A DRPS officer lifted a heavy metal fence to save the life of child trapped under a pile of snow. Another officer didn’t stop fighting for a distraught mother whose child had been taken to a foreign country by her estranged spouse.
These are just some of the amazing police responses highlighted at the 18th annual Police Appreciation and Awards Night (Padan) that was held Thursday night.
After a two-year hiatus, this year’s theme was ‘Stand By Me’ and it not only thanked officers for always being by the side of community but also thanked the support of Padan for standing by the officers DRPS depends upon for their tenacity, strength and compassion. The packed house at Deer Creek Golf & Convention Centre in Ajax was moved to tears and filled with pride as they heard the harrowing stories of lives saved and the community impacts made by the women and men of the Durham Regional Police.
The co-chairs of the community organizing committee, Moe Pringle and Blair McArthur, thanked every member of the police service for making a difference in the community. They also thanked all of the corporate sponsors who have and continue to make this event possible. More than $1.5 million has been raised over the past 18 events and the proceeds are reinvested into in educational, community safety and outreach programs involving police officers, said a statement.
Excellence in Policing Award Winners
- Cst. Wheaton and Cst. Williams were recognized for their efforts that saved the lives of two children trapped in a snowbank and under a fence after a plow accidentally buried them in their schoolyard.
- Det. Dellipizzi and (ret) Det. MacFarlane didn’t give up after a child was abducted by his father and taken to Armenia. The two helped reunite the child with his mother after two years of dedication.
- Mike Ewles Community Builder Award: Cst. Dowdle was instrumental in creating legislation changes that support families after a loved one commits suicide in their home.
- New award: Padan created the Dave Selby Civilian Achievement Award in honour of the retired Director of Corporate Communications who transformed how the service communicates with the public and made positive impacts in the industry.
Cst Aaron Wheaton accepts his award for saving the life of a young child trapped in a snow bank. #padan2022 pic.twitter.com/Zaaum86TPr
— Durham Regional Police (@DRPS) October 28, 2022