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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE:
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15 December 2014 |
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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 (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: 1 August 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Members: Ms. Lynn St. Arnaud
Excerpts from letter: Please pass on my sincere thanks to the 911 operator who stayed on the phone with me until police arrived when someone was trying to get in my front door. It may be procedure but it is a good one, and she was absolutely wonderful in helping me work through the fear at the time. A job very well done!
Date Received: September 26, 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Lisa Grison
Excerpts from letter: Fire and ambulance services were called to my neighbour’s home to respond to a health emergency. I was at their home shortly after police arrived and was able to witness the wonderful work the officers involved provided. The gentleman involved unfortunately died and was pronounced at home. The officers were compassionate, caring and were excellent at explaining what was happening to his wife as it was happening in a way she was able to understand in her shocked state. One officer in particular was amazing, Lisa. I would like to recognize her efforts as well as everyone at the house that night for their professionalism and for giving comfort and genuine care in a horrible situation. On a day in which so much other tragedy had taken place, it was truly heartwarming to see. Thank you so much for all that you do.
Date Received: 4 November 2014
From: Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group
OPS Member: S/Sgt. Brad Hampson
Excerpts from letter: I just wanted to send you a Thank You for coming out to our REDBLACKS games this season. Please share this with the Ceremonial Guard as well. You all did a fantastic job at contributing to our opening ceremonies and the anthem. We appreciate all of the time you put in and your commitment to the team. Thanks for supporting the REDBLACKS and being such an important part of our inaugural season.
Date Received: 11 November 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Donald Duff
Excerpts from letter: The policing today was terrific, extremely polite and efficient. I was standing at Elgin Street and Albert for the ceremonies today and I observed Constable Duff and the rest of the officers in the area ensuring the safety of the spectators while keeping traffic areas clear. Extreme patience and courtesy was shown to all and when needed persuasion was used with few challenges. I am extremely proud to be a resident of Ottawa with a very professional police force handling the crowds on an emotional day.
Date Received: 11 November 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Stephen Love
Excerpts from letter: I have just returned from the Remembrance Day service. I was standing on Elgin Street near the NAC. The crowd was large and the officers had to keep the street clear for buses and emergency vehicles. One officer that was close to us by the name of S. Love had a difficult task: observers kept moving onto the street and in a professional and respectful way he kept the crowd back on the sidewalk. When people arrived late he asked them to step aside for those of us who had arrived early to get our place. We felt safe to have this officer and others taking care of us. Thank you to him and his fellow officers for a job well done.
Date Received: 13 November 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Andrew Worth
Excerpts from letter: I wanted to say thank you to the officer who responded to our call when my daughter was robbed while waiting at a bus stop. The responding officer was quick, efficient and most of all kind to my daughter. She has a brain injury and I was worried that the questions would confuse her but he was kind and patient with her. He took the time to explain things to her so she understood what was going on and to reassure her that she was not at fault. He also gave her tips to help protect herself in the future, while assuring her she did everything right. Thank you for making a very horrible situation a little more bearable.
Date Received: 18 November 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Yanick Charron
Excerpts from letter: My 20 year old daughter was in a car accident that was entirely her fault. I wish to thank Cst. Charron for his professionalism and kindness in the way he handled this accident. He could have made an already upset young driver feel worse but his calming assurance that it could happen to anyone helped my daughter in her highly emotional state. He could probably have given her a larger ticket or fine but realizing how upset she was he chose not to. He did stress the severity of her actions without demeaning her or making her feel worse than she already felt. As the father of this kid I want to thank this officer for the way he chose to handle this. He assessed that this was just a kid that made a terrible mistake and handled it appropriately. Kudos to you Cst. Charron! You struck a perfect balance of letting her know the seriousness of the situation while leaving her confidence to drive intact.
Date Received: 18 November 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Cst. Michael Lemieux
Excerpts from letter: I’ve lived in Ottawa for 58 years. Being retired I love taking photos but am far from a professional photographer. I arrived downtown on November 11 at 5:30 am to stakeout a good spot to take photos. I planted myself in with the CBC reporters and remained there for the next six hours. I took lots of great photos but that is not why I am writing you. Your officer Michael Lemieux deserves a commendation. I observed someone very friendly and professional at the same time. He answered every question I had and even moved to one side when photos needed to be taken. But what really stood out and I had a clear view of this was a moment during the service where there was a round of applause for our vets. Const. Lemieux was the only one in a very long line stretching from Chateau Laurier all the way to Elgin street and he took time to applaud for them. He was very approachable and even posed for a photo with a Military Policewoman (although it took much persuasion from the crowd - LOL). Thank you Cst. Lemieux for being the face of Ottawa Police. Some of the people behind me were from Barrie and commented on how pleasant, easy going and a true professional you truly are. I would add - a breath of fresh air. Thank you sir for answering all my questions, moving so I could take photos and having a great demeanour!
Date Received: 18 November 2014
From: Member of the Public
OPS Member: Unknown
Excerpts from letter: I would like to compliment the actions and restraint shown by a male officer while driving his cruiser. With lights flashing and siren on, the cruiser was travelling west on Heron Road at Alta Vista. As the cruiser approached the intersection everyone came to a stop, except a blue Cadillac. The cruiser came to a stop and could have gone but added sounds to make sure the Cadillac saw/heard him. No response. The Cadillac sauntered through the intersection causing the constable to wait for 4-5 seconds. The constable threw his hands up with a shrug as if to say "what are you doing?" He showed much more restraint than I would have and deserves to be recognized for it. I called the call center as I had the license number and could identify the driver. A very professional operator explained there was not much to be done. It is very frustrating. It is upsetting to see cars not give way for emergency vehicles. I would support an unmarked car following an emergency vehicle to catch transgressors but realize there are only so many resources. Some public education perhaps? Thank you for letting me vent, I appreciate what you and your officers do, in our fine city.