. Jamie Soltendieck Ms. Dianne Amborski	“I would like to draw your attention to the professionalism and kindness of five of your officers who responded when I was in need of help… It was such a nice day I couldn’t resist stopping at a parking lot at Mer Bleu, and taking my dog for a walk along some of the cross country ski trails… As it got dark I realized that I was hopelessly turned around and in an area that was totally unfamiliar to me... The experience of being lost was certainly not one that I would ever have chosen but it did give me a new appreciation of the fine officers who provide police services. You have a right to be proud of every officer with whom I came in contact on Monday night and I’m sure they are representative of the vast majority of officers on the force.”
Mr. Richard McNair	Ms. Carolyne Bourdon	“I would like to thank one of your staff members for her helpful service when I reported some vandalism damage to my car… She was very pleasant, empathetic and helpful. When you are dealing with an unpleasant situation, it really helps to be responded to in this way. I much appreciated her help.”
Mr. W. M. Macdonnell	Chief Vince Bevan Mr. Shy Ing	“Just a short note to say many thanks for your so kindly providing me with copies of the official photograph of my daughter Anne Macdonnell receiving her Certificate of Merit from Chief Vince Bevan… We are fortunate in this city to enjoy the thoughtfulness, kindness and professionalism daily displayed by the members of the OPS, and I especially want to thank you and Chief Bevan for confirming for a young person, through the Awards Program and its follow-up, that her sense of good citizenship did not go unnoticed.”
Mr. John Rasmussen	Cst. Denis Hull Cst. Andrew Thompson Cst. Stephane Quesnel	“Your officers had to break into….apartment to admit the paramedics... My family and I thank the police officers in question for their professionalism, care, and thoughtfulness. We would appreciate it very much if you would convey our sincere thank you to the officers concerned. They are obviously very exceptional people.”
The Rozak Family	Cst. Francine Taillefer	“ In this day and age, I find people are quick to criticize our police and rarely seem to say ‘Thank you’. I would like to be the exception and say ‘Thank you’ to Cst. Francine Taillefer for a job well done. Looking back, we realize how much time and effort police have put into our simple B&E and we, as a family, would like to acknowledge it, let you know that it was appreciated…Keep up the great work.”
Ms. Annette Werk Regional Coordinating Committee to End Violence Against Women	S/Sgt. Kai Liu & Members of the Partner Assault Section	“We are writing on behalf of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, a subcommittee of the Regional Coordinating Committee To End Violence Against Women in Ottawa… We were pleased to note that Ottawa had the lowest rate of murders in Canada during 2001. We feel credit for this should be given to the excellent work done by the Partner Assault Section of the OPS. The fact that this is the only full-time dedicated domestic violence investigation unit in Ontario reminds us that this very professional centralized model of investigation into cases of alleged abuse has contributed greatly to the safety of assaulted women in our city. The excellent collaboration between the Partner Assault Section and community agencies has increased understanding and helped to build mutual trust.”
Ms. Lesley Forsyth Lesley Forsyth Events & Artists Management	Cst. Chris Tessier	“ I would like to compliment the officer who dealt with the matter of a collision.…I would like to thank him for his very special courtesy. He is a credit to the police force. Please thank him and make sure that his superiors are made aware of his excellent public relations capabilities.”