LETTERS OF
COMMENDATION
Date Received: 17 June 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Joel Shaver
Excerpts from Letter: I just wanted to compliment the way in which Cst. Shaver
dealt with a situation. I was very impressed by his conduct. As a young
inexperienced driver he explained the procedure in a way that I could
understand.
Date Received: 17 June 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Joshua Dunn
Excerpts from Letter: Cst. Dunn and his partner came to a call at my house. My
son was celebrating his 16th birthday, and there was an assault by an adult on
2 of his friends at a nearby store. Cst Dunn came into the house and took the
statements from the 5 boys that witnessed the attack. I was exceedingly
impressed with how he communicated with the boys and tried his best to give
them advice on how to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Cst
Dunn was patient and took the time to listen and understand their point of
view. It is important for young boys to have a role model to look up to,
especially in law enforcement and someone to respect. It’s visible that Cst
Dunn loves his job and has incredible communication skills. It would be my
wish that all police Constables could be as caring with excellent communication
skills as Cst Dunn.
Date Received: 17 June 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Dinis Oliveira
Excerpts from Letter: I am bringing to your attention my compliments and praise
to Cst Oliveira. My daughter has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome and
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. A couple of weeks ago, she had a melt down and
threatened my neighbour. The details and matter of her behaviour were of serious
nature were unacceptable. Cst Oliveira was extremely compassionate and
tolerant of my daughter’s irate behaviour. Cst Oliveira was left with no other
alternative than to escort my daughter to the hospital. His attitude was very
calming. The OPS and Cst Oliveira have my greatest respect. My daughter is
now connected with the Canadian Mental Health Association and has a counsellor
assigned to work with her. I cannot express my gratitude enough. My journey
has been challenging and having the support in these situations makes the
challenge palatable.
Date Received: 22 June 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Staff Sergeant Stephanie Burns
Excerpts from Letter: I spoke with S/Sgt Burns last November with regards to a
personal nuisance matter. I am certain that in the larger picture, mine was a
trivial complaint but she listened and assisted me respectfully and
professionally. Her assistance allowed me to move forward and has impacted me
and my family’s life in a positive way. Thank you.
Date Received: 22 June 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Nicole Bordeleau
Excerpts from Letter: I filed a police report for a stolen bike. The woman that
received my call was very patient, sympathetic and friendly. It was
appreciated.
Date Received: 23 June 2011
From: Megan Egerton, Principal, Churchill Alternative
School
OPS Member: Constable James Bond
Excerpts from Letter: As Cst Bond’s position as our School Resource Officer
comes to an end, I wanted to write and express my gratitude and be certain that
he is acknowledged for his work with our school. Cst Bond has been a
tremendous asset to our school and the community. He models for our students
compassion, professionalism, intelligence, a love for his career and willingness
to seeing situations from varying perspectives. He always made time to come to
our school and support the needs of the students, parents, staff and
community. Cst Bond’s genuine commitment to his job and out students is
outstanding. It was a pleasure to work with him and I am confident that he
will be a successful member of any team or department he goes to. We are
grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Cst Bond, and wish him success
in his future endeavours.
Date Received: 04 July 2011
From: Don Chenel, Program Manager, Canadian Police
College
OPS Member: Sergeant Milton Capady
Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of the Explosives Training Team, I would like to
take this opportunity to express our most sincere appreciation to Sgt Capady
for his services on our recent Police Explosives Technician Forces Entry
Instructors Course. The course is very intensive and demanding and the
co-operation we received from the subject matter experts is therefore
invaluable. He spent many hours assisting our staff with the course development
and delivery to ensure the course remains current and meets the needs of the
police community. Sgt Capady showed his professionalism and dedication during
the course and was a great representative of the Ottawa Police Service Tactical
Explosive Unit. Again, let me thank you for your assistance, continued support
and co-operation with the Canadian Police College.
Date Received: 04 July 2011
From: Frum Himelfarb, Director General of Learning and
Development, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
OPS Members: Constable Chamkaur Sandhu, Constable Ryan
Cuthbert, Constable Ewen Crook, Constable Devon Archer, Constable Jeannie
Philips, Constable Bonnie Grozelle, Constable Eli Edwards, Constable Jeffrey
Eva-Gonzalez, Constable Adam Gilbert and Constable Steve Malo
Excerpts from Letter: I would like to take this opportunity to express my
appreciation to you and your staff for allowing civilian staff from the HR
sector to accompany your officers while on patrol. Our goal was to allow our
employees to experience firsthand the demands of front line policing. We felt
this would allow our course designers a better understanding of police work and
inform the design of our operational training courses. I have read the
feedback from the ten Learning and Development employees who have taken
advantage of the ride-along program over the past year, and it is evident that
they learned a great deal from your officers. Please thank those involved for
their time and effort. They were greatly appreciated. I look forward to
continuing this worthwhile program with your staff.
Date Received: 06 July 2011
From: P. Symmonds, Principal, Emily Carr Middle School
OPS Member: Staff Sergeant Mark Patterson
Excerpts from Letter: I am writing you to extend my sincere appreciation on
behalf of S/Sgt Patterson who provided our keynote address to our students
during our Grade 8 Leaving Ceremony yesterday. Emily Carr Middle School has a
long-standing connection with the Ottawa Police and we’re proud that this relationship
continues today. S/Sgt Patterson spoke from the heart about his own experiences
and challenges while growing up. He captivated the students’ attention in a
thoughtful, compassionate way that engaged them in the keynote address. I
watched the students’ faces as they listened intently to the message
expressed. S/Sgt Patterson made a difference in the lives of children. I’m
proud that he is serving our City and is a leader in the Ottawa Police
Service. Please extend my appreciation.
Date Received: 07 July 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Staff Sergeant Denis Cleroux and Staff Sergeant Atallah
Sadaka
Excerpts from Letter: I would like to personally thank you for your help on
Canada Day. Because of the great co-operation and communication by you and
your officers, it made the day very enjoyable and safe for all.
Date Received: 11 July 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Maya Spitz, Constable Dinis Oliveira and
Constable Doug Belanger
Excerpts from Letter: I just wanted to let you know of a wonderful experience
which my husband and I had with four of your officers. My husband and I were
trying to locate his brother who had just recently been diagnosed with dementia
and was missing. When we had not received any news about his whereabouts, we
went to the Orleans police station and were received by Cst Maya Spitz who took
note of all the details, searched her database and after conferring with her
superior, was able to inform us that he was no longer missing. Not only was
she efficient and meticulous, but her warmth and sensitivity in dealing with us
was exceptional. My husband was invited to call Cst Belanger at the Elgin
Street Station where he shared information about my brother-in-law, agreeing
that he would be brought to the Montfort Hospital for assessment. We truly
appreciate the human touch shown by all of these wonderful officers and hope
that you will transmit our heartfelt thanks to them.
Date Received: 12 July 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Isabelle Cyr, Constable Dimitrios
Panagakos, Constable Steve Malo, Constable Christine Schulz and Constable Sid
Sharma
Excerpts from Letter: I would like to pass on a father’s thank you to one of
your officers who assisted my son (an Advanced Care Paramedic) in Ottawa. Back
in mid March my son arrived at a scene (while at work) where an individual was
going under water. My son took off his winder coat, jumped in and was able to
locate and get the person to the surface. At the same time, one of your
officers jumped in as well to help my son bring the person to the edge where
they were able to get him out of the water and to safety, and then to the
hospital. From what my son told me, the officer got out by then my son needed
some assistance in getting out himself. That is where your officer grabbed his
belt and pulled him out. As an ex-medic myself, I can tell that my son was
starting to suffer from hypothermia. Personally, I think they both should be
recommended for the medal of bravery from the Govenor General. Again, please
pass on my thanks to your officer.
