|
|
REPORT RAPPORT |
|
DATE:
|
28 April 2014 |
|
TO/DEST:
|
Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board |
|
FROM/EXP:
|
Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service |
|
SUBJECT/OBJET:
|
LETTERS OF COMMENDATION – APRIL 2014
|
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 (OPS).
(Original signed by)
Charles Bordeleau
Chief of Police
Attach. (1)
Responsible for the report: John Steinbachs, Director, Corporate Communications
LETTERS OF COMMENDATION
Date Received: 29 January 2014
From: Member of the Public
Excerpts from letter: I have been reading the CBC articles on the work you are doing to combat human trafficking and the sex trade. Amazing work! After reading Victor Malarek's "The Nathashas" I was in despair for all these women and afraid I could be a victim of abduction as well. So seeing these news reports makes me really proud of the Ottawa Police Service tackling this difficult and terrifying problem. Way TO GO! Keep up the good work!!!!!
Date Received: 3 February 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Dominic Paykarimah
Excerpts from letter: I had the privilege of having the assistance of Cst. Dominic Paykarimah for a civil matter. Dominic takes pride in his work; he was also courteous, kind, attentive, resourceful and respectful. His presence had a very positive impact and the situation resolved itself fairly quickly. I extend my thanks once again for his time and exemplary service.
Date Received: 14 February 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Kathy Bradley
Excerpts from letter: Please forward these kind words on to Constable Bradley. She issued me a ticket and my emotional demeanour was less than appropriate behaviour when dealing with law enforcement. I expect no reply from the officer, although please let me know if she will get the message. “Dear Constable K. Bradley, I wish to apologize for my demeanour when you pulled me over on Riverside Dr. for speeding, and also thank you for doing your job. You really did catch me at the worst moment possible as far back as I can remember, as I’m sure you remember getting bits and pieces of a sob story. Of all the times in your career when you’re expected to be sympathetic, a speeding ticket should not be that time. I know very well that my current “stressful situation” pales in comparison to anything that a police officer goes through in their day to day and I’m frankly embarrassed that of all people I tried to tell it to was a cop. Regardless of my situation, I deserved a ticket, and I think it’s important that police know that regardless how people can perceive their line of work negatively, some people actually do appreciate it, and I do. I appreciate everything the police service offers community, and I consider all of you heroes. I was also being honest that I’m very obsessive about safe and defensive driving practices. Thank you for your kind words and the kind actions you bestowed on me, I honestly do appreciate all of it. I will not fight the ticket, and for what it’s worth, I think I passed the exam I was headed back to.”
Date Received: 27 February 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Derek King
Excerpts from letter: There was a police officer that came to my house. He was amazing with my son. He went over and above to help me in a bad situation. He was very supportive & helpful. I will never forget him; how he helped me.
It's been a long difficult road for me (one that continues), but he restored my faith in police officers and people—If there is a way you can thank him for me - I'd appreciate it. I know there are not many details, and it may not seem important within my wording, but this man comes back to my mind every single time I am feeling weak and need to be strong in order to deal with my son’s "abuse". I will never forget what this police officer did for me! It made a huge impact on my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Date Received: 7 March 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Cst. Nikolas Boldirev, Cst. Paul Baechler, Cst. Alexander Robertson
Excerpts from letter: My dad died at his home two months ago. I apologize for the long delay in writing to thank your officers for their kindness and care on that day. I live out of town, and by the time my husband and I arrived two officers were there. They were both so kind, friendly and patient in going about the work they had to do. The Sergeant left a short time after we arrived, but the Constable stayed with us until the people from the funeral home arrived, after the coroner had been and gone. During the wait, it was really just as if neighbors of my parents were there -- we chatted, had as pleasant a visit as possible under the circumstances and were barely aware of the tasks that were being done. You should be very proud of these people -- while this was no doubt a simple, routine call for them, they did their work with kindness, professionalism and patience.
Date Received: 12 March 20134
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Sgt Steve Boucher, Cst. Yannik Bernard and Nicole Edens
Excerpts from letter: The other day, I was attacked by a random street person. I have not been in this sort of situation before and was impressed at the efficiency of the 911 operator and the response time of the police officers when they arrived. Of course, response times will always SEEM long when someone is threatening you, but after the fact I noticed it took only six minutes from the time I placed the call, to the time the officers arrived and came to my defense. I never had to call the police before and despite what happened, I feel safer knowing our city's Police Service is so effective.
Date Received: 14 March 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Benjamin Albert
Excerpts from letter: My husband and I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Cst. Ben Albert who took the time to visit our home very early this morning (1am) to investigate the car accident that I had on the way home from work. Cst. Albert was very polite, professional, efficient and compassionate. Despite the hour, he took the time to listen and was kind enough to keep his voice down so as not to wake up our young son. Even our cat liked him! Cst. Albert is a credit to the Ottawa Police Service. Thank you very much for your dedicated service to our city.
Date Received: 26 March 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Dominique Creamer
Excerpts from letter: I am a counsellor at the University of Ottawa, and I wanted to give feedback about excellent service and help I received from one of the dispatch staff. Her name is Dominique (never got her last name), and she was extremely helpful when I called to get information for a client living a difficult home situation. Dominique was amazing and to me, went above and beyond to provide me with very useful information. She also sought more information out to ensure that everything was covered. I really appreciate her help, and my client does as well. Huge thanks to Dominique!
Date Received: 30 March 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Lisa Grison
Excerpts from letter: Early last month my father passed away in his apartment due to heart failure. My mother had found him passed away on the hallway floor. This was such a shock for her finding my father this way. I was called with the news and arrived at the apartment as soon as possible with my two daughters. Upon entering the apartment I was introduced to Cst. Lisa Grison of the Leitrim Police Station. I just wanted to express my sincerest “thank you” to Lisa, as she was so professional, and caring in her approach to each of us in the family. We were so impressed as to how she called all of us by our names, and was so compassionate and thoughtful in speaking to us and allowing us to have as much together and individually needed time with my father lying on the floor, waiting for the funeral home to arrive. Once again and on behalf of my family, thank you so much to Lisa Grison, for your support, for our family.
Date Received: 31 March 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Barbara Babcock
Excerpts from letter: I had the pleasure of attending the Greenbank station lately. I accompanied a friend getting a police check for employment purposes. We were greeted by a female officer. This officer gives customer service and police services a great perception. I would just like to state my pleasure in accompanying a new resident to Ottawa and the perception of Ottawa Police that this Officer has left with her.
Date Received: 4 April 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Cst. Paul Laforest and Cst. David Stewart
Excerpts from letter: I would just like to take a moment to thank the officers who watched/patrolled Goldeneye Way this week. I'm not sure if they witnessed the crazy driving behaviour that we commonly experience on our walk to and from school every day - hopefully they did. So many issues with speed, failing to obey the crossing guard, creeping past the crossing guard as she walks back to the sidewalk, parking facing the wrong direction in front of the school, parking in the no stopping zone across the school and allowing children to run across in front of oncoming traffic to reach school yard. I think your presence made a difference that morning. Too bad the behaviour returns within a few days. Some good fines just might do the trick.
Date Received: 4 April 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Christopher Jones
Excerpts from letter: A few months ago, I had a serious car accident. My car was totally wrecked but fortunately I was not hurt. I wanted to let the Ottawa Police Service know that Officer Jones was very helpful and caring to me when I really needed help. I am 93 years old and at the time of the accident I was unable to contact my family. Officer Jones made me feel at ease and ensured that everything was looked after. He was my guardian angel and I really appreciated such dedicated service.
Date Received: 8 April 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Community Patrols
Excerpts from letter: I have been living on Augusta street for 3 years and I thank you all for the terrific work in making me and my neighbours feel safe. I've even been searched and run myself but was glad to oblige ... Thank you! We appreciate it :)
Date Received: 8 April 2014
From: Sgt. James Ritchie
A member of the public called to ask that this be forwarded to all the staff that he dealt with in the cell block: He thanks everyone for the great treatment they gave him and appreciated the assistance he got with his health problems. Officers gave him a mattress and sent officers to Gatineau to get medication from his wife. He just wanted to pass on what a great job he thought everyone was doing down here.