Five Officers Share Honour at Toronto Board of Trade's 43rd Annual Police
Officer of the Year Award Ceremony

Members of Toronto Police Service contribute to city's high livability rate: Board of Trade CEO

TORONTO, June 3 /CNW/ - Five police officers were named co-winners of the 2009 Police Officer of the Year Award tonight at the 43rd annual awards ceremony hosted by the Toronto Board of Trade.

Sergeant Robert North and Police Constables Joseph Guerreiro, Troy Lorimer, James Lee and Calvin Bulbrook received the honour from Chief of Police William Blair.

Recognized for their bravery and dedication to duty, the officers chased a robbery suspect on foot while being shot at and, as a result of further investigation, identified and arrested a second suspect. During the incident, Sergeant North sustained a gunshot wound above his left eye.

"This is the biggest night in the police calendar - it's our Academy Awards," said Chief of Police Blair. "These five officers' selfless bravery in the line of duty is a shining example of the dedication all Toronto police officers have to keeping our city safe. I congratulate all winning officers, and sincerely thank the Board of Trade for their continuing support of these awards."

The evening also marked the first time civilian members of the Toronto Police Service were recognized for their significant contributions to the Police Service and City of Toronto. The inaugural TPS Business Excellence Award was presented to Ms. Danielle Dowdy, Human Resources Development and Deputy Chief Keith Forde, Human Resources Command on behalf of the Youth in Policing Program (YIPI).

Board of Trade President and CEO Carol Wilding told gala dinner guests, who included family, friends, members of the community, and Command Officers of the Toronto Police Service, "Police work is a team effort."

"Policing is about more than locking up criminals," said Ms. Wilding. "Civilian members of the Police Service contribute to making Toronto a safe and livable city through innovation, community and customer service and technical achievement. The Board of Trade is proud to honour the exemplary work of all members of the Police Service."

The Board of Trade initiated the Police Officer of the Month and Year Awards in 1967 to recognize officers of the Toronto Police Service who have made significant contributions to serving the citizens of Toronto.

Annually, nominations to the program are evaluated by a panel of judges comprised of community and media volunteers. Nominees are judged according to actions demonstrating the virtues of bravery, humanitarianism, superior investigative work and outstanding police skills.

This year's dinner was hosted by Ms. Catherine McDonald, Crime Specialist, Global News Toronto.

About the Toronto Board of Trade (www.bot.com)

Founded in 1845, the Toronto Board of Trade is Canada's largest local chamber of commerce, connecting more than 200,000 business professionals and influencers throughout the Toronto region. The Board of Trade fuels the economic, social and cultural vitality of the entire Toronto region by fostering powerful collaborations among business, government, thought leaders and community builders. The Board of Trade plays a vital role in elevating the quality of life and global competitiveness of Canada's largest urban centre.

For further information: Christina Salvino, Public Affairs Coordinator, Toronto Board of Trade, [phone], [email protected]; Deborah Chase, Toronto Police Service, [phone], [email protected]