Paul Wiersma

This evening, I was pleased to attend the Exhibition Preview and Presentation of stories from the street at The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts. The Sarnia Journal's Cathy Dobson and photographer Glenn Ogilvie have provided a forum for homeless people in Sarnia to share who they are and their life stories. Very moving and well worth seeing. The exhibition is open December 1-24.

Thanks to the Sarnia-Bluewaterland Rotary Club who invited the Sarnia Police to present on a canine unit, which is included in the 2024 Police Budget. Constable Mike Van Kesteren of the Chatham-Kent Police Service was able to join us and discuss his work and that of police dog Helix.

The Sarnia Police Service has partnered with Lambton College to create a Community Crime Unit that will include Lambton College Criminal Justice program students to work with the Sarnia Police Service on investigating less serious, but annoying, crimes such as shoplifting. I was glad to represent the Sarnia Police Services Board at the announcement and celebrate this great collaboration. Photo credits: Lambton College and The Observer.

Thanks to members of the community, councilors Bill Dennis, Anne Marie Gillis, Adam Kilner, and Brian White, and the local media for participating in the Sarnia Police Services Board Stakeholder's meeting last evening at the Pat Stapleton Arena. Community based police initiatives were reported on for the past year, and there was a discussion of spending priorities for the 2024 budget.
Everyone is welcome to attend our next meeting on Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy parish hall.

Another double-digit budget increase not likely say police officials - The Sarnia Journal Cathy Dobson Sarnia Police Service has big budget “asks” for 2024 – like it did last year – but Chief Derek Davis says he realizes the climate is not right […]

Nine months ago, the Sarnia Police Service and Board hosted several meetings with stakeholders to gather input for the 2023-25 Business Plan and 2023 Budget. This resulted in a number of community based policing initiatives that are having an impact on community safety and wellness. We are pleased to host two public town hall sessions to report on our progress and discuss the needs and opportunities for the 2024 Budget. Everyone is welcome to attend.

This evening, the Sarnia Police Service recognized officers Vosburg, Huggett, and Osborne on 20, 20, and 30 years of service, promotions of Sgt Musclow, Staff Sgts Lewis and McCabe, and Inspector Van Sickle, and the swearing-in of recruits Antaya, Forsten, and Zottl. Congratulations to all of them.

Today, I attended the graduation ceremony of the Ontario Police College with Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis. 545 recruits graduated making it the largest graduating class in the 60 year history of the school. Congratulations to Sarnia recruits Ryan Antaya, Trever Forsten, and Michael Zottl.

I look forward to engaging with members of the Heritage District Community this evening. Based on feedback from the community last fall, we made investments in community safety and wellbeing initiatives. I welcome further discussion on how we can further support our community.

This afternoon I had an opportunity to see the new Youth Wellness Hub Ontario (190 Lochiel) in Sarnia. The YWHO is a fully integrated “one-stop-shop” for youth aged 12-25, to address their needs related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, training, housing and other community and social services. Thank you to all the community partners and donors who have worked together to make this facility a reality and to the youth who helped design it.

Last month, I was able to participate in four adult education graduation ceremonies. The LKDSB has over 1200 adult learners aged 18 to 76. Approximately 140 adult learners graduated this past year. Pictures are from the Sarnia adult education graduation ceremony. We were pleased to have the participation of Sarnia City Counsellor Adam Kilner, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation Chief Kim Bressette, and Walpole Island First Nation Director of Lifelong Learning, Jarvis Nahdee. Thanks to our adult education staff who have supported our learners to reach this milestone.

I was pleased to join the Sarnia Police Service in meeting with Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey this morning to discuss local policing issues. Thanks to Minister Kerzner and MPP Bailey for their interest and support!

Happy Canada Day! I was glad to join Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis in leading the Sarnia Canada Day parade this morning. We also caught up with Constable John Sottosanti, Lambton County Deputy Warden Brian White, Point Edward Mayor Bev Hand, and Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey.

The Sarnia Police Services Board recognized the Service's recently promoted officers including Inspector Michael Van Sickle, Staff Sergeant Johann Lewis, Staff Sergeant James McCabe, and Sergeant Reginald Musclow. Also pictured are Chief Derek Davis and Deputy Chief Julie Craddock.
I am impressed with the qualifications, experience, and community involvement of our officers. Congratulations!

June is a busy month as we celebrate the graduations of students from high school. I was able to address our adult learner graduates in Chatham (picture) as well as graduates of the St. Clair College Adult SWAC program (separate ceremony). I am looking forward to our upcoming graduation ceremonies in Sarnia.

I am pleased to be at the OAPSB conference and have the opportunity to speak with Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner about the great work that is happening by the Sarnia Police Service. Joining me are police board member and city councilor, George Vandenberg, police board vice-chair, Kelly Ash, and Point Edward OPP board member and Point Edward mayor, Bev Hand.

Congratulations to the Sarnia Police Service property team, under the leadership of A/Insp. VanSickle for winning the NicheRMS 2023 Innovation Award. This another example of the great things that are taking place at our Sarnia Police.

https://blackburnnews.com/sarnia/sarnia-news/2023/05/08/thank-nurse-week/

Thank a nurse this week National Nursing Week runs from Monday, May 8 to Sunday, May 14.

Great news! Barriers to becoming a police officer will be reduced by eliminating tuition for basic constable training, changing the post-secondary educational requirements, and increasing the number of spaces in the Ontario Police College. This will result in a more diverse and representative police force that will increase our community safety and wellbeing.

Ontario eliminating tuition fees and post-secondary education requirements for new police officers Ontario is making some major changes in an effort to boost police recruitment, including eliminating tuition fees and post-secondary education requirements.

This evening, the Sarnia Police Service had a second successful information session for its newly created volunteer Auxiliary. It was great to speak with 23 people who would like to contribute to their community in this way. Great work by Deputy Chief Julie Craddock who is leading this new initiative. To apply, see https://www.sarniapolice.com/careers/auxiliary-officers-application-process/

Thanks to the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, who came to Bluewater Health to highlight federal budget investments.
https://blackburnnews.com/sarnia/sarnia-news/2023/04/11/safety-minister-promotes-healthcare-investments-bluewater-health/
https://london.ctvnews.ca/federal-minister-visits-sarnia-touts-student-loans-to-ease-doctor-shortage-1.6351196

The Sarnia Police Service is recruiting for its Auxiliary Unit. People who are interested in volunteering for this exciting new opportunity are invited to an information meeting this evening (Tuesday, April 11) at 5 p.m. at the Police Training Centre at the north end of Lambton Mall (behind the former Teperman's location).

Sarnia police recruiting for auxiliary constable unit An information session is planned Tuesday at the Police Training Centre at Lambton Mall.

A celebration this morning as the Sarnia Police Service recognized two newly promoted officers and swore-in three new officers. Congratulations to Sergeants Dufton and Ruetz along with Constables Amir, Bayne, and Johnson.
https://www.theobserver.ca/news/local-news/sarnia-police-welcome-three-new-constables-as-recruiting-continues
https://blackburnnews.com/sarnia/sarnia-news/2023/04/06/police-chief-wants-staff-representative-sarnia/

Thanks to the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police for calling for a meeting to discuss officer safety, bail reform and gun violence. Nine Canadian police officers have died in the line of duty in the past six months. It is time to make changes!

Canadian police chiefs sound alarm over growing toll of officers killed A group representing police leaders in Canada wants an urgent meeting with the country’s premiers to address issues including officer safety, bail reform and…

This is a great opportunity for people who would like to contribute to their community as a Sarnia Police Service Auxiliary Officer. Let's work together to make Sarnia a safe community!

The Sarnia Police Services Board approved a rubber backstop for the rifle range to address health and safety issues. As well, the Board met for the first time in a renovated Board room that is more spacious and accessible for the public. Members of the public are welcome to attend the monthly open meetings of the Board. https://www.sarniapolice.com/about-sps/police-services-board/

Range renos approved at Sarnia police station Changes are happening at the 34-year-old firing range at Sarnia police headquarters, to address what officials say are health and safety issues.

I was pleased that the Sarnia Police Service exercised fiscal responsibility and had a modest surplus in its 2022 budget. Well done!

Sarnia Police Service records 'modest' 2022 budget surplus Spending on Sarnia’s police service in 2022 was very close to what was budgeted.

Deputy Chief Julie Craddock gave an update to the Sarnia Police Services Board on the implementation of Sarnia Police Service 2023-25 Business Plan. It was great to hear that the volunteer Auxiliary unit has had 35 people express interest and that the Integrated Mobile Police And Community Team (IMPACT) and the second Mental Health Engagement and Response Team (MHEART) are well on their way to being implemented. The commitments in the Business Plan are being delivered upon!

Applications open Friday for Sarnia auxiliary officer positions Sarnia could have its first 10 auxiliary officers trained and deployed by September, the city's deputy police chief says.

I attended the Sarnia Police Service Auxiliary Officer information presentation this evening. Thirty-five members of the community attended and expressed an interest in applying. I am thankful for the many people who would like to donate their time and give back to their community.

As part of the 2023 Strategic Business Plan and Budget, the Sarnia Police Service is setting up an Auxiliary Unit. The Sarnia Police Services Board supports this initiative as part of our commitment to the community to enhance community safety and wellbeing.
If you are interested in contributing to your community in this way then you are invited to attend an information session at the Police Training Centre (north side of Lambton Mall where Teppermans used to be) on March 21st, 5-7 p.m.

I had the opportunity to M.C. the March 8th concert of the Sarnia Concert Association (SCA). On behalf of the Board, we recognized Klaas Tebbens for his 22 years of service on the Board. The SCA Board welcomes people who enjoy popular classical/jazz music to be involved on the Board. Reach out if you are interested. https://www.sarniaconcertassociation.ca/