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)

Charles Bordeleau

Acting Chief of Police

Attach. (1)

LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

Date Received: 29 October 2011

From: Bryan Dore, Advanced Care Paramedic, Ottawa Paramedic Service

OPS Members: Constable Bernard Covic and Constable Jafeth Maseruka

Excerpts from Letter: I would like to pass along my thanks and to commend two of your officers that attended a call with me. We were dispatched to this residence for a potentially violent suicidal male. We awaited the officer’s assistance when we arrived at the residence and the officers encountered a weapon wielding male. The conduct of these officers was exceptional. The calm, professional attitude and excellent communications skills diffused the situation and averted a potentially tragic result. The officers were able to safely deliver the patient to our ambulance for treatment without any injury or serious incident. I have attended similar calls where the results ended in serious injury. Too often, members of your police service are scrutinized and given negative press. Not often enough are they commended for their actions. Not only did they diffuse a potentially violent incident, but they kept us safe so we were able to complete our job. I feel that too often the risks that these officers take go unnoticed or unappreciated. Please pass along my thanks to these officers for their professionalism and as usual keeping the paramedics safe.

Date Received: 10 November 2011

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Sergeant Mark Hayes, Constable Josh Dunn, Constable Kenneth Muse, and Constable Ian Matyas

Excerpts from Letter: This letter is somewhat overdue. I was involved in a Support Staff strike at Algonquin College. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the officers who were monitoring our picket lines for their courtesy, patience, professionalism and above all for keeping us safe on the picket line. Deserving special mention are Cst Dunn, Cst Muse and Cst Matyas. These officers were very competent, professional, courteous and went the extra mile to keep the picketers as well as the people coming through the picket line safe. I would like to thanks Sgt Hayes for his help and expert advice.

Date Received: 7 November 2011

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Sergeant Greg Brown and Constable Christine Schulz

Excerpts from Letter: I am teaching a 3^rd year University class on gender and crime at Carleton University this year and was honoured to have Cst Schulz come and address the class. Cst Schulz was a dynamic speaker who was engaging and served as a wonderful ambassador for your police service. She spoke openly, honestly, and highly of her colleagues. She was open to all questions and addressed each of them clearly. Furthermore, I firmly believe that she changed the ‘face’ and understanding of policing for many of the students in the classroom. Her presentation not only opened dialogue in the class, but also sparked a discussion question on affirmative action hiring in policing that became a graded part of the course. In that question, students were not only asked about their opinion about targeted hiring but also to offer suggestions about how the Ottawa Police Service could recruit more effectively in all types of minority communities. The suggestions were interesting (if not always practical) and I would be happy to share them with you should you like. In closing, please pass along my heartfelt thanks to Christine. She was an effective presenter, dynamic ambassador for your department, courageous and open about her personal and professional journey. I would also like to pass along my thanks to Sgt Greg Brown, my teaching assistant in the course. He arranged for Christine to come and has been a wonderful asset in the course. His willingness to answer questions about policing and recruiting outside the scope of the course content has put your police service in a very positive light. I have learned as much as the students from him.

Date Received: 14 November 2011

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Tena Gallichon

Excerpts from Letter: I would like to thank Cst Gallichon for her assistance at the scene of an motor vehicle accident. Regrettably, it was I who caused the accident. While there were no injuries, I was shaken as this was the first accident that I had caused in 40 years. Cst Gallichon had that unique blend of professionalism and compassion that is rare to find. She was pleasant and efficient and put everyone at ease. As this was a tense situation, the wrong type of approach could have heightened an already unfortunate incident. Once she ascertained that there were no injuries, she gathered the facts, checked all information, provided us with the relevant paperwork, and called for a tow truck. What amazed all parties on scene was her ability to be both professional and friendly. By the end of the incident, everyone was on extremely cordial terms. I also drove the couple whose car I had hit home. They, in turn invited me in for a coffee. I believe that an unfortunate incident was made palatable in great part by the way that Cst Gallichon handled the situation. She is a gem within your police service and deserves to be recognized for her abilities, professionalism and humanity. It is encounters such as these that makes me proud of our police service and gives me the confidence that we are in good hands.

Date Received: 09 December 2011

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Edward Yeoumans

Excerpts from Letter: This is to inform you about the wonderful and very helpful service my family and I received from one of your officers. I experienced a very bad case of road rage and I emailed the Ottawa Police regarding it. Cst Yeoumans responded immediately. The other good thing was he was aware of the traffic issues that I brought up about Barrhaven. He guided me in what I should do regarding the issue and I did. I thought I should inform you how happy it made me feel knowing that the Ottawa Police are very active with responding to out issues. There’s a lot of negativity against our police service, but I for one know that you run a great team. We need more officers like Cst Yeoumans.

Date Received: 09 December 2011

From: Steven Clark, Director of Ceremonies, The Royal Canadian Legion

OPS Member: Staff Sergeant David Thomas

Excerpts from Letter: It is with the deepest gratitude and appreciation of Dominion Command, The Royal Canadian Legion that I write to thank you for the exceptional service and dedication of your officers and NCO’s in support of the 2011 National Remembrance Day ceremony. The safety and security of the 25,000 spectators who had gathered to honour, thank and remember the fallen was guaranteed because of your team of professional personnel. I must make special mention of Staff Sergeant Thomas for his service on the organizing committee for the commemoration and his invaluable guidance and assistance.