Police Association of Ontario

Cst. Trevor Taylor of the Brantford Police Service recently received the 2023 Ontario Medal for Police Bravery for his extraordinary courage. Braving icy waters and fierce currents, he plunged into the Grand River and performed multiple daring rescues to save a woman’s life. We are incredibly proud and moved by his heroic efforts. Congratulations to our Brantford Police Association member on this deeply deserved honour!

🚨 Big news for our members and communities! 🚨 Ontario's emergency response system is undergoing an upgrade, ensuring quicker responses and the capability to receive texts, photos, and videos. PAO President, Mark Baxter, shared on Global News this morning how this advancement will help enhance the effectiveness of our emergency responders and contribute to safer communities.

Upgrading Ontario’s 911 Emergency Response System | Watch News Videos Online Watch Upgrading Ontario’s 911 Emergency Response System Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

Andre Johnson, a dedicated member of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, recently transitioned into a recruitment-focused role at HQ. He champions inclusion and diversity, consistently supporting new recruits. Committed to peer support, Andre is ready to assist fellow officers at any time, exemplifying his selflessness and genuine care.

Last month, the Cops & Kids Fishing Derby in Windsor offered a fantastic opportunity for children to bond with police officers and learn fishing skills. This event is part of a series of activities law enforcement is hosting with local youth this summer.

Great outcomes DO begin with great partnerships! Our members at the North Bay Police Association hit a home run by enjoying some baseball while making a community impact. They fundraised for Chat4Chad, honouring Chad Ringler’s legacy and addressing the stigma associated with mental health.

Cst. Ian West of the Thunder Bay Police Service stands out for having genuine commitment to the community. Ian actively listens to residents, offers support, and builds trust through meaningful relationships. This deep involvement not only fosters confidence but also strengthens community ties. Thank you, Ian, for your dedicated service!

The 2024 Can-Am Police-Fire Games kick off today and continue until July 21! This biennial Olympic-style event features sports that highlight first responders' skills. As Staff Sergeant Eric Boynton pointed out, "It’s competitive, but it’s also the most incredible sense of camaraderie, and it’s fun. It’s something you need to experience firsthand to see what I mean." Good luck to all competitors!

This summer, member associations like the York Regional Police Association are teeing off at charity golf tournaments across Ontario. They've successfully raised $15,000 for Community Living Central York and their Benevolent Fund, supporting over 450 individuals with developmental disabilities across York Region.

: Hundreds of police officers from across Ontario gathered at Queen's Park two weeks ago for the inaugural Ontario Police Su***de Memorial, honouring those who have tragically lost their lives because of the line of duty.

Members of the Chatham-Kent Police Association are proud to support community initiatives, including the new basketball court at Taylor Park! More than just a game, it's a space where community bonds grow stronger.

Cst. Matthew Tavano of the Niagara Regional Police was awarded the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery for his heroic actions during a chemical plant explosion in St. Catharines last year. Despite the dangers, he rescued a severely burned employee, guiding them to safety through ongoing explosions. Thank you Cst. Tavano for your courage and dedication to the people you serve and protect.

Kindness does matter, and we appreciate the thoughtfulness of this young man who helps our members stay cool in this summer heat!

Big shout out to this awesome young man!!

He kindly shared cold drinks with Constable Parker and Constable Charron, while they were busy with speeding enforcement.

Thank-you for your kindness and support!

We are happy to share a heartwarming story showcasing one of our members’ dedication and compassion. A grateful community member shared this touching testimonial—Shoutout to Officer Matthew Rieder for his kindness and dedication to our community. Your actions helped a young girl in a scary situation and built trust and comfort.

Members from the York Regional Police Association kicked off summer with colleagues, retirees and families at Canada's Wonderland! Love to see all the big smiles ☀️

Meet Kim Bastin, a distinguished civilian member of the York Regional Police Service. Known for her integrity and proficiency, she is the organization's trusted expert, always delivering results above and beyond expectations. Kim is also a dedicated volunteer actively fundraising for initiatives like Holiday Heroes and Special Olympics. Thank you, Kim, for your unwavering commitment and service!

Happy Canada Day to all our incredible members serving across Ontario. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe. Your hard work and sacrifices are deeply appreciated.

It is PTSD Awareness Day, and over the past three years, our Annual Charity Golf Tournament has raised over $50,000 for mental health initiatives, supporting vital organizations like Badge of Life Canada, Canada Beyond The Blue, Wounded Warriors Canada and Boots On The Ground - Peer Support for First Responders. These organizations tirelessly provide essential mental health support to first responders and their families. With their help, we ensure our members can access the best mental health resources available.

As the school year wraps up, we thank our police members for supporting our schools and communities. We wish all students and staff a safe and happy summer!

PTSD impacts not just first responders but also their families. This PTSD Awareness Month, we acknowledge the quiet struggles of those supporting our heroes. Watch Tina Renaud, spouse of a London Police Service member, share her journey in a moving video from CBI Health.

Ahead of PTSD Awareness Day on June 27, our members raised over $15,000 for Wounded Warriors Canada and Boots On The Ground - Peer Support for First Responders at our Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament.

Both organizations are volunteer-run and dedicated to providing essential mental health services to our police personnel and their families. PTSD can affect anyone, but our members are particularly at risk. We are dedicated to partnering with these organizations to provide better resources for our members.

Thank you for the support of LIUNA Local 183, the largest construction local union in North America, as our returning Platinum Sponsor. Milton Ford Lincoln is our Gold Sponsor, and Markson Law is our Silver Sponsor. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering support of our members and their commitment to mental health initiatives.

Today, at the first inaugural Ontario Police Su***de Memorial, we honoured the brave men and women whose lives were lost to mental illness and remember how they served our communities with unwavering dedication and courage yet struggled with battles too often unseen.

This memorial recognizes their service and combats the stigma of su***de. While progress has been made, the fight against stigma continues, and we must keep pushing for preventive measures and support for our members.

Organized by Canada Beyond The Blue and supported by our members, fellow police associations, and leaders, this memorial is a commitment to the families, friends, and colleagues of the lost police officers that their loved ones and their sacrifices are never forgotten.

The latest Statistics Canada report sheds light on a tough reality: Almost two-thirds (63%) of adults living in Canada reported having been exposed to a potentially traumatic event at some point in their lives. This issue hits hardest among police personnel and first responders. Employers must cultivate a supportive environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not a stigma.

We are so proud of all our members and fellow first responders across Ontario, who the Ontario government has recognized for their acts of extraordinary courage and bravery. Police officers and firefighters were presented with the awards earlier this week by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Edith Dumont. We thank them for their service and incredible dedication.

During PTSD Awareness Month, we celebrate the impactful work of peer supporters like Provincial Constable Krista Tabur of the Ontario Provincial Police. As a dedicated mentor at Project Trauma Support, Krista has guided many first responders through their healing journeys from PTSD. Her compassion and commitment to improving mental health among her colleagues are truly inspiring. Thank you, Krista, for your steadfast support and dedication to our members.

Last week, our members across Ontario celebrated the graduation of 495 new recruits from the Ontario Police College. We see a bright future with these new officers protecting and serving our communities. Best wishes as you embark on your new careers, and welcome to our police family!

In May 2023, Cst. Michael Cuillerier displayed extraordinary bravery by entering the icy waters of Lake Huron to rescue a woman in distress. Despite the freezing temperature and being submerged twice by the struggling individual, he remained in the water for 20 minutes until firefighters arrived. His selfless action underlines the dedication of our members who prioritize others' safety over their own. We are immensely proud of Michael's courageous and selfless service.

Cst. Neil Mouton experienced a proud full-circle moment this fall when he presented his son Tyler with his badge. Tyler, who was there as a young child at his father’s badge presentation, continues the family legacy. Happy Father’s Day!

It is World Blood Donor Day. A big thank you to donors and supporters like one of our York Regional Police Association members Melissa Styles who annually supports a blood clinic in honour of her husband, Constable Garrett Styles.

York Regional Police members, including Deputy Chief Cecile Hammond and Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey, rolled up their sleeves this morning for patients in need.

Today, along with Canadian Blood Services, we hosted a blood clinic in in honour of fallen officer, Constable Garrett Styles.

Visit blood.ca to donate yourself.