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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE:
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18 January 2011 |
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TO/DEST:
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Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board |
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FROM/EXP:
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Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service |
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SUBJECT/OBJET:
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LETTERS OF COMMENDATION
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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)
Vern White
Chief of Police
Attach. (1)
LETTERS OF COMMENDATION
Date Received: 17 November 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Sergeant Daniel Simser
Excerpts from Letter: I must compliment you on the adequate and very well trained officers. I have a heart condition and the officers who came to my apartment made two arrests in such a cool way that my heart never bothered me. Sergeant Simser has been the most helpful officer I have ever had to meet and talk to. He was extremely patient with me. When he sensed in my voice that my health could not carry me, he advised that he would call me back at a later time.
Date Received: 15 November 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Paolo Crescenzi and Constable Lindsy Richardson
Excerpts from Letter: I would like to commend Constable Crescenzi and Constable Richardson who attended Fabricland in Kanata following an armed robbery. Their prompt response and professional presence relieved much of the anxiety that those of us in the store were feeling. When requesting statements from each of us, they were unfailingly polite, courteous, and respectful. Despite having to repeat instructions, they remained patient and attentive. I am extremely grateful that my municipal police service has members of this caliber.
Date Received: 22 November 2010
From: Shelley Nemeth, Coordinator, Ontario Provincial Police
OPS Members: Constable Leo Benvenuti, Constable Paul Smith, Constable Reinhard Lechieitner, Constable Jean Philippe Normand, Constable Dan Deschamps, Constable Janet Hass, Constable Troy Froats, Constable Andrew Worth, Sergeant Michael Noonan & Inspector John Maxwell
Excerpts from Letter: You are being recognized for the significant assistance you provided to an investigation. On behalf of Commissioner Chris D. Lewis and the Ontario Provincial Police, I would like to thank you for your assistance. Community policing and the unselfish actions of people such as you are important to the safety and wellness of our province.
Date Received: 22 November 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Members of the OPS Pipe Band
Excerpts from Letter: I was in attendance at the 2010 Remembrance Day ceremonies in Aylmer for the second year in a row. Once again, I was thrilled and deeply moved to hear the Ottawa Police Service Pipe Band perform during the ceremonies. Your participation stirs a great deal of passion at this most poignant event. I simply wish to thank all of the members of the Band for making ceremonies all the more rewarding to attend.
Date Received: 29 November 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Cedric Nizman and Constable Wendy Marcuccio
Excerpts from Letter: On Friday, November 19 my husband went to check on our neighbour across the street, as the inside door to his house was opened and had been for some time. My husband had a feeling something was wrong, as he opened the outside door he found our neighbour lying there lifeless. My husband immediately ran back home and dialled 911. The emergency crew arrived within minutes only to discover it was too late. I want to commend Constable Nizman and Constable Maruccio who comforted us through this tragedy. The next morning, the same two officers appeared at our door to check in on us to make sure we were ok. I thought they were the most caring people I had ever met. My husband and I thanked them for caring for us and for the great work that they do. We are so fortunate to have great officers like them in the police service and we can’t thank them enough. Too often they are criticized instead of recognized for the great work they do.
Date Received: 1 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Sergeant Todd Harding, Constable Tremaine Samuels, Constable Matthew Dunn and Constable Phil Kane
Excerpts from Letter: I wish to thank you for being just a little more than police officers when my son passed away. You and your fellow officers were very professional yet compassionate. Thank you again. I have a lot of respect for the work that they do.
Date Received: 4 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Staff Sergeant Gina Rosa
Excerpts from Letter: In light of all the negative press the Ottawa Police Service is receiving, I think it is only fair to express my gratitude and tell you a positive story about one of your officers. My family and I have been going through a tough time the past few years. My daughter was sexually assaulted almost three years ago by the father of a family friend. I am pleased to say he is now in jail serving his sentence and is registered as a sex offender. Our first point of contact was Staff Sergeant Rosa. We had never imagined that we would have to go through something like this and we were very scared. S/Sgt Rosa was very kind and understanding. She walked us through what would happen and how long it might take. She made my daughter feel safe and also put us in contact with the victim support program which has been invaluable. I only have positive thoughts when thinking of my experience with S/Sgt Rosa and wish to express my gratitude to her. She is a very special member of our community and the Ottawa Police Service.
Date Received: 4 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Louise Lafleur and Constable Benjamin Albert
Excerpts from Letter: Cst Lafleur and Cst Albert had the pleasure of hosting the student exchange between Ottawa and Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut this year. A large part of the trip’s success depended on fund raising. By all accounts, the trip was an experience of a lifetime for both students and chaperones. The fundraising was a success, and there was an excess of monies raised. This brings me to this letter of thanks. Cst Lafleur and Cst Benjamin kindly contributed the excess monies ($425.00) raised to our Christmas fund. It was through donations like this that we can be sure the individuals that must be here for Christmas will indeed have a Christmas. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
Date Received: 7 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Abdulkadir Abdi
Excerpts from Letter: I know recent events in the media have been difficult for members of the OPS. As a former federal civil servant, I feel I may have a little understanding of how your officers feel. Civil servants are often portrayed by the media as lazy. When I started Neighbourhood Watch four years ago, we had an epidemic of crime, particularly break and enters. It was a challenge just to get people to call the police. Gradually we increased the call ratio. It has been wonderful to get feedback from Neighbourhood Watch members who hadn’t wanted to call the Ottawa Police Service and then recounted their positive interactions with very professional officers. When Neighbourhood Watch expanded, new members recounted how appreciative they were to see Cst. Abdi do evening patrols of Alexander Park. I know there is more work to do there, but residents feel the patrol and police response to their calls have had positive effects. I do see an improvement in the neighbourhood. Keep up the good work.
Date Received: 08 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Cornelius Poisine
Excerpts from Letter: I was stranded at the end of St Laurent Blvd. and Conroy Road and have very poor sense of direction, which is why I ended up on the opposite side of where I wanted to go. It started to snow and it was getting dark. The visibility was not excellent. I was asking for help, but after trying many times to get other drivers’ attention, nobody bothered to stop. I was on the verge of tears when I saw a police car on Conroy turning in my direction. Cst. Poisine stopped to help me and put up a map showing me exactly where I was and told me how to get back. He waited for me to get back to my car and leave in the right direction. Cst. Poisine was extremely nice and I felt very safe once he was there. I thought it was important to send positive feedback and give credit when credit is due.
Date Received: 09 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Keshwar Rambarran
Excerpts from Letter: I had a young man come to my door soliciting money for Toy Mountain. I was quite suspicious because I did not believe Toy Mountain canvassed door to door. So I called the non-emergency police number and a very polite woman agreed that it did not sound quite right and that she would dispatch an officer. About an hour later, Cst. Rambarran arrived, asked a number of questions which I was unable to answer because I am not very observant – just suspicious. The following evening, Cst. Rambarran returned to my house to inform me that he and his partner had located the two young men who had been going door to door in Carp and they were genuine. Their intentions were to raise the money and then donate it to Toy Mountain. I am sending this because the Ottawa Police Service and the Chairman of the Police Services Board are getting a lot of negative press these days but Cst. Rambarran is doing his job well. He was articulate, polite and has a great sense of humour.
Date Received: 3 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Various OPS Members
Excerpts from Letter: I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation of the way the Ottawa Police Service have conducted business with us. On various occasions during the past year, our front desk has had reason to call police for assistance with certain situations that have arisen at the hotel. I am pleased to advise that this assistance has been provided in a timely way and dealt with in a professional and courteous manner. As a business owner, I appreciate the support that the police provide.
Date Received: 13 December 2010
From: Steven Clark, Director of Ceremonies, The Royal Canadian Legion
OPS Members: Staff Sergeant Dave Thomas and Various OPS Members
Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of the Dominion Command, The Royal Canadian Legion, I extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation of the Ottawa Police Service for the outstanding dedication and commitment by your officers in support of the 2010 National Remembrance Day Ceremony. This was an occasion when we, as a grateful nation, stood in collective reminiscence of all those who have fallen in the military service of their country. The participation by your members and your staff was invaluable as they performed policing duties related to the safety and security of 30,000 people who gathered at the National War Memorial to honour, thank and remember the fallen. In particular, we acknowledge the outstanding level of commitment, coordination and assistance from S/Sgt Thomas.
Date Received: 13 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Sergeant Patricia Ferguson and Constable Guy Giroux
Excerpts from Letter: I am writing you today to thank you and the boys/girls in blue for the services you offered our family for the past few years. I have a 13 year old daughter. You offered us your support about a month ago when our daughter found herself in trouble with the law once again. There have been numerous occasions over the past few years where we needed law enforcement intervention to help us find our run away daughter, to deal with the ongoing property damage she caused in our home, to deal with a child that was suicidal with no hope and disputes between parent/child and community. It has been our experience that your officers have been nothing but respectful, professional and compassionate. We can’t express to you enough how fortunate we are to have the Ottawa Police Service to turn to when a crisis situation arises. Keep up the good work.
Date Received: 13 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Allan Galipeau
Excerpts from Letter: Cst. Galipeau happened to be in the store when he noticed a subject pass through the cash without making a purchase. As the subject walked past Cst. Galipeau, he noticed the subject had a liquor bottle in his bag. Cst. Galipeau stopped, investigated and eventually charged the subject. This is the first time I have come across a police officer making an arrest for shoplifting based on their own observations. Even though the offence was relatively minor, Cst. Galipeau’s actions clearly show his observation skills are excellent and in this case, very much appreciated.
Date Received: 16 December 2010
From: Jim Watson, Mayor
OPS Members: Sergeant Patrick Malone, Constable Craig Roberts
Excerpts from Letter: I want to take this opportunity to express my sincerest appreciation to you for providing the Ottawa Police Service Colour Party at the inauguration ceremony of the new City of Ottawa Council. Your participation underscored the importance of this time-honoured ceremony and the responsibilities of the public office entrusted to municipal elected officials. I look forward to the opportunity of again being in the audience during more of the Colour Party’s performances.
Date Received: 16 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Sergeant Brenda McGillvray, Constable Eli Edwards, Constable Krista Mallon, Constable Darren Shore, Constable Adam Gal, Constable Jennifer Tennant, Constable Christopher Poulton and Constable Lance Bennett
Excerpts from Letter: At this time, when the Ottawa Police Service is under some fire, perhaps a written thank you for a job well done is in order. I think I thanked the officers involved in person at the time, but in the rush, perhaps not. Officers responded to a 911 call from a cab driver and myself reporting a suicide. I was most impressed with how quickly the police and ambulance services responded to provide assistance and how flexible and accommodating you were in allowing me to provide a witness statement at the airport so as not to cause me to miss my flight. In trying and difficult circumstances, the OPS did an outstanding and most professional job.
Date Received: 16 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Jason Riopel
Excerpts from Letter: Constable Riopel responded to a complaint at a car wash on Ogilvie Road. There were several upset customers that had their cars damaged by the car wash and he did an excellent job calming the situation and resolving the issue. At a time when there is much negative press regarding our police service, I think it is important to understand their role and pressures and identify individuals who provide outstanding service. I was very surprised by the level of explanations provided and the conflict resolution skills of this officer. Greatly appreciate Cst. Riopel’s professionalism in dealing with very upset people in conflict.
Date Received: 28 December 2010
From: Yasir Naqvi, MPP
OPS Member: Sergeant Mark Gatien
Excerpts from Letter: I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations on being named one of the Top 50 people in Ottawa by Ottawa Life Magazine 2010. What a great honour. This year, Ottawa Life has designated a unique and diverse group of individuals who collectively contribute to the greatness of our city. On behalf of Ottawans, I would like to thank you for your continued dedication, and I look forward to hearing of your future successes and accomplishments. Once again, congratulations on this extraordinary achievement.
Date Received: 28 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Sergeant Francois D’Aoust
Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of the ALS Society of Ontario, I would like to thank you sincerely for your generous donation of $1420.00. It is difficult to put into words the importance of your gift, the impact it will have on our ability to meet the needs of ALS clients across the province. The ALS Society of Ontario provides independence, dignity and choice for those living with ALS through the caring financial support of organizations such as The Ottawa Police Service and its employees. Once again, thank you. We are deeply grateful for your support.
Date Received: 28 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Sergeant James Killeen and Sergeant Todd Campbell
Excerpts from Letter: I am writing you to bring to your attention the recent work of Sgt Killeen and Sgt Campbell. Myself and another colleague teach a University of Ottawa Law class on Forensic Science. This year, as you know, we covered a number of topics, including Police Identification and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. Both Sgt’s were very informative guest lecturers. They were excellent speakers who effectively communicated their expertise. The students, who are second and third year law students, were very receptive to their lectures. Please pass along our sincere appreciation to Sgt. Killeen and Sgt. Campbell for their contributions to our class.
Date Received: 31 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Aaron Reichert and Constable Jean-Francois Martin
Excerpts from Letter: I just wanted to pay a big thank you to the two officers. Cst. Martin was excellent at shutting down the situation and removing the driver from her car and keeping her from doing harm to anyone or herself. Cst. Reichert was extremely courteous while taking our statements and investigating the details. It never struck me until this morning how dangerous the situation was. If the driver had hit the gas, she could have killed someone or herself. I had never experienced a drunk driver before, and it is not something I ever really want to experience again. Thank you for keeping our city safe.
Date Received: 31 December 2010
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Lindsy Richardson, Constable Tyson Brummund, Constable Keith Waucaush, Constable Katherine Ste Marie Constable Mark MacMillian and Constable Randy Stockdale
Excerpts from Letter: With all the unfortunate recent negative press regarding the Ottawa Police Service, I feel it is necessary to let you know about an extremely positive experience. I was phoned by my neighbour advising me that there were two young men breaking into garages, cars and they had just run from my driveway. Ottawa Police responded immediately. The officer that came to my door was most polite. He asked me to stand back while he checked for footprints. When he was finished, he asked me to check my car to see if there was anything missing. Fortunately, I keep my car locked at all times. Fortunately, due to excellent police work, the young thieves were tracked down and apprehended. It is because of excellent police work as this, that neighbours can turn off their lights at night, go to bed and feel safe because we are protected by an excellent police force.