2013 Auxiliary Annual Report - Durham Region Police Service

DURHAM REGIONAL POLICE AUXILIARY UNIT
2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Celebrating 36 Years as Proud Leaders
In Community Service
For over 36 years,
The Durham Regional Police Service Auxiliary Unit
has provided volunteer community service to the citizens of
Durham Region.
Chain of Command
Louise Elborn
Auxiliary Inspector
Dan Pilon
Auxiliary Staff Sergeant
Administration
Paul Murray
Auxiliary Staff Sergeant
Training and Development
Jason Pow
Auxiliary Staff Sergeant
Operations
Bernie Kirck
Heather Butler
Dale Symons
Gavin Alston
Auxiliary Sergeant Auxiliary Sergeant Auxiliary Sergeant Auxiliary Sergeant
North Division
North Division
North Division
East Division
Mike Cauchi
Auxiliary Sergeant
Central East Division
Shane Christensen
Auxiliary Sergeant
Central East Division
Steve Wekarchuk
Auxiliary Sergeant
Central West Division
Rob Hutchinson
Auxiliary Sergeant
Central East Division
Mark Blackmore
Auxiliary Sergeant
West Division
Don Foster
Dave Murchison
Auxiliary Sergeant Auxiliary Sergeant
East Division
East Division
Bob Buller
Auxiliary Sergeant
Central West Division
Terry Bellamy
Auxiliary Sergeant
West Division
Bob Kotsopoulos
Auxiliary Sergeant
Central West Division
Josh Barry
Auxiliary Sergeant
West Division
Message from Inspector Charlie Green
Auxiliary Unit Liaison Officer
I would like to thank all members of the Auxiliary Unit for their efforts this year by attending 221 events, the most
events in our history. The Unit has seen an increase in searches and canvassing this year, and this has been
appreciated by numerous investigators and divisional members.
The Chief’s Inspection and Graduation was held on September 20, and we added 11 new auxiliary constables to the
Unit. The parade was held at Col. R. S. McLaughlin Armoury and numerous GTA Police Services attended, as well as
family and friends.
At the Annual Service Awards in September, Auxiliary Sergeant Bob Kotsopoulos #2005 received his 25-year bar for
the Ontario Auxiliary medal. Congratulations Bob and thank you. Auxiliary Constable Josh Barry #2165 and Auxiliary
Constable Dale Symons #2162 were promoted to Auxiliary Sergeant. Congratulations to them as well. Additionally,
numerous members received their 10- and 15-year awards.
The Unit contributed over 21,000 hours of volunteer time to the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) and the
citizens of the Region. Nineteen new recruits were selected and their training will commence in 2014. The Unit will
achieve an actual strength of 90 members in 2014.
The members of the Unit are to be complimented on their work ethic, professionalism and commitment to assisting
the sworn members of the DRPS. Many functions that the Unit performs throughout the Region would not happen
without their participation and key role.
Our auxiliary sergeants and auxiliary staff sergeants work very hard throughout the year under the leadership of
Auxiliary Inspector Louise Elborn, and I thank them for their professionalism and dedication to the DRPS. Our
auxiliary constables are always there when duty calls. No matter what the event or circumstance, they are always
ready to assist sworn officers in a professional manner. Our auxiliary members are a credit to themselves, the Unit
and the Durham Regional Police. Our annual appreciation dinner was held at Deer Creek in November and Auxiliary
Constable Kelly Patterson #2181 was named Auxiliary Officer of the Year. Congratulations Kelly.
Chief Constable Mike Ewles provides continued support to the Unit. On behalf of the unit, I thank the Chief, and
Superintendent Greg Mills, for their guidance and assistance. I join Sergeant Kate Harrison in acknowledging our
auxiliary members for their selfless contributions to the DRPS and the citizens of our Region. Thank you!
Unit Statistics
Authorized Strength
90
Resignations
4
Recruits
11
Year End Compliment
68
1 Inspector
3 Staff Sergeants
15 Sergeants
49 Constables
Recruit Class of 2013
Sue Baxter #2500
Andrea Stewart #2501
Chris Dobbs #2502
Cathleen Lycett #2504
Kevin Magee-Bell #2505
Graem Meteer #2506
Ron Pidwerbecki #2509
Pauline Stacey #2511
John Turner #2512
Greg Wontola #2515
Stanley Igboanugo #2152
Events by Division
2013
2012
North Division
32
30
East Division
35
26
Central East Division
35
30
Central West Division
38
32
West Division
25
19
Headquarters
3
0
Speed Board
44
67
Other
9
5
Total
221
209
67
70
60
40
2013
44
50
32 30
35
26
30
38
35
30
2012
32
25
19
20
9
10
3
5
0
0
North
East
Central
East
Central
West
West
HQ
Speed
Board
Other
Events by Month
45
2013
2012
January
5
1
February
6
3
March
14
2
April
13
17
May
41
33
June
28
25
July
18
27
August
19
19
September
25
32
October
16
17
November
29
29
December
7
4
Total
221
209
41
40
33
35
32
28
30
27
25
25
20
14
15
10
17
2012
25
19 19
16 17
13
7
6
5
5
17
3
1
2013
29 29
4
2
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
In 2013, Auxiliary officers performed, on average, 216 hours.
72 hours above the minimum annual mandatory 144 hours.
Nov
Dec
Hours and Mileage Statistics
Hours
Kilometers
Events
7076
21845
In Service
2090.5
10243
Quartermaster
69.75
2189.5
Patrol
212.5
330
Speed Board
335.5
1385
RIDE
31.5
54
NCO Admin
6461.5
13783
NCO Meeting
525
2519.5
Event Meetings
90.5
648
Office Admin
509.25
4512.5
Recruit Training
1594
6433
PLC Training
903.5
2500
Training Other
1149.5
4910.5
21,049
71,352
TOTAL
Hours
Kilometres
Events
In Service
903.5
1594
Quartermaster
1149.5
509.25
90.5
Patrol
Speed Board
Speed Board
21845
Event Meetings
2090.5
69.75
212.5
NCO Meeting
2519.5
13783
10243
PLC Training
Training Other
Event Meetings
Office Admin
Office Admin
Recruit Training
RIDE
NCO Admin
648
NCO Meeting
6461.5
335.5
Quartermaster
4512.5
Patrol
NCO Admin
31.5
In Service
4910.5
2500
RIDE
7076
525
Events
6433
54
1385
2189.5
330
Recruit Training
PLC Training
Training Other
Event Hours by Division
215.5
734.5
1093.5
1300
1019
1374
1339.5
15 Div
16 Div
17 Div
18 Div
19 Div
HQ
Other
Event Hours by Month
793
83
77
Jan
Feb
322
295.5
Mar
Apr
877
537.5
332.5
May
Jun
Jul
1447
1228.5
759.5
Aug
Sep
Oct
323.5
Nov
Dec
Sharon Bowdring Auxiliary Officer of the Year
The Sharon Bowdring Award was created in memory of Sharon Bowdring who was one of the 13 original members of the
Auxiliary Unit when it formed in 1977. After serving only a couple of years, Sharon passed away and the members felt that
something should be done in her memory. With approval of Chief Jon Jenkins, the award was made.
This plaque is awarded to the recipient not only because the officer may have put in the most hours over the year. We also look
for such characteristics as reliability, a strong commitment to serving the Durham Region, a positive and professional image at all
times, enthusiasm, a strong team player, confidence in performing any type of duty assigned and good mentoring
Auxiliary Constable Patterson was sworn in as a member of the Durham Regional Police Auxiliary
Unit on April 1st, 2011. Once sworn, Auxiliary Constable Patterson was posted to 18 Division
and was mentored by the best. Having two Auxiliary Sergeants with over 60 years of combined
service allowed her to gain great knowledge and understanding of the unit.
Policing has always been an interest of Kelly’s as a result of her father being an Ontario
Provincial Police officer. She feels the best part of being at Auxiliary officer is being able to put
on the uniform of DRPS and help her community, especially the children, to understand the role
of policing today.
In 2013, Kelly participated in 56 events and provided over 400 hours of service. She is the 32nd officer to receive this award since
1984. Auxiliary Constable Patterson looks forward to many years with this Unit and sharing her experiences with future recruits.
Congratulations Kelly on receiving the 2013 Auxiliary Officer of the Year Award.
Auxiliary Constable Kelly Patterson (centre) with (L to R) Sergeant
Kate Harrison, Frank Bowdring, Auxiliary Inspector Louise Elborn
and Chief Mike Ewles
Robert Russell Best Recruit
The Robert Russell Best Recruit Award was created to recognize one of the original 13 members of the Auxiliary Unit. Auxiliary
Staff Sergeant Robert Russell served over 28 years with the Unit and was our first Auxiliary Staff Sergeant. He was
instrumental in creating the recruitment, selection and promotional process.
This award is presented at the recruit graduation ceremony to the Auxiliary officer who has consistently acted as a leader and
provided guidance to their peers throughout the recruit training process. The choice for recipient is made by the instructors who
conduct the recruits training.
This year’s Best Recruit Award was presented to Auxiliary Constable Cathleen Lycett. Cathleen is
a life-long resident of Durham Region. She has worked for the past 18 years in the social services
and has extensive and diverse volunteer experience dedicating her time to the community.
Auxiliary Constable Lycett was selected by her training instructors as she consistently
demonstrated leadership qualities when networking with her fellow recruits and
instructional staff, including the Use Of Force Instructors at the Police Education and
Innovation Centre.
Cathleen organized her peers for study sessions and ensured that all her fellow recruits had the necessary information if
they missed a class for any reason. Along with being selected to receive this award, Auxiliary Constable Lycett was
nominated by her peers as class valedictorian.
Congratulations Cathleen on receiving the 2013 Robert Russell Best Recruit Award.
Years of Service Award Recipients
25 Years of Service
Auxiliary Sergeant Bob Kotsopoulos #2006
15 Years of Service
Auxiliary Sergeant Mark Blackmore #2070
10 Years of Service
Auxiliary Sergeant Shane Christensen #2126
Auxiliary Constable Aric Davies # 2117
Auxiliary Constable Bruno DiMartino # 2114
Auxiliary Constable Jeff Statham #2124
Promotions
Auxiliary Constable to Auxiliary Sergeant
Auxiliary Sergeant
Josh Barry #2165
Auxiliary Sergeant
Dale Symons #2162
Community Events
North Division – 32 Events
East Division – 35 Events
Cannington Santa Claus Parade
Sunderland Santa Parade
Public Opinion Survey Distribution (x3)
Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival (x2)
Uxbridge Half Marathon
Huck Finn Fishing Derby
Uxbridge Walk for Multiple Sclerosis
90th Anniversary of 1st Port Perry Boy Scouts
Durham Ride for Dad
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Port Perry Canada Day Parade and Fireworks
Jennifer Ashleigh Charity BBQ
Interconnect Cannington
Sunderland Fall Fair Parade
Port Perry Terry Fox Run
Beaverton terry Fox Run
Uxbridge Terry Fox Run
Sunderland Terry Fox Run
Uxbridge Scugog Animal Shelter Walk-A-Thon
North Division Halloween Patrol
Cannington Remembrance Day Ceremony
Beaverton Remembrance Day Ceremony
Port Perry Remembrance Day Ceremony
Sunderland Remembrance Day Ceremony
Uxbridge Remembrance Day Ceremony
Beaverton Santa Claus Parade
Port Perry Santa Claus Parade
Cannington Santa Claus Parade
Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade
Farmers Festival of Lights Parade
Public Opinion Survey Distribution (x2)
Lock It or Lose It Bowmanville (x5)
5/10K Easter Dash Event
Lock It or Lose It Bowmanville
Bowmanville Mandarin MS Walk
Lock It or Lose It – Bowmanville
Clarington Race Against Drugs
11th Annual Alfie Shrubb Classic
East Division Ground Breaking
Orono Community 90th Anniversary Parade
Bowmanville Canada Day
Orono Orange Parade
Kids of Steel Triathalon (x2)
Port of Newcastle Door to Door Canvass
Beaverton Fall Fair Parade
Bowmanville Terry Fox Run
Bowmanville Take Back the Night
Clarington Family Safety Day
Scouts Jamboree “On the Air”
Newtonville Early Remembrance Day Service
Orono Remembrance Day Parade and Service
Bowmanville Remembrance Day
Newcastle Remembrance Day Service
Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade
Newcastle Santa Claus Parade
Bowmanville CP Rail Holiday Train
Orono Santa Claus Parade
Courtice Santa Claus Parade
Community Events
Central East Division – 35 Events
Central West Division – 38 Events
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Resolution Run
Public Opinion Survey Distribution (x2)
Durham Children’s Aid Society Easter Egg Hunt
Doors Open - Intrepid Park
Battle of the Atlantic Parade
Relay For Life
Oshawa Fire Services Community Day
Police Week (x10)
3rd Annual Durham Pride Parade
Oshawa Fiesta Parade
Canvass - North Oshawa
Canvass – Simcoe and Beatrice
Oshawa Canada Day
Oshawa Women's Provincial Ball Hockey Championship
Durham Refuge 1/4 Marathon
Motorcycle Ride for Sick Kids
Bikes on Bond
Auto Fest Kick Off
Oshawa Ribfest (x2)
CIBC Run for the Cure
Festival of Remembrance
Oshawa Remembrance Day Ceremony
Oshawa Santa Parade of Lights
Whitby Santa Clause Parade
Public Opinion Survey Distribution (x5)
OPG March Break Madness at the Kids Safety Village
5/10K Easter Dash Event
Easter Egg Eggstravaganza
Educational Letter Delivery
Canvass - North Ajax Sexual Assault
Racing Against Drugs Durham (x5)
Kids and Cops Fishing Day
Prescription Drop Off
4 Annual Winn Marathon
Brooklin Spring Fair - Evening (x3)
Brooklin Spring Fair Parade
Operations Training Centre Opening Ceremonies
Whitby Canada Day
Whitby Rib Fest (x4)
Lock it or Lose it
Brooklin Harvest Festival
Whitby Heritage Day
Chief For A Day Selection Process
Youth in Policing Halloween Food Drive
Kids Safety Village Halloween Haunt
Brooklin Remembrance Day Service
Whitby Remembrance Day Ceremony
Brooklin Christmas in the Village
Community Events
West Division – 25 Events
Headquarters – 3 Events
Claremont Winter Parade and Run
Public Opinion Survey Distribution (x3)
Pickering Easter Parade
Steps for Life Walk
Davi Mandir Walk
Lock It or Lose It – Pickering (x2)
Pickering D-Day Parade
Ajax Home Week Fireworks
Law Enforcement Torch Run – South Leg
Pickering Canada Day
India Heritage Festival
Police Exemplary Service Awards Night
Pickering Terry Fox Run
Run Ajax
Police Appreciation Dinner and Awards Night
DRPS Children’s Games (x2 )
West Division Halloween Patrol
Ajax Santa Claus Parade
Pickering Santa Parade
Ajax Remembrance Day Parade
Pickering Remembrance Day Ceremony
Funeral for Guelph Police Constable Jennifer Kovac
Canadian Police & Peace Officers’ Memorial
Ontario Police Memorial
Other – 9 Events
Traffic Services Speed Board - 44
OPP Auxiliary Graduation
Chief’s Inspection and Graduation Parade
Graduation Parade Drill Practice (x3)
Festive RIDE Kick Off
Assistance with Auxiliary Recruit Interviews
Peterborough Auxiliary Graduation
Public Order Unit Exercise
Deployments and Retrievals (x44)
Letters of Appreciation
I just wanted to express our gratitude for the assistance provided by our
Auxiliary Officers on April 18 2013. On such short notice, seven members
responded for the request for help. They are an incredibly motivated group of
individuals and were only too happy to receive their instructions. With little
direction, they completed the task that quite frankly is tedious and time
consuming. But, as with most investigations, the hard work in conducting a
canvass reaps rewards in furthering the investigation. The officers conducted
themselves with professionalism and integrity while completing the detail in the
public eye and in the presence of cameras. The officers were able to canvass the
required 150 homes in under four hours which is quite incredible.
This was my second opportunity to be jointly involved in a canvass with the
Auxiliary Officers and on both occasions, they have been tremendous. They
should be commended for their efforts. I had the opportunity to speak with Aux.
Sgt. Murchison post canvass. He informed me of the rigorous selection process by which they are subject to
when they apply for the position. The passion these individuals exhibit is outstanding.
Although I expressed our gratitude on the night of the canvass, please pass along this message because without
their assistance, we would not have been able to complete this important step in the investigation.
Thanks again.
Detective Constable Colin Rose #995
Katharine Granger (Race director) and I, on behalf of the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Auxiliary and our Run for the
Diamond Committee, would like to thank you Bernie and your crew for once again providing professional and
excellent service.
It was nice to finally meet you Bernie! Appreciated your professionalism and commitment to ensuring all our
participants were safe as well as our many onlookers! Please pass along our thanks to all of your crew who
worked on Sunday.
Paula Donahoe, Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Auxiliary
I just wanted to comment on the efforts of Eileen Barber, Sue Baxter, Pauline Stacey, and Robin Williams at the
Oshawa Fire Safety Day event on Saturday. Each came full of enthusiasm and presented themselves
professionally and was clearly committed to ensuring the day was safe and enjoyable for all. Their efforts made
my day stress, and trouble free.
Sergeant Greg Knopp #760
I wanted to say THANK YOU so much for all your hard work and effort at the Oshawa Canada Day event. It was
another exciting year down at Lakeview Park. You do a great job ensuring that traffic runs as smoothly as
possible throughout the entire event. The event would not be as successful without your commitment and
dedication to your positions. Thank you for all your help this year and in previous years we look forward to
working with you again with this event and others.
Laura Iantomasi , Coordinator Events & Community Engagement, City of Oshawa
Letters of Appreciation
I would like to thank you for the use of the Auxiliary members and the Mobile Command on Saturday up in
Cannington. Your members were an integral part of the initial steps in a Pilot project to “interconnect”
Cannington with the police. The 10 Auxiliary members were enthusiastic, worked very hard and were very
positive with the task.
The whole premise was to go door to door in an attempt to get members of the community to sign up and give
the DRPS their e-mail address so we can advise them of issues that are happening in their community.
Staff Sergeant James Stewart-Haass #128
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank the school officers and the auxiliary for picking up the participants this
morning and supporting them during this year’s Chief for a Day contest. It means so much for the Deputy's and
their families to spend time with officers. It makes for a truly memorable day for them all. Thank you again for
your assistance.
Constable Heather M. Wilson #864
I presented Clarington Town Council with a Municipal Policing presentation this morning.
I shared with them the large number of events supported by our Auxiliary Unit and informed them that they
have dedicated about 18,000 hours of their own time every year to helping run the many events in Durham
Region and Clarington in particular.
The General Purpose and Administration Committee Councillors wanted me to ensure that you were informed
of how grateful they are for the dedication and professionalism of your members. They were genuinely
impressed.
I most certainly echo those comments. Your members are very organized and well turned out for Duty every
time they come out. My sincere appreciation - we often come to expect these things because it seems the norm
- it does however take a lot of work and commitment from you all and your excellent people.
Inspector Rolf Kluem #217