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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE:
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22 November 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: 02 August 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Vanessa Parsons
Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of my family, we thank you for rescuing my sister.
Date Received: 02 August 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Matthew Caldwell and Constable Michael Adlard
Excerpts from Letter: I experienced a very trying experience which involved my wife. She is 90 years old, and is experiencing early stages of Dementia. Recently we took up residence at a retirement home. Because the new accommodation is considerably smaller than the condo we vacated recently, I was making routine visits to our old condo to gather some items that I considered necessary at our new location. I did not expect to take too long gathering the required items. She indicated previously she did not wish to come up to our old condo with me. Upon returning 15 minutes later, my vehicle and wife were nowhere to be seen. For whatever reason, my wife chose to drive our vehicle to a new location. After searching with several local personnel to try to locate my wife and vehicle, I immediately dialled 911. Cst Caldwell started his investigation. When he acquired sufficient information, he initiated a search procedure for a general ‘be on the look out” for my vehicle and wife. In the meantime, he made an assessment that he required the assistance of a Cst Adlard and arranged for his joining the search. Fortunately about this time, a friend we visit regularly replayed some messages on his cell phone which included a voicemail entry of my wife informing him that she was in trouble and was at the Shoppers Drug Mart at the mall, when in fact she was at the Royal Bank. Cst Caldwell immediately directed Cst Adlard to confirm this information which he did in an exemplary manner and reported her safety back to Cst Caldwell. We proceeded to the mall to find a very happy spouse. I cannot express my sincere appreciation appropriately of the efficiency and expertise demonstrated by these two officers. This speaks volumes of their training and proficiency. I hope sincerely that their efforts in this matter will be recognized accordingly and appropriate notations made on their individual files to reflect their efficiency.
Date Received: 4 August 2011
From: Sergeant Thomas Cadieux (Retired)
OPS Members: Constable Jorge Mendonca, Constable Kevin McKale, Staff Sergeant Patrick Walsh and Eva Savage
Excerpts from Letter: On May 16, 2011 a call was placed to 911 for an ambulance to take my wife to the hospital due to a heart attack. I performed CPR with the help of the ambulance operator until the arrival of the paramedics, fire department and OPS. It didn’t take long for the team above to get a pulse. She was then transported to the Montfort Hospital. However, later that morning, she passed away due to a massive heart attack. Thanks to our Victim Crisis Unit, namely Eva Savage, who called for support during my time of grief. Please convey to all officers my sincere appreciation for the conscientiousness and responsible work. Further for their utmost professionalism for a human efficient Police Services that I was also proudly part of during my own career.
Date Received: 5 August 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Staff Sergeant Brad Hampson, Inspector Chris Renwick, OPS Bands and Tattoo Committee
Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of the Tattoo Committee, our sincere appreciation to all for a job well done. The massed bands are always a highlight and the portion that enlightens the audience. Special recognition and thanks to the individual band segments performed by the Glengarry Grades Two and Five including the alumni Bands, HMCS Ontario. It was a pleasure to have S/Sgt Hampson assisting as one of our singers and performing so capably as usual. To the leaders of the bands, and through you to your members, thank you for your support. To the Drum Majors and in particular, Chris Renwick, our sincere thanks for assistance in directing and organizing the massed bands.
Date Received: 10 August 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Carissa Beck
Excerpts from Letter: My daughter, granddaughter and I were in Ottawa to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. We found a great spot in the crowd and waited for the Royal couple to pass us on their way to the Parliament Hill. Despite the extremely hot day and length of time, the police officers had to line the route the Duke and Duchess took. They were unfailingly friendly and patient with the crowd. One officer stood out. I had a hip replacement surgery a year ago and since then at times have trouble walking and standing for too long. I had taken along a fold-up chair but there was no room in the crowd to use it. After awhile, I wasn’t sure if I could stand much longer and spoke to a nearby police woman about my problem. Cst Beck took the chair, unpacked it and found a spot a few feet away from where we stood where she could set it up. I wanted to let the OPS know how much I appreciated her help and kindness.
Date Received: 10 August 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Sergeant Rick Giroux, Constable Andre Leduc, Constable Keri Saunders and Constable Jennifer Rheaume
Excerpts from Letter: Special thanks for your quick response in saving my life.
Date Received: 24 August 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Kathy Bradley
Excerpts from Letter: The manner in which Cst Bradley handled the motor vehicle accident was excellent. It was precise, diplomatic and expeditious. The matter was settled to the satisfaction of both parties involved. I feel that we hear many complaints regarding OPS. This occasion is one for a compliment.
Date Received: 29 August 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Sergeant Vanessa McNeil, Constable Andre Leduc, Constable Heather Santon, Constable Tina Sabourin and Eva Savage
Excerpts from Letter: My wife and I would like to thank OPS for being there for us since our son’s death. In particular Eva Savage of the Victim Crisis Unit has been particularly supportive and really helped our family through a very difficult time.
Date Received: 31 August 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Michael Bond
Excerpts from Letter: This letter is to express our profound appreciation for the positive influence that Cst Bond has had on our son. Our son is a second year student at the University of Ottawa who has wanted to be a police officer for a number of years. Approximately two years ago, he met Cst Bond, while he was responding to a call at a neighbour’s house. As they were finishing up the call, our son came upon the police officers and asked Cst Bond a few questions about police work. Cst Bond took the time to answer all of his questions and told our son about the ride-a-long program and if he was interested that Cst Bond would set up a ride-a-long with him. He has since gone on 2 ride-a-longs with Cst Bond. Cst Bond always took the time to explain procedures and police work to him. He also emphasized the importance of education and volunteer work. His ability to connect with our son and his patience at explaining the technicalities as well as the procedures of police work were truly superior. It is evident that Cst Bond has a love and enthusiasm for his profession and a sincere interest in helping a young man like our son reach to his potential. The OPS is fortunate to have such a positive role model in Cst Bond.
Date Received: 12 September 2011
From: Romeo Donatucci, President, Associazione Roccamontepiano S.R. Ottawa
OPS Members: Constable Paramjit Singh, Constable Edward, Constable Dan Testa
Excerpts from Letter: On behalf of the Associazione Roccamontepiano S.R. Ottawa, I am writing today to thank the officers of the OPS that helped us with our church procession to celebrate the feast of our patron saint. We are indebted to Cst Singh, Cst Barry and Cst Testa for their excellent work with street closures that enables some 200 people marching in the procession to travel safely along the route. Community events such as ours would not be possible without service provided by our police. We extend our gratitude to the OPS for assisting our community in this annual event.
Date Received: 14 September 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Nadir Siddiqui and Constable Trevor Gunsolus
Excerpts from Letter: We had an incident at our store. The intrusion alarm went off and when the monitoring company called, I was at the movies and my phone was off. When I picked up my messages, I rushed to the store. The door was open and I called 911. In a short time, 2 OPS officers arrived, and checked and secured the property. These young men were very professional, friendly and competent. Cst Siddiqui and Cst Gunsolus are great guys and a credit to your police service.
Date Received: 14 September 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Daniel Tessier
Excerpts from Letter: During the night of August 22, 2011, the police were contacted by the hospital concerning a patient who was wheelchair bound. While this competent patient often stays out late, our concern was that he might have been stranded without assistance. Cst Tessier took the time to work with the nurses on the unit and was genuinely concerned for the safety of this patient. He took the time to speak with the patient and return him safely to the hospital. We would like to thank Cst Tessier for showing compassion, respect and concern for our patient. He intervened appropriately and in a timely fashion. Without his assistance and dedication, we would have been concerned for the patient’s safety and well being. We often complain about services rendered, but let us not forget to congratulate when someone goes above and beyond the call of duty. Please express our deepest gratitude to Cst Tessier.
Date Received: 12 October 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Marc Daviault, Constable Pierre Fournier and Constable Owen Carroll and OPS Members
Excerpts from Letter: I wish to thank Cst Daviault, Cst Fournier and Cst Carroll and many more for their amazing concerns toward 197 Gladu Street. This is a project well overdue. These officers dedicated more than their time, patience and efforts to try to clean up the neighbourhood.
Date Received: 26 October 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Sergeant Daniel Simser, Constable Robert Kennedy, Constable Natasha Norman
Excerpts from Letter: This is the first opportunity I have had to send a short note to let you know of the gratitude from our family when my father passed on October 15, 2011 at his home. The professionalism and compassion of Sgt Simser, Cst Kennedy and Cst Norman did not go unnoticed. They were excellent ambassadors of your service especially to his grandchildren who for the most this was the first exposure to police officers in performing their duty aside from school visits.
Date Received: 27 October 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Constable Jeffrey Eva-Gonzalez
Excerpts from Letter: This is now the second time I have had occasion to commend the conduct of one of your police officers. I received a call from Cst Eva-Gonzalez. He was inquiring as to an accident that had occurred in Kanata. Unfortunately, the accident involved a vehicle I won which was driven by my nephew at the time. It appears that my nephew may have pulled out rather to quickly from a public parking lot, and caught the left hand front bumper of a Honda Civic. My nephew did exit the vehicle to check to see if there was any damage. There appeared to be no damage to my Yukon nor did it appear to my nephew that there was any damage to the Honda Civic. When the owner of the Honda Civic returned, it appeared to him that there had been damage to his car and he contacted the OPS. Cst Eva-Gonzalez was cordial, professional and understanding. In my opinion, he went out of his way to sort out this matter and went so far as to explain to my nephew that he ought not to have left the parking lot without at least leaving his contact information on the windshield of the vehicle even if he didn’t think there had been any damage. That was an important life lesson for my nephew. One is always hearing complaints about not only the legal profession, but indeed, police services and as a member of the legal system in Canada, I would be remiss in not bringing to your attention this exemplary officer.
Date Received: 25 October 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Constable Susan Wright, Constable Robert Branch
Excerpts from Letter: I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you and the OPS for your support during the 2011 Kids N Kops Program. Many of the children in our programs (our Littles) live in neighbourhoods in Ottawa with higher crime rates, which can increase the likelihood of our Littles being exposed to negative stereotypes of the police in our communities. The Kids N Kops Program is designed to give our Littles the chance to interact with police offers in a friendly, fun and interactive learning environment. The main goal is to foster improved relationships between our children (and ultimately their communities) and law enforcement.
In addition, the Kids N Kops program improves Littles’ knowledge of ways to stay safe at home and in the community. Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa is extremely thankful for the support received by 2 members of the OPS. Cst Wright and Cst Branch were involved in mentoring and guiding 20 Littles during the week long program. They provided a wonderful and memorable experience for each child with their presence and commitment. Their assistance was invaluable and Kids N Kops could have not taken place without their support.
Date Received: 27 October 2011
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Staff Sergeant Dave Thomas, Sergeant Pat Malone, Sergeant Al Ferris and Constable Shaun Steele
Excerpts from Letter: The 2011 Memorial weekend and service was a great success. The next of kin, police and peace officers, and friends of the fallen officers greatly appreciate the efforts of all concerned. Also, the Memorial Committee would like to thank:
· Sgt Malone who takes on the role of Parade Commander each year and his team of Parade Marshalls who are officers from the OPS who volunteer for this post.
· Sgt Ferris and his team for the traffic support and escort onto the Hill.
· S/Sgt Thomas from EOD for the security provided on the Hill the day of the Memorial service.
· Cst Steele who played the “Last Post” and,
· Andrew Hayes, Piper who played the Lament. Both are members of the Ottawa Police Services Pipes and Drums.