At the Toronto 2000 Conference, Laurie was awarded the IAWP Medal Valour for her role in a domestic abuse investigation. Laurie was injured during the incident and was left with a permanent injury. But not even this could slow her down.....
Prior to joining the ISU, Laurie had been in the lower mainland for one year. In January 2007 she started work with the Air India Task Force and in August of that year she was promoted to a position in ViCLAS. During her time here she got to know some of the ISU members and learned a little about the planning process involved with the Games. In Laurie's words "because of my educational background (she has a Phys Ed degree and a Master's degree in Arts/Sport Studies), my 14 years in law enforcement, and the fact that I have a permanent physical disability, I was approached to take on the Paralympic coordination/planning role. This opportunity is very unique and has proven to be an excellent fit for my skill set and personal interests."
Laurie coordinates security plans for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. The Paralympics are smaller than the Olympics so there are many modifications and adjustments that must occur in preparation for this event. Laurie is tasked with liaising with the leads of various functional units, identifying and addressing gaps and issues, facilitating sensitivity training and keeping the momentum moving forward.
Although she is a one person unit, virtually every other unit with the ISU has some involvement in the Paralympics. As the Games draw closer, more resources are being shifted to assist and focus on the Paralympics.
In 2008 Laurie attended to the Paralympic Summer Games in Beijing, China as part of the International Observer Program. The photo is Laurie watching events at the track. According to Laurie, "Going to China and being part of the Paralympic experience was amazing." I'm sure Laurie will do her best to make the 2010 Paralympic Winter games equally amazing!
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