LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

SINCE DECEMBER 2005 BOARD MEETING

 

 

Date Received: 1 December 2005

From: O.P.P. Commander Eastern Region

OPS Member: Ms. Louise Logue

Excerpts from Letter:

I would like to acknowledge the informative presentation that Ms. Logue provided to 118 Ontario Provincial Police Sergeants at a conference held in Kingston on November 15, 2005.  The feedback I received was only positive.  Sharing information on the current drug situation in the National Capital area and alerting our members of potential signs and symptoms, reinforces the need to share information.  Ms. Logue's professional delivery of information, answering of questions and interaction, was the highlight of the day.

 

Date Received: 5 December 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Constable Gregory Tyrer, Constable Greg Janes

Excerpts from Letter:

This letter is to commend the actions of two police officers who arrested two thieves who broke into our home.  Their response to the situation was almost immediate thanks to a call from my neighbour.  I arrived on the scene moments after they removed the criminals and was greeted by Constable Tyrer.  He reassured me and prepared me to enter the scene; he warned me about the damage and was compassionate.  When I entered the house he informed me that he had taken care of my dog…Constable Tyrer found my wife's cell phone and checked the directory for names to contact and upon not finding any went to recent calls where he located my wife's parents number…When I thanked the constable for his ingenuity he said humbly it was all part of the job, I disagree, his handling and professionalism of the situation along with Constable Janes was to say the least above and beyond in my opinion what is required from our police.  Our police officers face an extremely tough if not impossible job these days and all too often they are criticized for their actions; however, I and my wife would like to take this opportunity to compliment the force and in particular Constable Tyrer and Constable Janes for their service to us in particular and our community in general.  It is reassuring to know officers like this exist and are ready to protect us.

 

Date Received: 7 December 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Trevor Archibald

Excerpts from Letter:

I am writing to you to express my sincere appreciation for the assistance given me, my daughter, and my mother by Constable Trevor Archibald on November 26th, 2005.  On that day, we were attending the Santa Claus Parade in Orleans.  At the beginning of the parade, I lost my keys for my car and my home.  After a lengthy search I was forced to give up as my daughter was getting upset because of the cold.  I approached Constable Archibald to see if anyone had turned my keys over to him.  He advised me that he did not have them but would make a report on my behalf.  He asked me how I was going to get home and then offered to give me and my family a ride.  Once the parade was over, he drove us to pick up a house key from my husband at his work, and then proceeded to drive us home.  During the ride home, Constable Archibald made my five-year-old daughter feel extremely comforted after this ordeal by relating to her on her level and taking our situation seriously.  I feel that good deeds should be recognized and Constable Archibald went above and beyond to ensure that we were safe.  At a time when there is so much negative publicity for our Police Service, it is reassuring to know that we can count on them in a time of need.

 

Date Received: 9 December 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Mario Bergeron

Excerpts from Letter:

I would like to share highlights of a very successful Community Dinner at Banff Community House on December 8, 2005.  The meeting was part of the regular activities under the No Community Left Behind Project.  Last night, the participation of Constable Mario Bergeron added the most required but missing element to the meeting: dialogue, an exchange of ideas and winning confidence of the community.  Constable Bergeron played a great role in sharing ideas, personal experiences, suggestions and clarifying some misconceptions.  There was absolutely no feeling of "us", the community, and "them", the police.  Personally, I have never seen such a candid exchange of questions, ideas and information on a variety of subjects related to safety and security in the community.  Thanks to Constable Bergeron for his inspiration and insight.

 

Date Received: 9 December 2005

From: Community Resource Centre

OPS Members: Constable Darlene Porpealia, Constable Sandra Sparling

Excerpts from Letter:

I would like to thank Constable Darlene Porpealia and Constable Sandra Sparling for their responsive manner and expertise when attending a call recently at Chrysalis House.   The Ottawa Police were called to the house to support the relocation of a resident to Cornerstone shelter and, consequently, a Children's Aid Society apprehension.  In a professional and friendly manner, Constables Porpealia and Sparling worked with the staff at Chrysalis House, Children's Aid Society Workers and the resident to defuse crisis and facilitate an easy relocation.  It is always a pleasure to work alongside such competent police personnel.

 

Date Received: 13 December 2005

From: Ottawa City Councillor Bédard

OPS Member: Constable Marianne Laver

Excerpts from Letter:

I wanted to thank you all for assisting in the Toy Drive which was an outstanding success thanks to the efforts and drive of Constable Laver and our partners…We also salute the Vanier Community for their tremendous generosity.

 

Date Received: 14 December 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: OPS R.I.D.E. Program

Excerpts from Letter:

Just had to say a big thank you to all of you who freeze to do the R.I.D.E. program and keep us safer on the roads.  Last week, I was stopped on River Parkway and on top of being so happy to know you are there checking for impaired drivers, I was given a pair of tickets to a 67s game.  I passed the tickets on to my daughter for her and her husband to enjoy.  It seemed very fitting since sixteen years ago she lost her dream of becoming a ballerina when, on our way to Winnipeg, where she was to study at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, we had two car accidents in 36 hours, both with impaired drivers.  And we are among the lucky ones; we are still here and enjoying full lives.  In my work as a counsellor, I see only too often the impact of impaired drivers.  So, thank you is very little for all you do.

 

Date Received: 16 December 2005

From: University of Ottawa Protection Services

OPS Members: Sergeant Pierre Gauthier, Constable David Christie, Ms. Louise Logue

Excerpts from Letters:

On behalf of Protection Services at the University of Ottawa, I would like to thank three of your staff members who accepted without hesitation to train our uniform staff, our Housing Residence Life team, the Sexual Harassment Officer and Health Promotion staff.  Two training dates were offered to our staff.  Sergeant Pierre Gauthier of the Drug Section and Louise Logue of the Youth Section talked about drug legislation, how to recognize someone under the influence of drugs and the different types of date rape drugs on the market and their effects.  Constable David Christie from the Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Section provided valuable information on how to better deal with sexual assaults without jeopardizing a police investigation.  I personally attended one of the sessions and was extremely impressed with your staff's professionalism and knowledge.  I am positive that these types of training sessions will provide our staff with additional knowledge and will serve to better the quality of our services.  These three members of your Service definitely proved to be an excellent example of the Ottawa Police Service’s motto, "Working together for a safer community".  Protection Services is honoured to be part of the ongoing partnerships that you and your Service are developing within our community.

 

Date Received: 16 December 2005

From: Knights of Columbus, Council 10470

OPS Members: Constable Raymond Lamarre, Ms. Cynthia Nash (OPS volunteer)

Excerpts from Letter:

Recently I arranged to have a Police department representative make a presentation on public safety, mainly directed at senior citizens.  We had informed several local parishes of the event and anticipated a larger response; however, we did have an acceptable attendance of 47 people who were informed on topics of public safety, prevention and elder abuse.  All but one had a very positive attitude and learned much from the presentation.  Officer Ray Lamarre and Cynthia Nash left a variety of brochures which were taken by most of the attendees, these were very popular.  We also passed out several to those who were unable to attend the seminar.  On behalf of those people attending, our Parish and Knights of Columbus Council 10470, I wish to thank your Officer and staff for their cooperation and information.  We were made aware of many aspects of safety and prevention in a very informative and pleasant manner. It was well done.

 

Date Received: 19 December 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Deputy Chief Sue O’Sullivan, Superintendent Lynda Gibson, Inspector John Gardiner, Sergeant David Couturier, Sergeant Richard Hayman, Constable Stephen Love

Excerpts from Letter:

I am writing to thank you for the outstanding investigative efforts made by the Ottawa Police Service during a recent investigation in the central part of the city.  The sensitive file involved a private sector company that was concerned that a minor theft which had occurred on their property may have had significant implications.  The very thorough and professional investigation by the Ottawa Police Service was able to conclude otherwise, which gave a great deal of comfort to my client.  I would like to thank Deputy Chief Sue O'Sullivan for her prompt attention and leadership in the matter, and to Superintendent Lynda Gibson and Inspector John Gardiner for assigning proficient investigators to the file and supporting them throughout.  Sergeants Dave Couturier and Rick Hayman were most impressive in their attention to the file.  Detective Stephen Love was involved with the investigation from start to finish, and was tireless and professional throughout.  My client was very appreciative of the investigative team, their professionalism, attention to duty and perseverance.  I would like to express my thanks to the above noted members for their outstanding efforts on this challenging file.  They are all police officers to be proud of, and their efforts were most appreciated by myself and my client.

 

Date Received: 21 December 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Acting Staff Sergeant Isobel Anderson

Excerpts from Letter:

(Addressed to A/S/Sgt. Anderson) You are doing a great and excellent job for our community in particular and our society in general.  Your openness will contribute positively and reduce to minimum any misunderstanding that may arise between our community and police.  Without your support, we cannot close the gap of mistrust.  Please continue this hard work, it is rewarding.

 

Date Received: 22 December 2005

From: R.C.M.P. Staff Relations

OPS Members: Inspector Michael Sanford, Staff Sergeant Guy Binet, Sergeant Samuel Hill, Sergeant Anthony Gagnon, Constable Evan Hung, Constable Alexia Campoli, Constable Michael Hyndman, Ms. Sandra Milne

Excerpts from Letter:

We are writing on behalf of all RCMP members to thank you for the exemplary manner in which the members of the Ottawa Police Service handled the unfortunate sudden death of one of our members.  The family has expressed their appreciation for the kind, compassionate manner in which all of the attending officers conducted themselves…We ask that you pass along the gratitude of all RCMP members to the following members of the Ottawa Police Service - Constable Evan Hung, Constable Alexia Campoli and Sergeant Sam Hill who were the first on the scene. Staff Sergeant Guy Binet, Constable Mike Hyndman and Inspector Mike Sanford, who attended as investigators and supervisors.  In addition the Identification member, Sergeant Anthony Gagnon and Ms. Sandra Milne, of Victim Services, played important roles.  The City of Ottawa can take pride in the fact that it has police officers such as these who are caring, kind and compassionate when a tragedy such as this occurs.  Once again thank you to all concerned.

 

Date Received: 22 December 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Lori Fahey

Excerpts from Letter:

I wanted to let you know that one of your officers, Constable Lori Fahey, showed great kindness to my son early in September.  She stopped to help me with my very sad little boy who didn't want to go to school as he was entering grade 1 and was to be in school full days.  She was kind and warm and returned to school the next day, with her police car as she had promised to show my son.  He was thrilled and I was very touched.  She was off duty the previous day and spoke to him about what she did and that she wanted to keep him safe, as he wanted to leave the school grounds.  Please pass on my thanks to her.  She didn't have to do that, as I know how busy her days can be.  He will never forget that and neither will I.

 

Date Received: 23 December 2005

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Constable Adam Taylor, Constable Tara Morrison

Excerpts from Letter:

I wanted to pass on my sincere gratitude to two of your officers.  My daughter is a teenager going through rough growing pains to put it lightly and does not get along with her father at all.  Long story short, she ran away from her father's house last night and was attempting to walk to my house.  Her father lives in a rural area and I live in Stittsville, so she was walking dark highways at 9 p.m.  Two officers, Constable Adam Taylor and Constable Tara Morrison saw her on the road, picked her up and brought her to my residence in Stittsville.  I am well aware that they could have just returned her to her father's residence or brought her to the closest police station and called one of us to pick her up, but they took it upon themselves to make sure she would be safe at my residence and came in and spoke with me before leaving.  Unfortunately I was in such a state of relief that she was safe, I truly did not express my thanks and gratitude properly to both officers.  That is what I would like to pass on through you now.

 

 

 

 

Date Received: 29 December 2005

From: Mayor Bob Chiarelli

OPS Members: Staff Sergeant Terry Welsh, OPS Colour Party

Excerpts from Letter:

I would like to take this opportunity to express a heartfelt “thank you" to you and the members of the Ottawa Police Service who provided an honour guard for the Civic Call by their Excellencies The Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond on December 1, 2005.  How fitting it was that we were able to profile the men and women from our Ottawa Police Service, and this in the year marking your 150th anniversary.

 

Date Received: 9 January 2006

From: Head of Investigations, Financial Services Commission of Ontario

OPS Members: Constable Peter Albert, Constable Richard Dobrzanski, Constable Linda Ogilvie

Excerpts from Letter:

I wish to acknowledge and thank the Ottawa Police Service for the co-operation and assistance provided recently to two of our investigators, by your Criminal Investigative Organized Fraud Section.  The investigators were in Ottawa recently conducting three separate regulatory investigations.  I am advised that detectives Peter Albert, Richard Dobrzanski and Linda Ogilvie were instrumental in providing interview rooms, boardrooms and research assistance to enable our investigators to complete their inquiries in a timely manner.  Accordingly, on behalf of the Financial Services Commission of Ontario Investigations Unit, I would be obliged if you would convey our appreciation and thanks to the officers involved.

 

Date Received: 10 January 2006

From: R.C.M.P, Caledonia Detachment, New Brunswick

OPS Members: Sergeant Stephen Blackburn, Sergeant Robert Drummond, Constable John Drader

Excerpts from Letter:

Our detachment recently had the pleasure of receiving some assistance from the Ottawa Police Service while we were conducting an investigation of attempted murder.  A request was made to your police service to locate and arrest an individual for which we held a Canada Wide Warrant.  Without delay, members of the Ottawa Police Service embarked on this task.  Upon notification of his arrest, I traveled to Ottawa with another member to bring the accused before the courts and return him to New Brunswick.  I would like to specifically mention the following members, Constable John Drader who effected the arrest of the accused and prepared a thorough warrant report; Sergeant Robert Drummond who facilitated the release of the accused to us for an interview; Sergeant Stephen Blackburn who introduced us to the Crown, located necessary documents, and arranged for transportation of the accused to the airport.  The assistance provided by the Ottawa Police Service was truly appreciated and allowed us to accomplish our task with ease.

 

 

 

Date Received: 18 January 2006

From: Deputy Chief Harder, Belleville Police Service

OPS Members: Constable Mark Patterson

Excerpts from Letter:

I would personally like to thank you for the assistance provided by Constable Mark Patterson to the Belleville Police Service.  In November 2005, members of the Belleville Police Service were conducting a sexual assault investigation which required 24-hour surveillance…Due to the magnitude of the surveillance required, a request through CISO and Project Band Aid was made to assist with this investigation.  As in the past, your agency and others offered resources and assistance….Please pass along my personal thanks to Constable Patterson and again I thank you and your Service for your assistance.

 

Date Received: 18 January 2006

From: Ottawa Public Health

OPS Member: Constable Donna Cholette

Excerpts from Letter:

(Addressed to Cst. Cholette) Thank you for participating on the Mental Health Panel at yesterday's Ottawa Community Response to Hoarding Coalition Working Group meeting. Coalition members have been experiencing increased frustration that mental health services are in such short supply.  As they relate to the risks associated with Hoarding behaviour, these services are almost non­existent.  It was reassuring to hear about the Mental Health Crisis Services Unit and the collaborative services you offer with the Ottawa Hospital.  The 35 organizations making up the Hoarding Coalition have partnered on many cases with your Service.  It was informative and a "team enhancer" to discuss in this open forum how to work together even better.  Feedback from the meeting has been that the information you provided made the process and expectations clearer.  It was especially helpful that in this meeting we developed some simple, practical strategies for documenting the extreme risks associated with Hoarding situations…Your ongoing participation on the Coalition is also very much appreciated.  As you know, there is a strong role for police services in Hoarding response as is true for many other City of Ottawa Departments who have also joined the group.  Yesterday's meeting went a long way to making things even more productive….

 

Date Received: 18 January 2006

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Constable Daniel Ferguson, Constable Robert Greaves

Excerpts from Letter:

I would like to thank Constable Daniel Ferguson and Constable Robert Greaves, because as a young woman who has never been victim of a crime nor gone through the process of reporting a crime before, I was relieved to be in contact with such people as Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Greaves.  Due to the down-to-earth, sincere, and compassionate nature of these two people, I not only felt at ease in recounting the crime of which I was a victim, but also felt reassured that however minor this crime may have been in relation to others they have dealt with in their careers, this crime would be treated as if it were of utmost importance and significance. I would like to make special mention of Constable Ferguson, who seemed profoundly hurt by this crime as if it had happened in his own small hometown community and that a close friend or family member were the victim. As the Ottawa area is growing and is becoming more and more urbanized and isolationist, it is refreshing to know that members of the police force continue to embrace and cherish a sense of small-town community.  As a result of having made contact with these two people, I refuse to live in fear and will go about my life as if this crime were but a distant memory.  I have no doubt that they have affected and will continue to affect other victims of crime in much the same way, and for that I am most thankful for.  Keep up the good work!

 

Date Received: 26 January 2006

From: 104th Ottawa Cub Scout Pack

OPS Members: Nicholas O'Connell (OPS Venturer)

Excerpts from Letter:

On behalf of the 104th Ottawa Cub Scout Pack, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the Ottawa Police Service for providing us with a tour of police station operations on January 19th.  Our guide, Nicholas O'Connell was very well informed and the Cubs truly enjoyed their visit and the opportunity to talk to you directly.  I believe this is a highly valuable program and contributes very positively to youth social development. It demystifies the police force and reinforces the positive role model of police officers.  In fact, one of our youth leaders is currently in the Algonquin police program and the visit solidified his goal of eventually joining the Ottawa Force.  I also believe that the opportunity to see life on the other side of a cell will leave an impression on the youth - hopefully to stay out of trouble.

 

Date Received: 27 January 2006

From: Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation

OPS Member: Constable Kirk Miller

Excerpts from Letter:

Thank you for your attention to the matter of crack smokers around the perimeter of the building…We have given Constable Miller a letter authorizing the police to act as our agent to enforce the Trespass to Property Act.  We have dealt with many officers over the years, in several districts.  I wish to note that Constable Miller was very helpful, friendly and polite.  It is reassuring to us that such a fine officer will be assigned to this issue.

 

Date Received: 30 January 2006

From: Deputy Director, Ontario Police College

OPS Members: Sergeant Lori Bustard

Excerpts from Letters:

As you may be aware, OPC recently invited police services to participate in the development of a study guide to support police service members preparing for the 2006 OPC promotional examinations.  We would like to take this opportunity to extend a sincere note of thanks to you and your police service, and in particular to Sergeant Lori Bustard who volunteered to assist with this project.  Sergeant Bustard displayed considerable enthusiasm and teamwork throughout this project.  Her time, energy and efforts are very much appreciated.  Sergeant Bustard also participated in an exam item review session…The practice of involving currently serving officers in reviewing and verifying exam items can serve to bolster members' confidence in the OPC promotional examination system, in particular with respect to clarity and job relevancy.  We would like to acknowledge Sergeant Bustard's valued participation in this exercise.

 

Date Received: 30 January 2006

From: Assistant Chief Jim Pugel, Seattle Police Department

OPS Members: Inspector Lance Valcour, Staff Sergeant Rock Lavigne, Ms. Pat Dallas

Excerpts from Letter:

I recently had the pleasure of visiting your police department with a team of police officers to examine your record management system and computer assisted dispatch applications.  I was thoroughly impressed by the employees that met with us.  Their knowledge of fundamental police work combined with the interactions of the record management systems and the computer assisted dispatch applications were impressive. Their assistance will help us in our pursuit of a system that meets our department needs. Please extend my personal thanks to Inspector Lance Va1cour, Staff Sergeant Rock Lavigne and IT Applications Coordinator Pat Dallas for their expertise shared and for the hospitality they provided.  They are a credit to your police department and the profession of policing.

 

Date Received: 2 February 2006

From: Office of the Provincial Commander, Corporate Services, O.P.P.

OPS Members: Mr. David Pepper, Inspector Sterling Hartley, Staff Sergeant Syd Gravel, Acting Staff Sergeant Isobel Anderson, Ms. Margaret MacDonald

Excerpts from Letter:

(Addressed to Mr. Pepper) My colleagues and I thank you for hosting a most memorable visit to the Ottawa Police Service.  A mere thank you hardly seems adequate to convey our deep appreciation for all that you and your colleagues provided for us.  Beginning with your kind acceptance of our request, at a very busy time in your collective schedules, to A/Staff Sergeant Anderson’s coordination of the two days and the many individuals who so willingly and candidly shared their knowledge and wisdom - Inspector Sterling Hartley who spoke with such passion about the vision and planning for the Workplace Harassment Project and its integral role in ensuring and sustaining a welcoming and respectful workplace; and Staff Sergeant Syd Gravel whose enthusiasm for the Outreach Recruitment Project is absolutely infectious and his framing of it in the context of organizational change so meaningful…; to the GLBT-OPS Liaison Committee members whose willingness to, not just warmly welcome strangers to their forum, but to share so openly and authentically, their personal experiences, in a spirit of shared learning and collaboration with the OPS was inspiring; not to mention their expressions of interest and concern about the OPP's approach to diversity and the time they took providing us with feedback and suggestions…The breakfast meeting with COMPAC was another experience about which words seem so insufficient.  That so many community members and officers attended this session voluntarily, for the sole purpose of sharing their candid experiences with the OPP, is a testament to the strength of the trusting relationship the OPS and community members have co-created.  We learned a great deal about the principles that guide and sustain this relationship.  The opportunity to learn from you, Isobel and Margaret, about the Community Development and Communication functions was a wonderful way to round out the visit.  It was very apparent that these functions and your capabilities as a unit are integral to the success of all the initiatives we learned about, strengthen organizational and community capacity and support long-term sustainability.  Finally, the opportunity to meet your Command staff in such an informal manner…We all benefited significantly from our time with the OPS and look forward to maintaining the relationship between our services.  Please convey our sincere thanks to your colleagues and community partners for the rich learning experience they provided.  We look forward to the future together.

 

Date Received: 3 February 2006

From: Chief Steve Barnes, Gulfport Police Department

OPS Member: Constable David Stewart

Excerpts from Letter:

(Addressed to Cst. Stewart) On August 29, 2005, the City of Gulfport and surrounding areas were severely impacted following the landfall of Hurricane Katrina.  During this storm, many police officers and fire fighters lost everything they own.  I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the generosity you displayed volunteering and devoting your time and efforts in helping with the demolition, clean-up, and repair of our police and fire families homes.  On behalf of all the men and women of the Gulfport Police and Fire Department, we thank you for you dedication and support.

 

Date Received: 6 February 2006

From: Police Foundations Program, St. Lawrence College

OPS Members: Staff Sergeant Marc Pinault, Ms. Louise Logue

Excerpts from Letter:

On January 25, Staff Sergeant Pinault and Louise Logue attended St Lawrence College here in Cornwall to help 'kick-start' our Campus Crime Stoppers Program.  They gave a very compelling, moving and profound overview of the drug scene in Canadian society.  I can honestly say their presence was very well received and both represented the Ottawa Police Service in a professional and compassionate manner.  I wanted to draw your attention to the outstanding job both these people are doing. I know there have already been requests for their attendance in Cornwall again in the fall.  Thank-you for allowing them to spread a very important message beyond the borders of Ottawa.

 

Date Received: 10 February 2006

From: Investigations & Prevention, Protection Services, University of Ottawa

OPS Member: Constable Daniel Thompson

Excerpts from Letter:

I simply wanted to thank you for your involvement in having someone from the Ottawa Police attend our Safety Walk…Constable Thompson was great, got really involved and showed lots of interest during the entire stay with us.  I was very glad to meet him