While on duty, Cst. Sean Connelly was first on scene to a report of a child not breathing after she had collapsed during a Terry Fox Run at her school. His quick actions in administration of CPR and utilization of an A.E.D were vital in saving this young girl's life. More details can be found in this Global News story: https://globalnews.ca/news/6079555/hamilton-officer-gatestone-cardiac-arrest-fox-run/

I am thrilled to recognize Michelle Barclay in this manner. Ever since Michelle was a young girl, she had common sense, compassion and the need to help others beyond her years. She continues on that path to this day. Police Victim Services is not a job to Michelle, but a way of life. Michelle has the ability and passion to anticipate and meet the needs of others even before they do themselves. She is ready to use every resource available to her to reach out and share with others in her community and beyond. 

Constable Surjeet Gill of Windsor Police Service is an extremely community-oriented police officer. He strongly believes in community engagement, diversity, and inclusion. There has been a huge influx of international students not only in Windsor Essex but throughout Canada. Officer Gill has done several workshops and presentations for these students on different topics to educate them and build a trust factor between them and police, in comparison to the different perspectives that exist about police where they originate from.

In the early morning hours of January 25, 2020, PC Carmickle and PC Severin responded to a single vehicle accident with serious injuries and an entrapment. To complicate matters, the vehicle involved had traveled up an embankment and went airborne across a river (100ft), landing on its roof on the other side - it was teetering precariously on the river’s edge. As they approached, it was clear that the passenger would be unable to get out of the vehicle themselves. Without hesitation, both constables acted immediately. 

Mike Stratford contributes many, many hours each week to the Air Cadet Program. He is in the Squadron every possible Monday evening assisting with the youth and their drills, he assists with the guard flight and he has taught classes. Mike has become the officer the cadets are comfortable approaching to discuss any matters of concern. He is a great mentor for level 4 and 5 cadets as well as an instrumental coach for the Effective Speaking team, and helped organize the Regional Effective Speaking Competition. 

Cst. Jennifer Simpson is a hero in my life. She helped me to see that no one can ruin my life. I had no self-esteem. I was in a major depression. While lying in bed all day for months after what happened to me, Cst. Simpson's kind words at our interview played in my mind. Now that I am finally recovering, I realize Cst. Simpson saved my life. In this age of #MeToo and speaking openly about mental health, I feel she symbolizes the type of empathy and encouragement that saves many victims from the impact of cruelty. Cst. Simpson did not have to save my life by endangering her own - she just had to care about me as a person.

Where to even begin when speaking about Cst. Harrison. Evan reached out to our organization to bridge a relationship with Childcan and the London Police Services. In a very short time, Evan’s passion and commitment to community engagement was clear. Not only does he lead his team through LPS driven community programs (Coffee with a Cop, visits to the Children’s Hospital and various school engagements), but there is also a layer of personal commitment, outside the uniform, that makes him an incredible community leader. 

Brent was so very professional, knowledgeable and a calm voice of reason at the most difficult time in my families lives. Our nineteen year old son was missing. He was attending university in Ottawa - we live in a small town four hours away. Throughout the two months that our son was missing and even after his body was found, Brent allowed us to have his cell number and was always open to calls, questions and reassurance. 

The officer I would like to nominate is Craig Zsoldos. I met him in January 2019 when he stopped me from committing suicide in Niagara Falls on the overpass bridge of the old Stone Road. He took me to St. Catharines General Hospital where he stayed with me for hours. He talked to me and got through to me in a way that no psychiatrist ever has. I can probably say I have not had a nervous break down in over a year. Whatever training he was given is amazing, and I just wanted him to be recognized as a superhero. I would like to add that I am in my 50's now and have been suicidal since I was a teenager, and I really truly believe that I will never have another break down.

Claire works for 21 division. I nominate her as a police hero because I truly believe not only she is a hero, she also is an angel. She helped me and my two girls out during most difficult time ever... I was financially suffering and Christmas was around the corner when I received a card left at my door step of my house. It was $200 gift card to buy my girls warm winter jackets and some clothes... it really came in handy during that time. I will never forget what she did for me and my girls... she has inspired me to a strong woman, just like she is. She truly deserves this award.