Winners and finalists announced for ninth annual Police Hero of the Year Awards

WINDSOR, ON, May 31, 2024 /CNW/ – The Police Association of Ontario is proud to announce the winners of its ninth annual Police Services Hero of the Year Awards. Hundreds of Ontarians nominated police heroes in their communities, recognizing outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Community Role Model 2024: Adam McEachern, York Regional Police Service (CNW Group/Police Association of Ontario)

The winners were honored at the Police Association of Ontario’s 92^and The annual meeting and conference was attended by representatives from 34 local police associations from across the province and featured some of the most extraordinary individuals and teams who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving their community.

Congratulations to the 2024 award winners:

York Regional Police Service: 2024 On-Duty Difference Maker – Uniformed Officer (An officer who has exceeded the expectations of his job while on duty)

In 2022, tragedy struck when an active shooter terrorized the Bellaria Residence residential complex in Vaughan. The quick and courageous response of members of the York Regional Police Service was an example of selflessness and heroism in the face of this unspeakable tragedy.

Melissa StylesYork Regional Police Service: 2024 On-Duty Difference Maker – Civilian Police Service Employee (A civilian police service employee who has exceeded job expectations while on duty)

Melissa showed remarkable resilience after the tragic loss of her husband Constable Garrett Stylesin service. Despite her personal grief, Melissa has tirelessly dedicated herself to helping others and doing volunteer work.

Stephen and Christine Douglas, Barrie Police Service: Extra Mile Award 2024 (A uniformed or civilian police officer who has performed a unique, extraordinary act of kindness or bravery outside of work)

Stephen and Christine and their twelve-year-old daughter Autumn showed extraordinary courage and bravery when they confronted a knife-wielding attacker and helped their neighbor in distress.

Andrew Gough, London Police Service: 2024 Police Hero Honour Roll Award (A tribute to a police officer or civilian police service employee who has made a significant impact over the past decade)

Andrew, along with his service dog Riggs, has fostered dialogue among his peers about his mental health, which stems from a surgical stress injury (OSI) sustained while in service. Recognizing the profound impact service animals have on recovery from an OSI, Captain Gough founded Veterans and Everyday Heroes (V-EH!), a nonprofit organization that supports individuals affected by OSI, specifically in obtaining service dogs.

Adam McEachernYork Regional Police Service: 2024 Community Role Model (A police officer or civilian police service employee who has made a difference in their community while off duty)

Inspired by his son Caleb, who has an autism spectrum disorder, Adam leads the Autism Heroes Endurance Challenge, raising funds for autism services and Special Olympics Ontario.

The Police Association of Ontario’s The Awards Committee (consisting of non-executive members, the President, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the Association’s civilian staff) had the challenging task of selecting the winners from hundreds of heartfelt nominations.

The Police Association of Ontario would also like to congratulate this year’s finalists of the award.

Over the next few months, winners and finalists will be presented with their awards during a media tour of their communities, along with their colleagues, friends, family and community members.

“We thank the citizens of Ontario who took the time to nominate their ‘Police Heroes’ in every region of the province,” said Mark BaxterPresident of the Police Association of Ontario“The entries for this year’s award were truly impressive and speak volumes about the outstanding commitment, courage and compassion our members demonstrate every day.”

The public is encouraged to view the stories of the winners and finalists of the Police Services Hero of the Year Award 2024 on www.policehero.ca.

About the Police Association of Ontario:

The Police Association of Ontario represents over 28,000 uniformed and civilian police officers from 45 police associations in Ontario.

2024 Police Hero Award: Andrew Gough and K-9 Riggs, London Police Service (CNW Group/Police Association of Ontario)