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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE:
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24 May 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: 31 March 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: OPS Members
Excerpts from Email: I wanted to thank you and the Ottawa Police Service for the incredible escort that was provided for a young girl killed in a motor vehicle accident. Most notable were the comments from the various school teachers, friends, and people from the community (in fact bringing tears to the eyes of many). Not often in my thirty years here have I heard so many compliments being shared at the cemetery about a police escort. Even more notable however was the team on the ground and the impression they left on our staff. They responded to a dramatic and sudden change in departure time and demonstrated exceptional skills, communication and teamwork as we travelled across the city. Again, well done!
Date Received: 26 April 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Staff Sergeant Shaun Brabazon
Excerpts from Letter: I was travelling to Edmonton to attend my wife’s funeral. You approached the line-up at the loading station and quietly pulled me aside to a quiet spot where there were no other passengers. It seems that a strange package showed up in my luggage with a metal container in a box. It happened to be my wife’s ashes for her cremation. You quietly asked me to accompany you to the location of the suitcase but my son volunteered to go for me. Then you came back and politely apologized for the inconvenience. I want to thank you for handling the case so politely and discreetly. In my opinion, there was no need to apologize because you were working for the protection of all of the passengers. I was pleased to discover that the checked baggage is inspected. Thank you again and good luck in your career.
Date Received: 26 April 2011
From: Jeff Bahm, Detective Inspector, Ontario Provincial Police
OPS Members: SergeantTracey Butler and Constable Derek McClusky
Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Ontario Provincial Police, I would like to express our gratitude to Sgt. Butler and Cst. McClusky for their work on a recent investigation. One of the many challenges in this case was managing the victims of the break and enters; especially those who had no idea they were victims until they were told by police. Understandably, they had many questions. However, due to the ongoing court process, few answers could be given. Cst. McClusky and Sgt. Butler were very professional in their communications with the victims, and represented the Joint Investigative Team in an admirable manner. They responded to requests from the multi-jurisdictional major case manager in a timely fashion and reported the results back within the provided deadlines. This is yet another example of police services from different communities and jurisdictions working together as one to make our communities a safer place. I thank you and your officers for working with us to convict the suspect on all counts he was charged with.
Date Received: 27 April 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Sergeant Catherine Brown
Excerpts from Email: My Uncle passed away unexpectedly in his home. The police were called to his apartment that morning when the superintendent was informed that he was not answering his phone, and then noticed his morning newspaper had not been taken in. Sgt. Brown found him deceased in his bed and she spoke with me from his apartment when I called from Toronto.
Sgt. Brown was very professional, and yet so comforting. I apologize for taking so long to let you know how helpful Sgt. Brown was (including letting me know she would be working over that weekend and giving me her extension should I have any other questions). Sgt. Brown’s excellent manner and her professionalism are to be commended.
Date Received: 1 May 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Suzanne Agnessi
Excerpts from Email: March this year, my husband slid into the ditch because of poor road conditions. He phoned and asked me to call the police and to come and get him. The call to the police was handled with extreme patience and kindness. I had few details and was upset and the person on the other end of the phone was so courteous and helpful. Cst. Agnessi at the accident was also very calming and pleasant to deal with. In the news, we hear too often of the problems that occur with regards to the police and I wanted to write a note to say that there is one very thankful and appreciative recipient of police actions.
Date: 01 May 2011
Name: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Jason O’Connor and Constable Earl Cook
Exerpts from Letter: In February, I accompanied my daughter to her ex-boyfriend’s apartment to retrieve her belongings. Needless to say, that we were talking about an abusive relationship. After living nearly 3 years with her boyfriend, my daughter moved back home with me in December. Last December, she called the OPS to get help taking her belongings. She succeeded in taking most of her belongings, but some remained behind. I contacted S/Sgt Fournier in February and we tried to establish a time for my daughter and police to attend. S/Sgt Fournier was most helpful with her advice and help. A date was set, but unfortunately S/Sgt Fournier was off sick. I spoke with Cst McCarthy and again I must say that Cst McCarthy was very compassionate and helpful. Cst Cook and Cst O’Connor arrived on the scene. I want to publicly commend both officers for their extreme professionalism and compassion. Their calm demeanour appeased a very volatile situation with my daughter’s ex boyfriend. They were also able to calmly talk to my daughter and explain to her what the process was. There was no violence, no vulgarities and no arrogance. Cst O’Connor and Cst Cook are an example of what fine officers we have with OPS. I would like them to be commended for their demeanour, their compassion and understanding and most of all for their total integrity while dealing with parties and myself. They are what makes us the best Police Service in Canada and probably the world.
Date: 01 May 2011
Name: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Matthew Caldwell, Constable Harley Shaw, Constable Krista Mallon and Constable Jordan Blonde
Exerpts from Email: Last April, a break-in occurred at my residence. I wish to commend the conduct of Cst Caldwell, Cst Blonde and Cst Shaw. They handled the case very efficiently, politely and expressed concern for my physical well being every step of the way. I am 90 years old, live alone and appreciate the reassurance given me by them.
Date: 01 May 2011
Name: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Martin Corbeil
Exerpts from Email: My dog walker was out walking my dogs around Millennium Park and one of them ran off and fell through the ice in a stream nearby. Cst Corbeil went looking for my dog with my dog walker and found him stuck in the stream. Cst Corbeil selflessly waded in to rescue him. I believe this goes over and above the call of duty and I wanted to officially thank him from the bottom of my heart. My dog is a very important member of my family and I can’t imagine life without him.
Date: 01 May 2011
Name: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Sergeant Glenn Gordon and Constable David Stewart
Exerpts from Email: My mother-in-law passed away at her retirement home. Shortly after, CPR was stopped. I left to pick up my distraught wife and father-in-law. Upon our return we were surprised to learn from our daughter who had arrived before us that two police officers were conducting an investigation. However, they patiently and compassionately explained that protocol required this. In fact, their support and helpful suggestions made things easier for the grieving family which was still in shock. We were surprised that protocol required them to contact the funeral home and arrange for the remains to be taken away, but this was very helpful as we would not have known how to go about things. This was beyond our expectations of the Ottawa Police Service. Cst Stewart and Sgt Gordon were compassionate and professional. We believe it is important for you to know that the public they serve appreciates them.
Date: 01 May 2011
Name: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Sergeant Maureen Bryden, Sergeant Ken Bryden and Constable James Ramsay
Exerpts from Email: The Ontario Court of Justice welcomed a group of 50 youths. The goal was to help kids experience the justice system from a positive perspective, that of being the actual professionals in the courtroom rather than being the accused. With very short notice, Sgt Maureen Bryden, Sgt Ken Bryden and Cst Ramsay agreed to attend to assist us in facilitating a mock trial. The goal was to instil hope, and stimulate a desire to engage and embrace formal education. The outcome could not have been any better. The youth truly engaged in the role-playing experience and then had a ton of questions for the officers and others. It is truly the kindness and willingness of these officers that make the Ottawa Police Service such a great police service.
Date: 01 May 2011
Name: Paul Attia, Assistant Crown Attorney
OPS Members: Constable Paul Heffler, Constable Lisa Brogan, Constable Eric Perreault and Constable Martin Cardinal
Exerpts from Letter: I recently ran a trial and am writing this letter to commend the efforts of a number of police officers involved in the case. In December 2009, information was received that two men were causing a disturbance at a local business. Two men were said to have fled, and the investigation led to a nearby wooded area. Cst Heffler began a search in the wooded area and came across the man who had apparently entered, and began to wade through the icy water. Therein, standing in the chest-high water, Cst Heffler located the man, unconscious, floating in the water with only a small portion of his face above the water’s surface. Cst Brogan also came on scene and she too, went into the water in order to assist Cst Heffler in removing the 6’5 man from the pond. Once on land, Cst Perreault assisted.
There is no doubt that the actions of the officers that night saved this man from a cold and watery grave. Their thanks for this, after having entered into freezing waters to conduct this rescue, was being (indirectly or directly) spit upon, and then having to attend at trial some months later. I would also like to thank Cst Cardinal, the assigned investigating officer who came to trial organized, prepared and provided assistance with the case.