2010 Just Around the Corner

2009 is ending on a sad note. The tragic death of Constable Eric Czapnik in Ottawa this week sent shock waves across Canada at the first death of an officer the capital has seen in over a quarter of a century. Four paramedics standing nearby who witnessed the attack intervened to subdue the suspect. Although the attacker had already caused critical injuries, their heroism needs to applauded.

From all of IAWP Region 12 our heartfelt condolences to the family of Constable Czapnik, the Ottawa Police Service family he leaves behind, and the citizens of Ottawa who grieve alongside his family and friends.

Looking Forward to 2010 because....

A New Year brings new hope and renewed spirit!

Although tragedy has struck many police families this year, hundreds of officers get up every day and return to work despite the risk. They work through their own personal pain, through long tiring dark hours on night shift, and through inclement weather. To me, that represents the dedication and the spirit of a police officer. And to me, that represents a reason to have hope that better things will come for all police officers, all around the world, in 2010.

IAWP Secretary Michelle Lish recently posted this on the Board of Directors server:

"Let us all pray that 2010 brings peace, love, calmness and safety for us all."

The Olympics are coming to Canada in 43 days!

The Olympics will be not only be a significant event for athletes but also for police officers from all around Canada. There are hundreds of officers from all across the country who will be moving to Vancouver and the surrounding communities starting in January to assist the RCMP with security operations for the games.

IAWP will be at the Olympics and I will be be bringing you news and photos from them. IAWP First Vice President, Staff Sergeant Margaret Shorter has been already been working behind the scenes on planning committee for security operations. IAWP Second Vice President, Detective Myra James has taken leave of absence from the Hamilton Police Service to take a position at the Olympics. Both Margaret and Mrya have already agreed to feed me updates which I will be passing along starting the first week of January.

There has been lots of excitement in Canada regarding the Olympic Torch Relay. IAWP Region 12 member, Corporal Gertrude Maxwell has been working the Olympic Torch Committee for her area. The group recently had a promo luncheon that she and IAWP Region 12 member Joan MCCUSTER attended.

Happy New Year to everyone. To all officers who are working, be warm and safe on your watch.

Where does the time go?

It probably seems like just yesterday to her, but 35 years is a long time to spend chasing criminals. This week, Staff Sergeant Kathie King, RCMP Division D will retire. Kathie is highly respected by fellow police officers, crown attorneys, public officials and advocates alike. Kathie was a member of the second RCMP Troop that was trained by the agency back in 1974, when females were first hired by the RCMP. Good luck in all your new endeavours Kathie.

Speaking of time flying....

We are only 14 days away from Christmas. Is anyone else in a panic? I have a tree, I have Christmas cookies, I even have the eggnog. What is missing is are the presents under the tree. Every year I plan to be more organized but work, hockey and just about everything else life throws at us seems to get in the way. Good thing I won all those Christmas ornaments at the 2009 Seattle Conference silent auction. Like it or not....everyone gets a snowman dressed up in a blue uniform this year!

Congratulations to Staff Sergeant Gay Jones #57 of the Brandon Police Service. Today marks the end of one year of probation making her promotion to this rank official. With this promotion, Gay becomes the highest ranking female officer serving the City of Brandon and the second most senior (with 27 years) female in their ranks.

For those of you not familiar with the city, Brandon is the second largest city in Manitoba and the Brandon Police Service is a 76 member department. I recently enjoyed a coffee and chat with Gay and she reminded me that her commanding officer, Chief Keith Atkinson presided over the IAWP Opening Parade in Saskatoon, 2006.

Prayers and thoughts go out to families in Seattle
I tunned into the television yesterday morning to hear the horrific news of the four Lakeview Police officers who were killed while sitting in a coffee shop. As one officer from my own department stated today, "This is certainly a time of reflection on the sacrifices all Police Officers make daily and the ultimate sacrifice these four Police Officers made." (Staff Sergeant Bob Irwin, Winnipeg Police Service). I invite all Region 12 members to visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund website to post a tribute or to make a donation in memory of the officers:

1. If you have not already received yours, click here to request your free 2010 National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund window decal to show you support America's peace officers — especially our fallen heroes. Upon receipt, display your decal on your car or home window where everyone can see.

2. Click here to leave a tribute to the fallen Lakewood officers or any officer you wish. You can also browse other tribute messages.

Please be safe.