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Beyond the Badge
In these pages, we recognize the numerous achievements and accolades of our members. We realize that many will be missed, but we can only include what we have been told or what we have found. If you would like to share something commendable in The Dispatch, please send it to communications@pao.ca for publication in the next issue. And, of course, congratulations to all of you.
RETIREMENTS
Janet Anstice
Chatham-Kent
After 30 years of being the calm, reassuring voice on the other end of the phone, Janet Anstice is hanging up her headset. Thank you for 30 years of devoted service to the Chatham-Kent Police Service and the citizens of Chatham-Kent. Enjoy your much-deserved retirement.
June Degagné
North Bay
Congratulations to Special Constable June Degagné, who proudly served with the North Bay Police for 30 years. Enjoy your retirement!
Anne Beaulieu
OPP
Congratulations to civilian member Anne Beaulieu of the Nipissing West OPP, retiring after 30 years of service with the OPP. Nipissing West OPP, A/Insp. W. McMullen & S/Sgt. H. Wall presented Anne with a 30-year Certificate of Recognition. Happy retirement, Anne!
RETIREMENTS (CONT.)
Steve Miron
Sault Ste. Marie
Sgt. Steve Miron retired on November 30 after 33 years of service. With four years on patrol, 13 in traffic, 10 in support services (building and fleet) and the last six in communications, he has left his mark across many departments. We wish Steve all the best in whatever he does next.
Sudbury
Congratulations to Cst. Todd Gascon on his retirement from GSPS. Cst. Gascon commenced his policing career with GSPS in 1999 and has worked in various capacities including Uniform Patrol, Tactical Unit and the GSPS Training Branch. Thank you for your years of service and we wish you all the best in your retirement.
MILESTONES
Todd Gascon
Linda Kiely caption name
York
Happy retirement to Information Services supervisor Linda Kiely, an incredible example of dedication and leadership.
Rhonda Allison
Gananoque
Congratulations to Administrator Rhonda Allison, who celebrated her 30th anniversary with the Gananoque Police Service on September 25.
OPP
James Bay OPP A/Insp. D. Lalonde recognized Admin Clerk Denyse Chouinard with her 20-year service coin, with the Hearst OPP. Thank you for your commitments and contributions to both the OPP and community.
Congratulations to Civilian Member Lori Skerkowski on 30 years of service with the OPP. Renfrew OPP Inspector
Denyse Chouinard
Lori Skerkowski
Dawn Ferguson presented Lori with a 30-Year Certificate of Recognition.
Sudbury
Congratulations to Cst. Dave Duffy, currently assigned to the Greater Sudbury Police Service’s Police Community Response Centre (PCRC). October 17, 2022, marked his 45th year with the GSPS, an outstanding achievement! Thank you for your dedicated service.
Dave Duffy
Steve Long
Aylmer
Cst. Steve Long’s recognized community service with Halton Regional Police and Aylmer Police Service has earned him a distinguished 20-year Exemplary Service Medal. Congratulations, Steve.
Guelph
PAO board member Matt Jotham, current treasurer and past president of the Guelph Police Association, was presented with the Guelph Police Service Member of the Year Award in early October. Congratulations on this incredible honour.
Halton
Cst. Olga Kripak and Cst. David Rivers were named corecipients of the 2022 MADD Halton Region Officer of the Year Award. Both officers were honoured by MADD at HRPS Headquarters on October 19, 2022. The annual award is part of an initiative undertaken by MADD Halton Region to recognize officers for their commitment and contributions to the prevention, apprehension and prosecution of impaired drivers. Congratulations!
Matt Jotham
OPP
At the end of August, Collingwood OPP Sergeant Dave Brown was presented with his exemplary service medal in recognition of 20 years of dedication to the OPP and serving the citizens of Ontario, by Inspector Loris Licharson and Staff Sergeant Chris Maecker. Congratulations Sarge!
Peel
Congratulations to Cst. Kelly Mariani of Peel Regional Police, who won Blue Line Magazine’s Rookie of the Year award.
Olga Kripak and David Rivers Kelly Mariani Dave Brown
Smith Potter Patrick Chatelain
OPP
Oxford OPP has some new sergeants in the ranks. Congratulations to Sgt. Potter and Sgt. Smith on your promotions.
Congratulations to Patrick Chatelain on his promotion to the rank of Sergeant, Regional Coordinator, Front Line Support Unit.
Congratulations to Dufferin OPP Sergeant Steven Roy on his recent promotion to Sergeant. All the best in your new role.
South Simcoe
Congratulations to Adam Walther on his promotion to the rank of Sergeant. Chief Fletcher presented Adam with his new badge and stripes on September 23.
Adam Walther Darren Charbonneau
Sudbury
Congratulations to Darren Charbonneau on his promotion to Sergeant. Sgt. Charbonneau has worked in Patrol Operations as well as the Rural Squad through the years. We look forward to the amazing contributions you will continue to make to the Greater Sudbury Police Service and to the community.
Woodstock
Congratulations to Sgt. Ryan Wright on his recent promotion. Wishing you all the best in your new position as Sergeant.
Steven Roy Ryan Wright
Peel
Cst. Michelle Marlborough, 48, of the Peel Regional Police, passed away on September 16 after a long illness. Michellle had been with the service since 2004. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Peterborough
Cst. John MacLeod, 51, of the Peterborough Police Service, passed away on August 29 while on vacation with his family in Halifax. The community policing officer was well known in his community and in 2016 was named one of Peterborough’s most influential people by Peterborough This Week. Cst. MacLeod was with the service for over two decades. Donations may be made to the Peterborough
Michelle Marlborough
Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
South Simcoe
Cst. Devon Northrup, 33, of the South Simcoe Police Service, was murdered while responding to a home disturbance call in Innisfil with Cst. Morgan Russell, who was also killed. The 22-year-old shooter was waiting for the officers and ambushed them. Neither drew their gun. Cst. Northrup had six years of service and was well-known in the community. All members of the South Simcoe Police Association are in mourning, along with his friends, family and the entire community.
Cst. Morgan Russell, 54, was killed in the same tragic incident as Cst. Northrup. The 33-year veteran leaves behind a wife and two children in university. He was planning to retire when they graduated. Cst. Russell was also well-known and loved by the community he served, and we send our condolences to his friends, family and colleagues.
John MacLeod Devon Northrup
Toronto
Cst. Andrew Hong, 48, of the Toronto Police Service, was murdered while on duty on September 12. He was in Mississauga for training exercises and stopped at Tim Horton’s for coffee when he was ambushed and shot at close range. His shooter then went on to Milton, where he killed two more people and injured several others. Cst. Hong was a 22-year veteran and known as the “gentle giant.” We send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues at the TPS and the TPA.
Morgan Russell
York Region
Cst. Travis Gillespie, 38, of the York Regional Police, was tragically killed in a head-on collision on his way to work on September 14. Cst. Gillespie started his career with the YRP in 2019 and was sworn in as a constable in 2020. He was currently in the selection process with the Emergency Response Unit. Our thoughts, support and condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues at the YRPA and the YRP. To honour Gillespie, his family has set up the Travis Robert Gillespie Martial Arts Scholarship Fund. Each year, a child will be awarded a scholarship in his memory. RIP, Travis.
