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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE:
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23 September 2013 |
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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)
Responsible for the report: Director John Steinbachs
LETTERS OF COMMENDATION
Date Received: 26 June 2013
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Cesar Wiegelmann
Excerpts from letter: Lately, my brother-in-law’s employer called OPS to request they do a residence check on him who hadn't attended work for a week. Cst. Cesar Wiegelmann was the responding officer who attended the address. My brother-in-law has been battling an alcohol addiction for some time; he has attended several rehab facilities with no success. Underneath the addiction however, he is an incredibly friendly, moralistic man, which makes it even harder. Cst. Wiegelmann did not take the "easy" route. He keenly observed that my brother-in-law was in a state of personal neglect and through very respectful dialogue, talked him into going to the hospital. My brother-in-law himself said: "the officer was very acute; he knew exactly what I'd been doing for a week straight and he was incredibly nice to me". This officer recognized that my brother-in-law needed help and took him to hospital where perhaps he might seek a more efficient and long-term solution. Unfortunately as is often the case, he was assessed and released. We don't know where the saga with him will end. I only hope that if he has to meet an officer again while in crisis, it can be one like Cst. Wiegelmann who is invested in his work and cares about the people he interacts with. He is a professional and your organization is lucky to have him in your ranks. Pease know that I have never met this officer nor do I have any personal connection with him. I just really wanted to say "thank you" for trying to make a difference.
Date Received: 22 August 2013
From: Michael Balfour, Director of Health & Safety/Loss Prevention, Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Excerpts from letter: On behalf of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier I would like to thank you and your organization for your professionalism shown to not only the Fairmont Chateau Laurier but to the Central district. Your organization’s commitment to allocating and/or redistributing financial and human resources via bringing back the lower town foot patrol has had a direct impact for residents, businesses and tourists visiting our Nation’s Capital in a densely populated district with varying number of social/economic issues. Through the actions of the professional members of the Ottawa Police Service we have seen a reduction in negative experiences reported by our guests, colleagues and partners within our community. Your organization has been of great assistance in facilitating a safer community and maintaining the district as the nation’s capital number one tourist destination be it Rideau Canal / By ward market / Confederation Boulevard.
Date Received: 25 June 2013
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Cst. Rosemary Keindel-Martineau and Cst. Dale Short
Excerpts from letter: My mother got sick while the family was out of town. Thank you to the two officers who responded to her 911 call. They responded quickly and thoroughly to locate her and stayed behind to keep the property safe. My mom, family and friends want to express our appreciation for their hard work and dedication. My mom told me how kind and nice they were to her, and really took care of her when she needed the help the most.
Date Received: 25 June 2013
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Cst. Stephane Poirier and Cst. Darryl Upshaw
Excerpts from letter: We requested an officer to come deal with a lady who was very distraught and with severe signs of PTSD. The officers were very patient, supportive and explained in detail about the client’s rights as a sexual assault victim. The office welcomed the Inuktitut translation provided by the staff and worked very well with the staff and clients. Thank you to the OPS staff in support to the Inuit community members who go through difficult times and assisting them in getting the right kind of help they need and being understanding and supportive. I understand it’s difficult to deal with needy persons with mental health issues. Thank you for your patience and understanding and wanting to learn more about Inuit and how to work with them.
Date Received: 9 July 2013
From: Member of the Public
Excerpts from letter: (Paul McCartney Show - July 7 - OPS Pipe Band). Congratulations to the Pipe Band members for playing in a once in a lifetime event and doing so flawlessly with excellent presentation. The segment is on YouTube and the world can see your excellence even before the show DVD is available. Well done, you've made your city proud of you!
Date Received: 30 June 2013
From:
Member of
the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Hany Rizkalla
Excerpts from letter: It is with the utmost thanks, sincere appreciation and respect that I wish to commend Cst. Hany Rizkalla, a special member of the Ottawa Police Service, for going above and beyond his call of duty. Cst. Rizkalla found my lost wallet at a gas station and even though he was off duty, took the time to secure the wallet and its contents and notify me that he found it. He made arrangements for me to pick it up at the police station. Cst. Rizkalla would not accept a reward for this honourable service and I feel the least that I can do is to take the time to write this note and personally express how sincerely appreciative I am for these kind acts. If there is a way to recognize Cst. Rizkalla for his honesty and kindness please do so on my behalf. He makes me proud to live in Ottawa and have such fine members of the OPS serve and protect me. Many thanks Cst.Rizkalla!
Date Received: 31 July 2013
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Paul Laforest
Excerpts from letter: We recently had a car accident. The professional and prompt response by Cst. Paul Laforest at the scene of the accident, co-ordinating and managing not only the driver of the vehicle and ourselves, was done in a very mature manner with compassion. It not only minimized our distress—my son is autistic—but also ensured that everything got done in a timely fashion. He kindly dropped our bicycles off at our neighbour, contacted my eldest son and came to the hospital with his card, the case number and contact details for the driver. We would like to commend one outstanding individual that you have on your team working to make the world we live in better.
Date Received: 24 June 2013
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Curtis Hebert
Excerpts from letter: Cst. Curtis Hebert responded to my 911 call in reference to a dangerous driver who was driving a pocket motor cycle with a small child passenger with no helmets speeding through the neighborhood street. Cst. Hebert was prompt, professional and thorough; as well he displayed initiative and dedication in regards to my complaint by taking action by patrolling the area through the afternoon. I, my wife, my children and our neighbors are greatly appreciative of Cst. Hebert's excellent police work. Thank you.
Date Received: 10 May 2013
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Cst. Bonita Grozelle, Cst. Stephane Valin and Cst. Trevor Gunsolus
Excerpts from letter: Please thank everyone involved for their quick work in finding my suicidal daughter and returning her to the hospital. Especially the two officers who spotted and apprehended her!
Date Received: 31 July 2013
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Cst. Jeff Meness and Cst. Marty Kovac
Excerpts from letter: We are writing to express our appreciation for the excellent service that we have received from two of your officers, Cst. Jeff Meness and Cst. Marty Kovac. We called 911 to ask for help after discovering that my 82 year-old diabetic father was missing from our usual appointed pick-up location. The dispatcher was very kind and, once he had all of the information he needed to move on the search, tried to allay our fears for my father's safe return. In no time, Cst. Meness arrived at our home to get more details from us. He was very respectful and reassuring and outlined what was already underway to help find my father. Soon after, Cst. Kovac arrived, another gracious and reassuring officer, and provided details on the results of the latest efforts in trying to locate my missing father. The hardest part of this situation for us was the waiting to hear anything - but both officers were so very helpful, patient, and pleasant that it helped a great deal. They both displayed a high quality of professionalism, and, in our opinion, they are sterling embodiments of excellence in their job and in their duty to citizens of Ottawa like us. In the end, my father managed to convey to a shop owner that he was lost. She drove him home, safe and sound, later that afternoon. We hope that this positive account of our experience with Cst. Meness and Cst. Kovac will be of interest to you. If we need any police assistance in the future, we look forward with confidence and reassurance after this recent experience.