Fleming honours outstanding police officers
Local officers were recognized for their contributions to traffic safety, solving property crimes and community efforts as the Fleming College police foundations program presented its third annual Outstanding Police Officer Service Awards on Monday afternoon.
Seven officers from the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County OPP, City of Kawartha Lakes OPP, Haliburton Highlands OPP, Port Hope Police Service and Cobourg Police Service were honoured during the afternoon ceremony at Fleming’s Sutherland Campus.
Fourth-semester students from the program, who will graduate in about two weeks, described each officer’s contributions before handing them a plaque acknowledging their service.
Peterborough police Const. Cameron Kenny, introduced by Kevin MacColm, received the award for outstanding contributions in the field of traffic enforcement and his work with Special Olympics.
The officer, who has been involved with the Fleming policing program for four years, told those gathered that it is the students who remind him daily about why he does what he does.
Kenny, who perhaps appropriately wrote his speech on the back of Provincial Offences Act (POA) tickets, said traffic duties have taught him that good people make mistakes. “Treat everybody with respect and you will get it in return.”
Peterborough County OPP Const. Jason Clarke, who was introduced by Abigail Ferguson, was acknowledged for his successes in investigating and preventing property crimes and his involvement and commitment with Pedal for Hope, the annual spring cycling ride in support of childhood cancer patients.
Growing up here and attending the Fleming program ensured strong values were ingrained in him before he ever donned the uniform, he told those gathered.
City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Const. Jennifer Quigley, introduced by Shania Young, was recognized for her care and compassion for those in the vulnerable sector.
She was unable to attend, so Peterborough County OPP detachment commander Insp. Tim Tatchell, who worked with her for several years, accepted the award on her behalf.
Port Hope police constables Morgan Stout and Dana Barr, introduced by Adam Veleke, received the award for successfully de-escalating a situation that involved a suicidal subject with a knife. Their poise and maturity was credited for saving his life.
Cobourg police Sgt. Michael Richardson, introduced by Cam Blair, received the award for his demonstrated leadership in coordinating community events and his distinguished military service.
Haliburton Highlands OPP Const. Tim Negus, introduced by Ashley Mann, was acknowledged for his leadership in organizing Push for Change and assisting a Syrian family adjust to a new life in Haliburton County.
The ceremony concluded with graduating student Kyle VanBorhorst receiving the Greg Riddle Award, which is voted on by recipients’ peers and acknowledges their volunteerism, dedication to a career in policing and willingness to help and encourage their fellow students.
In addition to the award winners and their invited guests, the event was attended by several police leaders – including city police Chief Murray Rodd and Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson - as well as police foundations faculty, staff and students.
The Outstanding Police Officer Service Awards were created after three Moncton RCMP officers were shot by a gunman in the line of duty in June 2014.
Students and faculty, dismayed over comments unfavourable to the policing profession made through social media, decided to counter that negativity by recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of local police officers, officials stated.
This year, six local police forces were invited to nominate an officer from their service.
The nominees must demonstrate one or several qualities consistent with superior policing and service to their community, including professionalism and integrity, commitment to community, leadership, valour, sacrifice and determination in the face of adversity.