LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

SINCE THE LAST BOARD MEETING

 

 

Date Received: 22 August 2005

From: Members of the Public

OPS Members: Cst. Natali Senechal, Cst. Paul McIntyre, Guy Doucette (Ottawa Hospital Mobile Crisis Team)

Excerpts from Letter:

My husband and I wish to express our sincere thanks for the excellent support we received concerning our son.  Our family, through phone calls with him, was very concerned he might be contemplating suicide.  Five years ago he was hospitalized and diagnosed with bi-polar disorder.  We contacted your unit and received excellent support and follow-up from the following individuals: Natalie Senechal, Guy Doucette, Paul Macintyre.  We understand your unit was established last year to assist the growing demand for mental health related issues.  Please pass this letter on to your commanding officer and the local politicians to encourage the continuation of this excellent service. Our son is a very bright young man with a university degree and so much potential.  It is our greatest hope that through medical research, he will, again be able to become a contributing member of society.  In the interim, we take comfort in knowing that there are caring and competent individuals in government who understand the nature of his illness.

 

Date Received: 24 August 2005

From: City Councillor

OPS Members: Cst. Fred St. Pierre, Cst. Krista Hill

Excerpts from Letter:

…I just had a visit from the mother of the victim assaulted on June 18th.  She was happy to report that the Police have arrested a suspect in the assault and robbery on her son.  She is very pleased with the officers’ response in this case and she asked that I pass along her thanks to the Police.  I am pleased to do so and include my thanks as well.

 

Date Received: 31 August 2005

From: AMRT Enterprises

OPS Member: Cst. Melburn White

Excerpts from Letter:

I am writing to thank you very sincerely for the professional, efficient and effective job you performed in your assignment of July 24.  I was very much impressed by your skill in controlling the heavy volume of traffic outside of the Mall parking lot…all of the vehicles moved along briskly and the motorists were satisfied that they were able to attend the event without any parking problems.

 

 

 

 

Date Received: 1 September 2005

From: Children’s Wish Foundation

OPS Members: Robbery Unit, Sgt. Patrick Lowell

Excerpts from Letter:

Once again the Children's Wish Foundation has enjoyed the incredible support of members of our local police force.  Working over the hot BBQ all day, members of the Robbery Unit brought their humour, compassion and diverse talents to the forefront. Under the leadership of Pat Lowell, WISHNIC 2005 was a huge success…thank you for your continued support.

 

Date Received: 2 September 2005

From: Tubman Funeral Homes

OPS Member: Cst. Douglas Hill

Excerpts from Letter:

I am writing to you to acknowledge and commend one of your officers, for his attentiveness and diligence.  I was involved in attempting to lead a funeral procession to the Hope Cemetery, Gloucester.  In addition to the funeral lead car and hearse, the cortege consisted of approximately 15 + cars.  As I'm sure you are fully aware, travelling from one side of the city to the other is never an easy task (under the best of circumstances), it can most certainly present its challenges with a string of cars being driven by, prudent but understandably emotional drivers.  As we approached the intersection of Hunt Club and Woodroffe Avenue, a small part of the procession was through the intersection when the light became decidedly red and the rest of the procession followed suit against the light.  As it happened, a marked patrol car was travelling North on Woodroffe Ave., as this was transpiring.  The officer in the car (who I've since learned was Constable Douglas Hill) took immediate action and followed the procession east bound on Hunt Club Road.  When we were stopped at the next set of traffic lights, Constable Hill pulled up along the driver's side of the lead vehicle, in which I was the driver, and quickly offered his concern that a number of the vehicles were not being safe in going through intersections, and asked where we were going.  Once he knew of our distant destination, he then offered to assist us in getting through a number of major intersections safely.  His assistance and quick thinking was noticed and greatly appreciated by ALL…Constable Hill, though duty bound, certainly turned his job into an act of kindness and compassion, for those at a most difficult time - he is to be commended. 

 

Date Received: 7 September 2005

From: Chief J.Graham, Vancouver Police Department

OPS Members: CACP 2005 Organizing Committee

Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of the Vancouver Police Department, I would like to thank you for the warm hospitality shown while attending the 2005 CACP Conference in Ottawa…I would especially like to thank your Organizing Committee for the informative program and the impeccable service provided.  In addition, the many volunteers that contributed to the success of the event deserve special recognition and thanks…

 

 

Date Received: 7 September 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: CACP 2005 Organizing Committee

Excerpts from Letter:

My husband and I would like to thank you for including us in the group of veterans invited to your Police Convention party at the War Museum on the evening of August 22nd.  Your thoughtful gesture was most appreciated.  It is the Year of the Veteran but for you to include us in your party that evening was very special.  And, your introduction remarks and the reception received from your members left us a bit overwhelmed….We came away from the party humbled by the reception we received from you and your colleagues.  We had a job to do during wartime and we did it just as you and the other members of the Police Force are doing your duty now in this uneasy world.  It may sound trite in this day and age but God bless you and your colleagues.

 

Date Received: 9 September 2005

From: Chief C. Steckler, City of Fremont Police Department (California)

OPS Members: CACP 2005 Organizing Committee

Excerpts from Letter:

I wanted to say thank-you for the wonderful hospitality you and the other Canadian Chiefs showed towards me while I was visiting your 2005 conference in Ottawa.  It was my honor and pleasure to represent President Joe Estey, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police at your annual conference.  I found the staff of the Ottawa Police Services to be outstanding, extremely helpful, and very accommodating in answering all of my questions and assisting me with registration and attendance of some of your training programs.  The Chiefs' Appreciation night at the Canadian War Museum was truly a memorable occasion.  What a wonderful touch having so many of the retired and highly decorated veterans at the event.  I know how difficult it was for me to host a California Police Chiefs Association Conference in 2000, so I can imagine the difficulties of coordinating a conference for a whole country.  You and your staff did an outstanding job, and from all appearances things went smoothly without any noticeable problems.  Our two countries share a common border from coast to coast, and there has always been a strong bond between law enforcement in both countries, and this was apparent to me while attending the conference in your fair city.

 

Date Received: 13 September 2005

From: Homewood Health Centre

OPS Member: Cst. Michael Lamothe

Excerpts from Letter:

Please convey our appreciation to the members of the Psychiatric ER Services for the significant amount of time that they spent with us this past Thursday.  It is a terrific team and an excellent example of best practice in the field.  I was impressed by the outstanding connection with the Unit of the Ottawa Police.  Mike Lamothe's leadership was evident.  We all could learn across Canada what could be possible in the delivery of psychiatric services.  I am certain that if this team is part of an accreditation visit, it will be recognized as Good Practice.

 

Date Received: 13 September 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Cst. Chris Dziunikowski, Carmel Roberts

Excerpts from Letter:

My wife and I would like to express our gratitude, thanks and praise for the professionalism, courtesy, seriousness, and promptness with which we were treated last night when we asked for advice from the Ottawa Police in what to do next about our concerns regarding our handicapped daughter, who had gone missing for seven hours…This was totally out of character for her.  We are never out of touch with her for that length of time during the evening and night-time hours…We called the Ottawa Police, at the non-life-threatening number, about 11 p.m. to ask for advice.  After preliminary questions, we were transferred to a case operator, who obtained detailed information on our daughter and on ourselves.  We were assigned a case number, and an officer was dispatched immediately to meet with me at my daughter's residence. Constable Dziunikowski was courteous, thorough and helpful in his manner and questions.  About midnight, while still obtaining assistance from the Officer at my daughter's residence, a telephone call was received from a friend of my daughter, advising us that she was on her way home.  Again, we wish to thank all who gave us such excellent service, and who treated our case with the same seriousness and concern which we felt as parents.

 

Date Received: 16 September 2005

From: McGarry Family Chapels Inc.

OPS Members: Traffic Escort Unit, Sgt. Brian Mieske, Sgt. John Crozier

Excerpts from Letter:

Please allow me to extend my personal appreciation, and that of our staff for the professional manner in which your officers assisted us through yet another historical milestone.  Your personnel, under the direction of Sgt. Brian Mieske and Sgt. John Crozier, were exceptional throughout both the evening and daytime periods.  The family of Sgt. Ernest Alvia "Smokey" Smith were surely touched by the efficient manner in which his last tribute was conducted.

 

Date Received: 16 September 2005

From: The Ceremonial Guard, Canadian Forces Health Care Centre (Ottawa)

OPS Members: S/Sgt. Rick Lavigne, Sgt. Brian Mieske, Sgt. John Crozier, Sgt. Denis Charbonneau, Sgt. Marc Benson, Ottawa Police Service Pipe Band

Excerpts from Letter:

We have just closed our 2005 Public Duties season and I am writing to thank you for your very important support.  Once again, S/Sgt. Rick Lavigne and Sgts Brian Mieske, Denis Charbonneau, John Crozier and Mark Benson provided us with outstanding liaison and service.  Indeed, all officers were diligent in their service to us.  On more than one occasion their quick response to deteriorating situations prevented a traffic impasse or possible injuries.  I would also like to pass on my thanks for the participation of the Ottawa Police Service Pipe Band in Fortissimo 2005.  It was quite unfortunate that the performance on August 19th was rained out, but the five thousand people who attended on the 20th were very appreciative of the efforts of Superintendant Pat Hayes and all members of the Pipe Band.

 

Date Received: 16 September 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Cst. Shane Lebeau

Excerpts from Letter:

On July 30, I was driving with my younger children…I was driving my pick-up truck and I was speeding.  Officer Lebeau pulled me over on French Hill Road.  He was very polite and had professional attitudes.  So far, this is what I expect from an Officer and I would not have written this letter if only for proper conduct.  However, after processing the needed information in his car, he came back to me and asked me to get out of the car so he could explain the fines to me.  The only reason he did this was for respect for my children.  He could have given me those tickets and reprimanded me in front of them but he used his judgement in a very tactful and respectful manner.  This little detail tells a lot about him and I just wanted to say that we are quite fortunate to have officers like him to maintain law and order.

 

Date Received: 22 September 2005

From: Chief J. Ewatski, President, Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police

OPS Members: Insp. Lance Valcour, A/Sgt. Peter Jupp, Cst. David Nicholson, Cst. Christa Schellenberg, Richard Salisko, Baby Kotlarewsky, Walter Arkle, Donald Louis-Seize, Donald Seaman, Hugo Zambrano

Excerpts from Letter:

I would like to express my appreciation for your participation in the Police Information Portal (PIP) proof of concept which was presented at the 2005 Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Conference.  A major challenge facing police services in the 21st century has been the sharing of police information.  This challenge was addressed through the PIP proof of concept, which demonstrated the benefits of information-sharing among Canadian police services.  On behalf of CACP, I wish to extend our gratitude to the members of your team whose work contributed to the success of the PIP proof of concept.  I would also like to acknowledge your support, Chief Bevan, in spear-heading this major information-sharing initiative.  Integrated policing is a priority of CACP.  We are excited about the new technological solutions now available to support the integrated, intelligence-led law enforcement efforts of Canadian police services and public safety agencies.

 

Date Received: 30 September 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Sgt. Marc Benson

Excerpts from Letter:

(Addressed to Officer) Please allow me to introduce myself. I am the individual that drives the classic grey Mercedes convertible roadster, in which I had the unfortunate circumstance of committing a traffic violation.  I wanted you to know that I was very impressed with your professional conduct throughout our interaction.  I know I was rather hard on you in refuting the circumstances in which you pulled me over.  Despite the unfortunate sense of misery that one gets at times like that, I felt very gratified that your conduct was exemplary.  I wanted you to know that I noticed and appreciated that professionalism.  Please keep up the good work.

 

Date Received: 30 September 2005

From: Lafarge Aggregates, Concrete & Asphalt

OPS Members: OPS Tactical Team

Excerpts from Letter:

I am writing to express my sincere thanks to you for your participation in the Lafarge Moodie Drive Open House on Saturday September 10th.  The event was a huge success with over 1,000 people from the local community attending.  The Tactical Unit display was very popular and your staff were very knowledgeable and friendly.  The feedback has been very positive and we are looking forward to hosting another event in the future.  We are grateful to you for helping to make this event a success.

 

Date Received: 30 September 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Cst. David Merkel

Excerpts from Letter:

At approximately 1115 hours on the morning of Sunday September 25th, while departing our residence, my wife noticed that our assigned Ontario licence plates had been removed from our car and had been replaced with other Ontario licence plates.  Immediately the Ottawa Police Department was contacted and in due course Constable Merkel presented himself at our residence to investigate the matter.  The Constable advised the licence plates that were not ours had been removed from a stolen car and no doubt the thief had taken our plates to place on that vehicle.  Both my wife and I have high praise for Constable Merkel.  Firstly, he is a true gentleman!  He was properly attired, well turned out, smart looking!  He possesses an excellent temperament.  He clearly demonstrated a superior level of effectiveness and efficiency.  Constable Merkel is a splendid asset to the Ottawa Police Department.

 

Date Received: 4 October 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Cst. Richard Riddell

Excerpts from Letter:

I would like to offer my thanks and gratitude to Constable Richard Riddell.  Recently my daughter had been caught shoplifting at a local department store.  Officer Riddell was the officer that responded to the call.  He decided to warn and counsel my daughter instead of pressing formal criminal charges.  Officer Riddell delivered a stern yet compassionate lecture focussing on my daughter's future, that in my opinion has changed my daughter forever.  It is all too often the young teens don't realize the negative effects of their actions.  On this particular evening Officer Riddell got the message across loud and clear.  As a result of his actions, not only was my daughter potentially spared a criminal record, but she now has been given some ‘tools’ to take with her for the rest of her life.

 

 

 

Date Received: 5 October 2005

From: Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (Ontario)

OPS Members: Cst. Sherry Jordan-Quenneville

Excerpts from Letter:

I would like to express my appreciation, on behalf of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run, for the efforts of Constable Sherry Jordan-Quenneville.  Her dedication to this program is greatly appreciated by the Special Olympics Athletes and Torch Run members in Ottawa and across Zone 2.  The Torch Run may be the chosen charity of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, but it is front-line members, such as Sherry, who make the program work and make it a success. She has personally been responsible for raising thousands of dollars and has inspired many others to do the same…

 

Date Received: 10 October 2005

From: CMG Ottawa

OPS Members: Sgt. Patrick Frost, Public Safety Unit

Excerpts from Letter:

As you know, the 8-week lockout at CBC has come to a negotiated end.  There are many groups and individuals who played a part in making that happen.  As a veteran of labour disruptions, I can honestly say that our style of picketing is one that concentrates on communicating.  We try to make friends and not enemies.  This strategy would not be possible without the assistance of third parties such as yourself.  It was essential that we be creative and employ alternatives such as secondary information lines.  With your help we were always apprised of the law and concerns for third parties.  Your department is key to a peaceful and effective picket line.  Simply put, we could not have done what we did without it.  I do not know what other police forces have to compare with your unit, but I do believe that the Ottawa Division could serve as a model for many of them.  This would put a whole new face on labour disruptions and improve the wellbeing of their respective communities.  On behalf of the CMG Ottawa, I wish to thank you for your assistance and professionalism.