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

Chief of Police

Attach. (1)

LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

Date Received: 18 January 2012

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Constable Monique Paquette, Constable Jeffrey Eva-Gonzalez, Constable Trevor Lindsay, Constable Danielle Sheffield and Constable Rebecca Lee-Greene

Excerpts from Letter: We recently went through a horrible ordeal with our 16 year old son who has been entertaining suicidal thoughts. I had to call the police as a result of an incident. The three police women who came to out house were amazing. First they were understanding and reassured me that I had done the right thing. Then they spoke to my son and made some very good suggestions and recommendations. I was extremely impressed with their manner. I called again the next day because my son left home indicating that he was going to end his life. I was in a state of panic and emotional. The police officer who came to obtain information was extremely compassionate, kind and reassuring as she calmly took all the relevant details. Fortunately, my son was picked up quickly. The officers made the decision to take my son to CHEO where my husband and I met up with him. While the officers stayed with our son at CHEO, my husband and I waited in the ER waiting room. The female officer was so good about coming to provide us with updates and explained the usual process. The next day we called the police again because my son left home again saying that we pushed him into carrying through with his suicide. Once again the first officer to arrive was very reassuring and compassionate. Unfortunately this time it took longer to find my son and once found, my son denied being suicidal so they had to let him go but reported that he was planning on staying with an acquaintance and that he appeared safe. Fortunately, he returned the next day. About a week later, Cst Paquette contacted me. She took note of my son’s issues at school and patiently listened and emphasized with me. Even though we felt the principal had handled the situation, she followed up. Cst Paquette also offered me a lot of information. I would like the Police Chief to know how impressed I am with the police officers we dealt with and how these people made a big difference in what was a very difficult and stressful time.

Date Received: 24 January 2012

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Mike Robillard

Excerpts from Letter: I am writing because I would like to thank the Ottawa Police Service and Cst Robillard for the opportunity to participate in a ride along. In December 2011, I was privileged to shadow Cst Robillard during a nightshift. I was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and knowledge Cst Robillard demonstrated throughout the shift. Throughout the ride along, Cst Robillard would take time to explain to me what was going on, give me tips on how to deal with issues (based on his experience), and explain where police have authority (explaining where police can arrest under the Mental Health Act). Cst Robillard is also surrounded by a platoon of people who were very professional towards the community during the several incidents I attended. As someone who aspires to become a police officer, I have participated in various ride alongs with other agencies. It is with no comparison, that this was the most informative and beneficial experience I have had to date as a ride along. I would also like to add that after driving back to Cornwall upon completion of the ride along, I am even more motivated to work hard towards my goal of being a hired as a police officer. Thank you very much for this experience.

Date Received: 24 January 2012

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Constable Matthew Sweet and Constable Jason Murphy

Excerpts from Letter: I would really like to thank the team of police officers and Medics that showed up the night of my mother’s death in August 2011. They were very compassionate and gentle towards my wife and I. They were also very professional and showed a lot of respect for her body. They gave me all the info I needed before the staff from the funeral home showed up. We really appreciated their help.

Date Received: 24 January 2012

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Ronald McDonell

Excerpts from Letter: Cst McDonell did an amazing job walking me through a very difficult evening and went the extra mile to put my mind at ease by working to secure my windows, and reminding me of the best ways to stay safe and connected with the Ottawa Police Service in the days and weeks following their visit. I felt reassured, heard, supported and safe enough to stay alone in my apartment that same evening. As a young, single woman without family in town, that experience is invaluable. Thank you for being there for me and for others in our communities like me.

Date Received: 24 January 2012

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Nicholas Benard

Excerpts from Letter: I would like to give my sincere gratitude to the members of the Ottawa Police Service and a special thanks to Cst Benard. I am a student at Algonquin College for Police Foundations and I also work for a security company which is how I met Cst Benard. In December 2011, I went on a ride along with Cst Benard. Being on a ride along was the greatest connection I have felt with becoming an officer, and I am excited to one day becoming a police officer. This was a great opportunity to learn about the police service, day-to-day activity, the city and about the citizens. Cst Benard was very interactive with the city and citizens, and his actions showed me how to be a proactive police officer safely. Thank you for this treasured opportunity.

Date Received: 26 January 2012

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Constable Stephane Valin

Excerpts from Letter: This note is to share with both of you our appreciation of the great work of Cst Valin. My husband was in a car accident and Cst Valin was the responding officer. We did not know until Cst Valin called to see how my husband was doing, that ambulance and fire personnel were also on the scene and checked on my husband. During that time, he appeared fine and indicated there was no need to take him to the hospital. Cst Valin however realized there should be some concern about my husband and after phoning me twice unsuccessfully drove him home. When they arrived, fortunately I was back at the house. Cst Valin was able to convey some accident details including giving me the accident report and where the car and keys were located. He also said he was unsure if his behaviour was normal (short term memory is lacking) and if it was not, to seek medical attention. I assured Cst Valin that my husband’s behaviour was unusual. I took him to the hospital and learned that he had suffered a concussion. He has absolutely no memory of the accident (in fact, he has lost about 3-5 hours of memory). We are extremely grateful that Cst Valin brought my husband home safely and took the time to provide me the information needed to seek medical attention and insurance coverage. We strongly believe that those individuals to whom we report in a working environment should hear the “good” stories about their staff and thus the reason for our email. You have a tremendous officer in Cst Valin.

Date Received: 26 January 2012

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Sergeant Stephanie Blades, Constable Thanh Tran, Constable Gurjoyt Gill, Constable Serge Berube, Constable Darren Joseph and Constable Brad Peak

Excerpts from Letter: Thay Bon Dat (Temple Master) and members of the Vietnamese community would like to sincerely thank the officers that attended the New Years celebration. Sgt Blades and her team of officers did an excellent job in representing the Ottawa Police and all officers, in general. They exhibited professionalism, approachability and flexibility, as the celebration started later than scheduled. Given that the older generation Vietnamese people immigrated from Vietnam, where the police force is an untrustworthy, oppressive, corrupted branch of the government, there is a latent fear and mistrust of all police officers. It is through positive and professional interactions between the Vietnamese community and the police, such as this event, that create the change in the negative perception of police authority. The New Years celebration was a success due to the work of Sgt Blades and her team. The Chua Pho Dat and the Vietnamese community look forward to continuing to build bonds with members of the Ottawa Police Service.