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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE:
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30 July 2012 |
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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)
Charles Bordeleau
Chief of Police
Attach. (1)
LETTERS OF COMMENDATION
Date Received: 24 February 2012
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Scott Craig
Excerpts from Letter: I was rear-ended on Terry Fox Drive in Kanata. The constable that responded was S. Craig badge #2182, Platoon F. I appreciated his warmth, compassion and sensitivity when dealing with both myself and the other driver. Many thanks.
Date Received: 24 February 2012
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Jason McDonald
Excerpts from Letter: Please pass along my thanks to the officers who attended at my home on Friday evening. The intruder turned out to be an inebriated homeless person who had been trying to get into my house. Disconcerting to say the least since I was home alone. The officers finessed him off my porch and seemed infinitely patient in the process. I felt reassured at their prompt response and considerate explanation. Thanks also to the individual who received my 911 call. He was kind, reassuring and kept me informed and on the line before the officers arrived.
Date Received: 24 February 2012
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Stephen Brown
Excerpts from Letter: My mother turned left instead of right and was found half way to Montreal. I cannot tell you how impressed I was as to how well your officers performed and the speed in which they found her. Many thanks to all the eyes that were opened by my call to you. I wish to express my personal thanks to all your members who came to our rescue for mom.
Date Received: 18 March 2012
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Bonnie Grozelle
Excerpts from Letter: I took my mom to the washroom at the Ottawa train station. She collapsed with breathing difficulties and heart failure. A VIA employee called 911 and Cst. Bonnie Grozelle came through the door. She was WONDERFUL—empathic, practical, funny. She led me to the hospital, guided me through the whole admitting process and successfully contacted my brother and sister when I couldn’t reach them. She empathized about proud and stubborn (ornery) mothers and generally kept me calm enough to answer the doc’s questions.
At this writing, my mother has survived and will hopefully recover. Bonnie checked back in with me hours later, after she had brought someone else to the hospital. I feel like she is my new best friend. I can’t adequately express how much I appreciated her help. Thank you!
Date Received: 23 March 2012
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Cst. Marc Gaines
Excerpts from Letter: My husband was driving me and our two week old son to my mother’s house. On route we were rear-ended by a careless driver. Unfortunately, the other driver did not have her insurance paperwork with her and my husband and I were fearful that she could easily drive away so we requested that a police officer come on site to report the accident.
Cst. Gaines arrived shortly after and from the moment he stepped out of his cruiser he showed professionalism and warmth. At one point my husband mentioned that we had a two week old baby in the backseat, immediately Cst Gaines facial expression changed and he rushed over to see me and the baby. Cst. Gaines was adamant to contact the paramedics to have the baby properly examined. Though I knew that my son was fine, a feeling of relief instantly took over my body. The constable’s demand to have the baby examined eased my husband and I of any worries. Please convey our gratitude to Cst. Gaines; he is a great asset to the Ottawa Police.
Date Received: 31 March 2012
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Cst. Jeff Shields
Excerpts from Letter: I was pulled over by Cst. J. Shields on the morning of March 29, 2012. He proceeded to ticket me for speeding. I would like to let his superiors know that I have NEVER dealt with an OPS officer as polite and professional as Mr. Shields. I am sure you hear about your officers littlest missteps on a daily basis and I just wanted to balance that out. Cst. Shields is a true credit to the service.
Date Received: 2 April 2012
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Cst. Christian Rioux and Cst. Jeff Aylen
Excerpts from Letter: We had to call 911 and request help from police at our residence. We want to thank both officers that treated the situation with seriousness, respect and fairness. I just wanted to ensure that they knew that we appreciated it and that their visit helped the situation. I certainly hope we never have to call again but if we do, I will know that we will be treated with the same professionalism of our police. We forgot to take the names of the officers but I certainly hope you can track them and ensure that they are thanked by my husband and I.
Date Received: 2 April 2012
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Cst. Edward Yeoumans
Excerpts from Letter: I have encountered a few too many police officers in my 27 years. Officer Yeoumans saw me at a stop sign, not wearing my seatbelt. As soon as I thought I was far enough away that he wouldn’t see me, I put my seatbelt on. He made a u-turn and pulled me over (deservedly so). He asked me why I wasn’t wearing my belt, at which point I denied that I wasn’t and insisted that I had been wearing it the entire time, all the while knowing that I hadn’t been. He then took my license and pulled up my driving record. He came back to my window, and asked me about a warning I had received about not wearing my seatbelt from probably 6 months ago or so. For some reason, officer Yeoumans gave me a break, which I couldn’t believe in the first place, but then proceeded to have a nice chat with me, explaining that wearing my seatbelt could same my life, and that not wearing it would only cost me money and heartache. I thanked him and offered a handshake which to my surprise, because no other officer ever has when I’ve offered, he accepted it.
I am writing you to tell you that officer Yeoumans spoke to me with respect, showed that he cared about the citizens he looks after in Barrhaven. I hope this letter and my sincerest gratitude can make its way to the desk of the Chief of Police and also back to officer Yeoumans.
Date Received: 13 April 2012
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Andrew Pidcock
Excerpts from Letter: Cst. Pidcock is one of the officers who responded to a community member’s 911 call alleging she was assaulted by her husband. Cst. Pidcock and his partner determined that no grounds existed to believe an assault took place, hence no arrest was made. Cst. Pidcock also dealt with the woman’s family at the hospital where she was brought for treatment. The social worker at the hospital spoke to me about Cst. Pidcock’s “outstanding work” with the family. As per her letter, “Cst Pidcock went over and beyond his duties to manage this tragic case. Even under the most difficult circumstances he remained calm and supportive at all times. Having honourable officers like him give the Ottawa Police meaningful recognition. Thank you so much for everything Andrew”.
Date Received: 16 April 2012
From: Ontario Provincial Police - Shelley Nemeth, Coordinator Awards and Recognition Unit
OPS Members: Cst Katarzyna Hamberger
Excerpts from Letter: Congratulations! On behalf of Commissioner Chris D. Lewis, it is my pleasure to advise you that you have been nominated and approved to receive a Commissioner’s Commendation for Assist OPP. You are being recognized for stopping to assist an OPP officer, while off duty, after you observed the member struggling with a combative driver, following a traffic stop, on Highway 417. On behalf of Commissioner Chris D. Lewis and the Ontario Provincial Police, I would like to thank you. Community policing and the unselfish actions of people such as yourself are important to the safety and wellness of our province.