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: 10 May 2013

From: Member of the Public

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: 13 May 2013

From: Member of the Public

OPS Member: Cst. Sebastien Lemay

Excerpts from letter: Please let Cst. Sebastien Lemay know how impressed I was with his sensitivity to the many issues that can be factors in a child going missing, and for his teaching all of us that 911 is a free call for children to remember they can use from a pay phone if they are lost or separated from their parents. In this era when we are bombarded with messages from cell phone companies about how their products will keep us safe and in touch with our families, you have reminded us that this is a very important role the police play in our community. I pray every parent of a missing child feels as comfortable calling the police for help as we did, and that every child feels as comfortable with the police as my child was on that day. Thanking you for including our family with all the other individuals and families you dealt with on that day.

Date Received: 18 May 2013

From: Member of the Public

Excerpts from letter: I just wanted to say thank you for the fast and professional service we received from the Ottawa Police Service. When I received the panic call from my sister, I could do nothing. We live in Saskatchewan so we couldn't just dial 911 but it was easy to find an emergency number online thanks to your website. The dispatcher was very professional and calm and help was there right away. My whole family would like to thank you and commend you for your service. The officers and medics who attended to my sister were very kind and professional and for that, and for ensuring her safety, we are very grateful. Thank you.

Date Received: 15 May 2013

From: Member of the Public

Excerpts from letter: I just wanted to bring light to a scene I witnessed on the 417, westbound at the 416/417 split. As I was approaching the split I noticed a police motorcycle with its flashing lights on behind what I think was a car with the trunk open. I assumed at first glance that the vehicle was being searched for some reason. However when I passed I realized that the officer was actually changing the tire on the car for an elderly lady. I must say I was pleasantly surprised at what I saw. It was so nice to see the officer go out of his way to help an elderly lady. I thought it would be worth mentioning. Thank you all for the hard work you put in for the city of Ottawa.

Date Received: 4 January 2013

From: St. Joseph High School

OPS Members: Cst. ^{Eustace (Sam) Roberts}

Excerpts from letter: Earlier this month I had the opportunity to work with Cst. Roberts as he discussed career opportunities available in the police services field with my Grade 10 Careers class. In the span of one hour, he left such a positive impression of both the Forensic Identification Unit as well as the Ottawa Police Force, that I felt the need to highlight his impact. When I reached out to Cst. Roberts, he did not hesitate and jumped at the opportunity to speak about his work with the Force as he truly saw this as a means to relate to teens and show the person behind the badge. His formal presentation to the class was both informative yet relaxed and he engaged the class in discussion about a career in police services as well as the ability to move into specialty fields such as he has done. His personal story of choosing a career with the police force following mechanical engineering and flying as a commercial pilot demonstrated the importance of lifelong learning as well as the depth of life experiences that police officers bring to the Force. My class was riveted and it was truly the talk of the school. Please extend my thanks to Cst. Roberts for his willingness to reach out to the community in this manner despite the numerous demands on his time. He certainly left a lasting impression with this group of teenagers.

Date Received: 4 January 2013

From: Member of the Public

OPS Members: Cst. James Casey

Excerpts from letter: Please extend my thanks to Cst. Casey and the rest of the crew who were on duty at the motorcycle show. All took the time to answer questions, promote safety on our roads, and promote OPS opportunities. Following conversation with Constable Casey, I will be looking at your career opportunities, specifically the special constable position.

Date Received: 15 April 2013

From: Ottawa Paramedic Service

OPS Members: Cst. Paige Madden, Cst. Derek Thompson, Cst. Julie Richer and Cst. Allan Galipeau.

Excerpts from letter: We were sent for an unconscious seizure patient. Upon our arrival we found the patient foaming at the mouth, thrashing on his bed and screaming. Due to the combative nature of the patient we required the Ottawa Police to come and assist us on scene. Four officers arrived and assisted us in securing the patient to a scoop stretcher using the combative patient immobilization protocol and then administered the appropriate medication which had little effect on the patient; therefore, the officers were required to come with us to the hospital. Their help was invaluable in securing the patient, ensuring patient safety and ensuring the safety of all on site personnel.

Date Received: 4 January 2013

From: Departmental Security Officer Centre for Development
OPS Members: Cst. Cameron Downie

Excerpts from letter: Thanks for providing us with Cst. Downie’s name for a Use of Force expert. Cam was absolutely tremendous to work with and represented the OPS in an exemplary manner. He came over on very short notice and met with the Director General of Security Operations for PCO, Public Works DSO and a doctor from the Centre of Development and provided an overview of his role at the OPS. Cam then assisted with our scenario reviews and provided advice and guidance for improving them. He attended on the day the active shooter scenarios were presented and provided input and advice to the participants as they worked through the scenario. The 2 day exercise brought together approximately 80 Departmental Security Officers from across the Government of Canada and all were extremely appreciative of Cam's efforts. Cam has agreed to work with the newly named DSO at the Canada School of Public Service with their Active Shooter plans. Thanks to Cam and the Ottawa Police Service for being great partners with the DSO Centre for Development. We look forward to future opportunities for collaboration.

Date Received: 23 May 2013

From: Mamisarvik Transition House
OPS Members: Cst. Jeffrey Daunt, Cst. Dodd Tapp and Cst. Martin Lachance.

Excerpts from letter: We called the officers to help us with the termination of one of our residents as he became aggressive upon hearing the news. The officers took the time to speak with the resident, explaining the situation. Because the resident had housing conditions the officers contacted parole so that the client would not have to be arrested upon leaving. All officers were respectful, resourceful and a pleasure to work with.