Women have been an important part of the OPP for more than 100 years. In 1921, Edna C. Hoag transferred over from the license board to become secretary to Commissioner Cawthra-Elliot. In the years that followed, more women joined the organization in important civilian roles.
By the early 1970s, there was growing discussion regarding the need to re-evaluate the notion that women did not “belong” in uniform.
In 1972, the Ontario Solicitor General's Office formed a taskforce to conduct a full review of policing practices throughout the province. Within the OPP, it was revealed that female civilians and officers' wives were increasingly asked to perform policing-related duties that would normally be done by uniformed officers, such as searching or guarding female prisoners. This led many to question why women were not permitted to serve as regular uniformed officers. When the task force's final report recommended increasing the diversity of skills, culture, gender and age represented in police services in Ontario, the OPP acted swiftly.
Fifteen women reported for training to the OPP Academy on May 27, 1974. By the end of 1974, a total of 39 women had joined the organization as officers.
Since then, at least one woman has held each of the uniformed ranks in the organization. The first Sergeant and Staff Sergeants were promoted in 1988; Inspector in 1989; Superintendent in 1993; Chief Superintendent in 1995; Deputy Commissioner in 2019, and Commissioner in 1998.
Why was celebrating the 50th anniversary of women in uniform in the OPP important to the organization? Celebrating is important and valuable; however, this anniversary has also served as an opportunity to not only recognize the pioneering women who have made history over the last 50 years, but to examine the status of women in the organization today and to look to the future. While women have made great inroads in the policing profession across Canada, they remain in the minority in uniform roles. As diversity remains an important goal for the OPP, and because many of the women currently serving with our organization will be eligible to retire in the coming years, the OPP is actively encouraging more women to choose policing as a profession and to consider seeking out leadership roles within our current complement.
By honouring and celebrating the pioneering women who first joined the OPP 50 years ago, and the women who followed in their footsteps, the goal was to help to foster a sense of pride within the OPP and inspire new women to join.
Over the course of 2024 OPP members, policing partners and community members joined the OPP in honouring the organization's history, celebrating achievements and reflecting on the experiences of women in uniform at the OPP so far.
Events and initiatives included:
Collecting stories from previous and current women in uniform to create a record of experiences over 50 years Opportunities for dialogue within the organization about gender were created, time was invested in recording and documenting the experiences of current and retired members, statistics were analyzed and challenging questions were asked about the organization and where it is headed in the coming years.
Learning from the experiences and unique perspectives of members, the OPP will continue to grow and develop as an organization, remain open to new ideas and innovation and make conscious efforts not to repeat mistakes from the past. The impact of this anniversary will continue to be felt into 2025 and beyond as efforts and conversations sparked by opportunity are explored by necessity moving forward.
The future is very promising for the OPP – for all of its members.
In 2024, the Innovations from our Frontline (If:) Team joined the new Strategic Services Bureau within Culture and Strategy Services Command. This move aligns with the If: Team's mandate of supporting innovation and growth across the OPP.
One of the goals for 2024 for the If: Team was completing the original "If TOP150". The "If TOP150" is a list of innovative ideas submitted and voted on by frontline members from across the province during the original If: Project in 2019-2020. In collaboration with program areas across the organization, the If: Team has been able to move the TOP150 into either a completion phase (141) or into a continuous improvement phase (9).
The If: Team launched an engagement platform and started developing Innovation Hubs in each of the OPP Regions to share ideas at the local level and track ideas that could have positive effects in other areas. The local connection enables If: Team members to collaborate with other members and build confidence in the system. This form of innovation often challenges and introduces novel solutions and requires members to develop new processes, skills and a change in mindset.
Additionally, the If: Team has been involved in sustainable innovation initiatives focused on incremental improvements to existing products, services or systems to ensure long-term efficiency and relevance. This includes supporting organizational reviews, such as being the Non-Commissioned Officer Selection and Special Constable reviews. The If: Team has also been able to action innovative social change projects. In the fall of 2024, the If: Team collaborated with frontline members to create the Special Olympian Ambassador Program for detachments across the province.
The If: Team continues to receive suggestions from all members of the OPP and aims to further foster a culture of innovation that embraces both experimentation and evidence-based research.
The Healthy Workplace Team (HWT) provides access to a wide range of health and wellness services for OPP members and their families. The HWT is comprised of psychologists, mental health clinicians, care navigators, reintegration services and members that specialize in fitness and nutrition.
The HWT remains focused on building capacity across the province, prioritizing adequate mental health clinician coverage to meet the needs of all OPP Regions and program areas. HWT is aiming to have four mental health clinicians in each Region, three in Highway Safety Division and at least five to cover Central Region and General Headquarters to support members, families and training. This ensures equitable support while addressing region-specific needs.
The Operational Reintegration Program aims to improve the wellness of members after critical incidents and when returning to the workplace. As members return to their frontline positions, the Reintegration Unit offers support through personalized reintegration plans and collaborates with other certified use of force training instructors to ease the member back into their position in a way that is medically supported and safe.
In 2024, there were 69 new files referred to the Reintegration Program. Of those files, 36 successfully completed the program.
In 2024, the Reintegration Program expanded. By the end of the year, all Regions had received a full-time dedicated Reintegration Sergeant. A Reintegration Sergeant for Highway Safety Division will be hired in 2025.
Some members who utilized the Reintegration Program have provided feedback through an anonymous survey. All responding members rated the program at five out of five stars.
"[The Reintegration Sergeant's] professionalism and comradery helped me feel like one of the team again...something I greatly missed during my time off."
In 2024, HWT relaunched the Regional and Command Engagement Tables. These tables connect to a central Commissioner’s Advisory Board, fostering organization-wide collaboration. Chaired by Commanders or their designates, the tables include OPP employees (uniform and civilian), retirees, family members, members on leave and members who have experienced the Return-to-Work process. HWT representatives attend to provide updates and guidance.
Meeting quarterly, these peer-driven forums address challenges, share experiences and develop initiatives to promote a psychologically healthy, safe and inclusive workplace. This relaunch reinforces the OPP's commitment to meaningful engagement and community-driven solutions. An example of an initiative that originated at the West Region Engagement Table is the Family Wellness Resource Guide, published for the first time in early 2024.
Almost 150 members across the province attended Peer Support Program information sessions in fall 2024, held in all regions both in-person and virtually. The reinvigorated Peer Support Program introduces two types of Peer Supporters: Supportive Peers, identified informally within workplaces, and Deployable Peer Supporters, trained by HWT to assist during critical incidents. Deployable Peer Supporters undergo a selection process, including an expression of interest, reference check and an annual wellness self-assessment.
Training for Deployable Peer Supporters will be conducted quarterly by mental health clinicians and hosted by rotating Regions, covering 27 key topics identified by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. These sessions are open to all OPP members, providing valuable networking opportunities and fostering connections across the organization.
In partnership with the Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion and Leadership (OPRIL), the HWT has completed training for Detachment Commanders and Non-Commissioned Officers (supervisors) in all Regions and Highway Safety Division, as well as helped to adapt and deliver training for senior managers in Bureaus.
In 2024, People-Centred Leadership Training was delivered to more than 150 senior leaders, including Inspectors, Superintendents, Chiefs, Civilian Managers and Directors from all Bureaus and Commands. Overall, more than 470 members from across the province participated in workshops in 2024. This brings the total number of members who have attended People-Centred Leadership workshops to approximately 1,225 since the inception of the training in 2023. Training for all Bureau supervisors is scheduled for completion in 2025.
The Proactive Programs Unit was established in 2017 and consists of three tiers: prediction, prevention and resolution. The OPP is the only police service in Ontario that has a dedicated unit for education and resolving complaints through this innovative strategy and is recognized as a leader in this industry.
Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) - formerly known as the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) - is responsible for receiving, managing and overseeing public complaints about misconduct of police officers, as legislated by the CSPA. The focus of the Proactive Programs Unit is to divert investigations that are less serious in nature to resolution to better support OPP members and communities served by the OPP. Since 2017, Proactive Programs Unit has informally resolved or withdrawn more than 500 less serious complaints regarding OPP officers.
The Proactive Programs Unit is driven by a people-centered approach that focuses on the well-being of OPP members and building positive public relationships. Resolutions engage complainants, detachment commanders and respondent officers throughout the complaints process for transparency and accountability. This form of resolution has transformed the disciplinary process and builds upon initiatives enhancing fairness while accelerating the complaint process. In turn, it is a positive step in the officer's wellbeing during the complaint process to resolve the complaint at the earliest opportunity.
Additionally, by identifying trends through the external LECA oversight complaints process, the Proactive Programs Unit offers targeted education to OPP members with a focus on trends, analysis and recommendations. This educational component also includes presentations delivered through the Provincial Police Academy about professionalism and OPP core values. To date, the Proactive Programs Unit has delivered more than 200 presentations, providing trends, analysis and recommendations with a focus on reducing complaints at OPP detachments across the province.
In March 2024, Uniform Recruitment hosted three virtual information sessions aimed to inspire, educate and support women currently in civilian roles with the OPP to consider the transition to a uniform role.
On June 14 and 15, 2024, Uniform Recruitment hosted “OPP Bound: Women's Edition” at OPP General Headquarters. This two-day event saw 72 participants learn more about the application process and explore the unique career opportunities available within the OPP. The event gave attendees the opportunity to connect with women from across the organization and ask them questions related to their experiences. Almost half of attendees participated in and passed the shuttle run requirement. A pass in the shuttle run allows participants to move on to the next step in the application process if it is submitted within 30 days.
Building on the positive feedback from OPP Bound, on August 17, 2024, Uniform Recruitment hosted a Women's Symposium at OPP General Headquarters. This event focused on eliminating and demystifying some of the perceived barriers that women (including those who are cis, trans, assigned female at birth and non-binary) may face when considering a career in policing. This event also included the option for attendees to complete the shuttle run.
The OPP provides services in both official languages and is always looking to recruit bilingual members.
On August 22, 2024, the OPP hosted a bilingual-focused recruitment event in Ottawa. This event provided bilingual candidates with an opportunity to discover bilingual positions available across the province and to hear from a panel of OPP members across various ranks and specialities.
To learn about upcoming information sessions and recruitment events, visit www.opp.ca/events.
For more information about joining the OPP as a bilingual Communications Operator in the Provincial Communications Centres, please visit Ontario Provincial Police - Provincial Communications Centres.
JOIN THE OPP
The Civilian Data Entry (CDE) Unit is located at OPP General Headquarters in Orillia. CDE Clerks provide essential transcription services to uniform members and relieve the burden of data entry from frontline officers.
Find more information about CDE and how to apply here.
CDE transcriptions completed January 1 to December 31, 2024
| Work Type | # of Dictations Transcribed |
Approx. Length of Audio Transcribed (Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| WT-1 - Bail Hearings and Sudden Deaths (Only) | 15,421 | 2,820 |
| WT2 - Arrest Reports/Criminal Charges and Warrants | 28,609 | 4,482 |
| WT3 - Domestic/Family Disputes and Missing/Located Persons | 24,641 | 3,672 |
| WT4 - Part III Offences | 6,616 | 721 |
| WT5 - Crimes Against Persons-No Arrest and MHA | 7,175 | 897 |
| WT6 - Stolen/Recovered Motor Vehicles-No Arrest & Property Crime and Recovered Stolen Property (No Arrest) | 2,359 | 293 |
| WT7 - Other Crime-No Arrest | 1,619 | 172 |
| WT9 - Non-Criminal (All Other) | 2,787 | 256 |
| WT12 - Criminal Investigation Branch Dictations (CIB Special Project) | 9 | 30 |
| Total | 89,236 | 13,343 |
Source: Fusion Voice Manager. Data retrieved January 22, 2025.
Communications Operators serve a critical role in supporting OPP operations. They are the first point of contact between the public and OPP and directly support frontline operations in maintaining officer and public safety. Provincial Communications Centres operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week to answer 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
The OPP is continuously hiring communications operators. Find more information about the PCCs and how to apply here.
To view other open civilian opportunities at the OPP, visit the Ontario Public Service Careers website: https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/.
The Provincial Police Academy (PPA) within the Career Development Bureau is committed to supporting the training of all OPP members from when they are hired until they retire. The PPA strives to provide a learner-centered approach to learning through creative course design, efficient course administration and engaged teaching and instruction.
The PPA is where OPP recruits and experienced police officers begin their training journey with the organization. In 2024, the PPA trained four intake classes of recruits (see here for more information about Uniform Recruitment).
The training recruits receive at the PPA before going to the Ontario Police College includes a 3.5 hour module on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) led by a member of the OPRIL Equity and Inclusion Team. Each recruit class since December 2022 has received this interactive training. Topics covered in the IDEA module include unconscious bias, intersectionality, the Ontario Human Rights Code and protected grounds, police history with marginalized communities and the impact on those communities today, hate crimes/hate bias incidents in Ontario, and what is expected of officers dealing with these incidents. This module emphasizes self reflection, empathy, emotional intelligence, and officer wellness. Mental health supports are incorporated throughout the module.
In 2024, the PPA had many highlights and successes, including enhancing the course calendar, creating online hubs to support resource sharing, the transition of the Instructional Techniques course to a hybrid format and the further development of the Supervisor Course series to include Supervisor 300.
The course calendar scheduling and planning processes underwent enhancements in 2024, to ensure the PPA objective of providing a professional and innovative learning environment for members. This was done by using data to determine the training needs of members across the province and taking a priority status approach to registration that focused on training members in new positions (for example, newly promoted members) and meeting organizational priorities. These enhancements resulted in more OPP members receiving training in 2024. These enhanced processes will continue to evolve in 2025.
In 2024, the Instructor Hub was created on SharePoint for PPA Instructors to share resources and support ongoing learning and development. The Instructor Hub is a place for anyone within the organization to find resources, videos, templates, and worksheets that provide information, tips and practical strategies that will engage learners and enhance instructional sessions.
In early 2024, the PPA started using Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN) pre-course activities and online resources to supplement the in-class components of the Instructional Techniques course. This provided learners with different formats to learn from and enabled the PPA to deliver the course more frequently. Instructional Techniques is typically a 5 day in-person course. The pre-course learning module with reading, discussion boards and videos to review provides learners with foundational information that will be referenced throughout the course and ensures all learners have a similar base level of knowledge prior to the course. Additionally, lesson plans, needs assessment documents and feedback forms are provided, completed and submitted digitally.
This hybrid approach supported the delivery of 13 Instructional Techniques courses in 2024, resulting in 129 OPP members completing the program.
In addition to Supervisor 100 and Supervisor 200, a Supervisor 300 course was developed in 2024 and delivered to members in Staff Sergeant-level supervisor roles. Supervisor 300 was designed to meet the following objectives:
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training Activities | Course Offerings | Members Trained | Course Offerings | Members Trained | Course Offerings | Members Trained |
| Orientation Courses (Post-OPC Recruit / EPO / Special Constables) | 15 | 628 | 15 | 639 | 16 | 868 |
| Senior Courses: OPP In-person | 195 | 2,739 | 223 | 3,282 | 227 | 3,338 |
| Senior Courses: Non-OPP Courses (OPC/CPC) | 205 | 1,175 | 260 | 1,461 | 269 | 1,324 |
| Block Training¹ | 5,858 | 5,940 | 6,050 | |||
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPA Course Delivery Method | Course Offerings | Members Trained | Course Offerings | Members Trained | Course Offerings | Members Trained |
| In-Person / Instructor-Led Training (ILT) | 148 | 1,736 | 176 | 2,294 | 193 | 2,526 |
| Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) ² | 29 | 827 | 22 | 665 | 21 | 641 |
| E-Learning ³ | 115 | 12,284 | 111 | 23,956 | 125 | 40,373 |
¹ Includes training provided to First Nation Police Services
²
VILT classes run simultaneously with ILT classes; therefore, some course offerings may be counted against each
type of training
³ Members trained includes all course completions. Note that individual members may
have completed multiple courses / Includes mandatory e-learning courses
Courses and content that are part of mandatory annual requalification training, also called “Block Training”, are not included in the Top 10. Annual Requalification training includes an annual session on de-escalation and crisis response based on the training needs of the OPP, the Ontario Public-Police Interactions Training Aid (OPPITA) framework, and current research and recommendations.
Intimate Partner Violence Investigator
16 Classes | 548 Members Trained
SUPERVISOR 100
12 Classes | 273 Members Trained
COACH OFFICER
9 Classes | 219 Members Trained
NATIONAL DNA DATA BANK SAMPLER
19 Classes | 198 Members Trained
WARRANT, CONSENT AND HUMANITARIAN DNA SAMPLER
19 Classes | 179 Members Trained
SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATOR
11 Classes | 153 Members Trained
CRIMINAL DETECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
9 Classes | 149 Members Trained
POLICE CYCLIST PATROL OPERATOR
19 Classes | 138 Members Trained
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES
13 Classes | 129 Members Trained
SUPERVISOR 200
6 Classes | 115 Members Trained
NOTE: 2022/2023 data as previously reported. 2024 data is snapshot data as of January 15, 2025. 370 of the public complaints received last year fell under the jurisdiction of the CSPA when it was enacted on April 1, 2024.
| Conduct Complaints | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substantiated | 10 | 15 | 12 |
| Screened Out by OIPRD/LECA | 503 | 539 | 538 |
| Ongoing | 39 | 63 | 68 |
| Informal Resolutions | 91 | 59 | 67 |
| Closed - Other | 9 | 19 | 20 |
| Unsubstantiated | 84 | 84 | 88 |
| Withdrawn | 94 | 98 | 85 |
| Total | 830 | 877 | 878 |
Of the 878 conduct complaints received in 2024, 15 related to off-duty incidents (1.7%).
| Policy Complaints | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | 9 | 6 | 7 |
| Screened Out by OIPRD/LECA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Withdrawn | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ongoing | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 9 | 7 | 9 |
No significant themes emerged from the 9 policy complaints received last year.
| Service Complaints | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | 46 | 61 | 16 |
| Screened Out by OIPRD/LECA | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Withdrawn | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Ongoing | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Total | 48 | 67 | 17 |
A review of the service complaints revealed that 10 out of the 17 complaints received in 2024 were related to complainants that were dissatisfied with the OPP response to allegations they reported, suggesting that the OPP failed to act on their reports. Two complaints were regarding the same incident in which complainants thought the OPP should have utilized the Amber Alert system. Additionally, there were two service complaints relating to wait times for online record checks.
NOTICES OF HEARING -
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
EARLY RESOLUTION PROGRAM
| Resolved | 18 |
| Unresolved | 25 |
| Ongoing | 3 |
| Withdrawn | 11 |
| Total | 57 |
IMPROPER INVESTIGATION
0.9% Substantiated
UNCIVIL TO PUBLIC
0% Substantiated
IMPROPER PROCEDURE
1.2% Substantiated
IMPROPER / EXCESSIVE USE OF FORCE
0% Substantiated
IMPROPER ARREST / DETENTION
2.2% Substantiated
HARASSMENT
0% Substantiated
IMPROPER SEARCH / ENTRY
8.2% Substantiated
IMPROPER CHARGE
0% Substantiated
DISCRIMINATION
0% Substantiated
DISCREDIT FORCE REPUTATION
0% Substantiated
On April 1, 2024, the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) became the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) under the Community Safety and Policing Act. For more information, visit the LECA website.
| Internal Complaints | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substantiated | 96 | 75 | 99 |
| Unsubstantiated | 10 | 9 | 17 |
| Withdrawn | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Informal Resolution | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Ongoing | 21 | 17 | 53 |
| Closed - Other | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Total | 132 | 4 | 3 |
Of the 173 internal complaints received in 2024, 25 related to off-duty incidents (14.4%).
NOTE: Open and ongoing files will cause the numbers to fluctuate. Disposition data is only accurate as of the date collected.
The OPP, like the province we serve, is made up of diverse members representing numerous backgrounds, languages and gender identities.
Over 100 participants, including 39 OPP members, from more than a dozen police services across Ontario attended this historic event held in Thunder Bay in April 2024. The Women in Indigenous Policing Gathering was created to share common experiences, build networks and establish cross-jurisdictional mentorships and relationships. Topics included breaking down barriers, mentorship and leadership, resiliency, community building, organizational change and next steps for women in Indigenous policing.
Along with representatives from other police services, several OPP members were part of the Women in Indigenous Policing Gathering Planning Committee that worked over several months to plan and facilitate this event.
Each year on September 25, the OPP celebrates Franco-Ontarian Day. We are fortunate to have more than 500 members working in bilingual designated positions, offering services in both official languages. The Franco-Ontarian flag is permanently displayed at OPP General Headquarters, all Regional Headquarters and Highway Safety Division Headquarters, as well as detachments located in a designated bilingual area.
Since March 2024, Franco-Ontarian flag pins have been worn by bilingual designated OPP members across the province.
In November, OPP members attended the 2024 Serving with Pride Gala and Awards Night. OPP members represented over 50% of the nominations for the awards in 2024 and Amy Stewart from the OPP Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion and Leadership (OPRIL) won the Serving with Pride Ally Award. OPRIL is dedicated to championing the OPP commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and supporting our members and the communities we serve.
On November 16, 2024, the OPP jointly hosted the 32nd Annual ABLE Scholarship and Awards Gala alongside ABLE and the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA). This was the first time the OPP had co-hosted this event. Corporate Communications Bureau led the planning of the gala on behalf of the OPP.
Several scholarships and awards were announced throughout the night, including the Trailblazer Award, recognizing an individual who has been a pioneer in their career and who has made significant contributions to their organization, which was awarded to retired OPP S/Sgt Wesley Erskine.
In June 2024, Commissioner Carrique presented at the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Conference to share the OPP's ongoing journey and commitment to adapting and evolving with the ever-changing needs of communities and members.
COMMISSIONER'S CITATIONS
| Officer | Civilian | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifesaving | 160 | 3 |
| Bravery | 52 | 2 |
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENDATIONS
| Officer | Civilian | |
|---|---|---|
| Commendations | 173 | 30 |
| Letters | 60 | 2 |
SERVICE YEAR RECOGNITION
| Officer | Civilian | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Years | 154 | 72 |
| 30 Years | 48 | 13 |
| 40 Years | 3 | 3 |
50 YEARS OF AUXILIARY SERVICE
Auxiliary S/Sgt Garry Bartlett
Did you know the first woman to be the Ride Master for the OPP Golden Helmets was Lise Grenier in 2007?
2SLGBTQ+ ALLY AWARD
Amy Stewart
TRAILBLAZER AWARD
S/Sgt. (ret.) Wesley Erskine
2024 POLICING PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Cyber Enabled Fraud Team:
D/Sgt. Daniel Dusto
D/Sgt. Lynn Davis
DC Matthew D’Souza
DC Ivan Kapliouk
Sp. Cst. Chris Sutton
Analyst Alexandra Magyari
Analyst Pat Kelly
POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS AWARD
Carleton Place Detachment members
2024 INDIAN COUNTRY OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Insp. Marcel Beaudin
2024 40 UNDER 40 AWARD
S/Sgt. Alicia McCracken
PRESIDENTS AWARD
Insp. Leah Gilfoy
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Deputy Commissioner Chris Harkins
PARTNERSHIP AWARD
D/Sgt John Armit
GM ONSTAR HEROES AWARD
PC Keith Lindley
2024 DRUG RECOGNITION EXPERT PERFORMANCE AWARD
PC Chelsea Heuff
2024 DRUG RECOGNITION EXPERT ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD
PC Hunter Adams
The Ontario Police Memorial Foundation Ceremony of Remembrance is held on the first Sunday in May each year. The Memorial was created to honour those police officers in the Province of Ontario who lost their lives in the line of duty. This year's Ceremony of Remembrance took place on May 5, 2024 and honoured two OPP officers. Sergeant Eric Mueller and Detective Constable Steven Tourangeau were added to the memorial at Queen's Park. Their devotion and service to our communities will never be forgotten.
The Canadian Police and Peace Officer Memorial is a ceremony held annually on the last Sunday in September at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. It gives Canadians an opportunity each year to formally express appreciation for the dedication of police and peace officers who made the ultimate tragic sacrifice to keep our communities safe. This year the ceremony took place on September 29, 2024 and honoured a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable and five historical additions to the Honour Roll.
Family, friends, dignitaries and members of the law enforcement community, including hundreds of OPP members, came together to remember and honour these heroes in life.
The Wall of Honour was established in 1978 by the OPPA in memory of OPP officers who died in the line of duty in service to the people of Ontario.
On June 18, 2024, a ceremony was held in front of the Wall of Honour to add the names of three officers: Provincial Constable Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala, Sergeant Eric Mueller and Detective Constable Steven Tourangeau.
Provincial Constable
Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala
Sergeant
Eric Mueller
Detective Constable
Steven Tourangeau
On September 14, 2024, Batteaux Park in Barrie, ON was officially renamed in honour of Provincial Constable Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala. Before becoming a police officer, Greg attended the high school across the street from the park, where he would often train. He will be forever remembered for his dedication and sacrifice.
The Sgt Eric Mueller Charity Golf Tournament, held at Rockland Golf Club in August 2024, raised $26,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). The $26,000 raised was deposited directly into the Endowment Fund established in Eric’s name at CHEO. This was the second annual tournament, with the next one being planned for 2025 to continue to celebrate Eric’s life and his ongoing legacy which will help countless children and families.
In 2024, the OPP participated in the first annual Ontario Police Suicide Memorial Ceremony.
It is critically important to recognize police service members who have died by suicide, or #BecauseOfTheLineOfDuty. Their contributions and sacrifices, along with those of their families, must be remembered and honoured. Recognizing them ensures their legacies are carried forward with respect, compassion and fairness. This includes acknowledging the risks they faced - both to their mental health and physical safety - as well as the lasting toll on their families as survivors.
Commissioner Carrique and other OPP members gathered with police services from across Ontario on June 23, 2024 to commemorate the inaugural Ontario Police Suicide Memorial ceremony. This ceremony was organized by Canada Beyond the Blue and featured a Silent March and a tribute to fallen officers.
No one is meant to fight through adversity alone. First responders can access confidential, anonymous peer support 24/7 through Boots On The Ground. Police members and their families can access support through Canada Beyond The Blue, Badge of Life Canada, and Wounded Warriors Canada. If in crisis, call the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 9-8-8 or in an emergency, call 9-1-1.
In 2024, bridges across the province continued to be dedicated in memory of fallen officers.
A bridge in Elk Lake was dedicated to honour the memory of Provincial Constable Vaughn McKay, who died at 23 years of age from injuries sustained in the line of duty. This marked the 75th provincial highway structure in Ontario dedicated to a fallen officer.
A bridge in Peterborough was dedicated to honour the memory of Provincial Constable Norman F. Maker. Provincial Constable Maker was the third officer in OPP history to be killed in the line of duty.
Family, OPP members, dignitaries and community members gathered to honour their memories and to dedicate the bridges.
In addition to these organizational milestones, the Pathway of Memories and Milestones at OPP General Headquarters added 77 new stones this year, bringing the total number of engraved stones to 634. The funds raised through this initiative continue to support youth in need through the OPP Youth Foundation.
2024 marked the 50th year of Aviation Services at the OPP.
Prior to 1974, the OPP rented helicopters and small, fixed wing planes to monitor traffic and conduct searches on an as-needed basis, but a lack of dedicated aircrafts created gaps in services.
In 1974, the OPP's first two helicopters, Bell Jet Rangers, were delivered and the OPP also received its first dedicated fixed wing plane.
The OPP then received its first larger plane, a de Havilland Turbo Beaver, that flew in officers and supplies to remote northern Indigenous communities and provided a critical link to justice services. This plane also supported search and rescue, tracking wanted persons, drug eradication and evidence collection.
As the decades progressed, investment in more advanced technology was prioritized. Aviation Services were early adopters of groundbreaking Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), commonly known as “drones.” These cameras in the sky not only help to save lives, but they also speed up collision investigations, facilitate searches for evidence and increase officer safety by being able to go into places ahead of officers.
Aviation Services have been innovative leaders in the OPP for over 50 years. The incredible specialized knowledge and skill that the pilots, maintenance engineers and support staff bring to the job every single day is something to celebrate.
The OPPVA is honoured to be included in the OPP Annual Report.
During 2024, the OPPVA continued its close relationship with the OPP, the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) and the Commissioned Officer Association (COA). The OPPVA sponsored and participated in the commemorations of 50 Years of Woman in Uniform at the OPP and participated in the celebration of 50 years of Aviation Services in the OPP.
2024 saw the installation of the plaque honouring “Silent Partners” at OPP General Headquarters in Orillia. The Silent Partners Program was launched in 2015 to recognize the wives of OPP officers in remote northern communities who often took radio calls, handled public complaints and provided medical care.
OPPVA members participated in both the Toronto and Ottawa Memorial Services, Bridge Dedications and other events commemorating current and past members of the OPP and policing partners.
After working closely with the OPP, an OPPVA armband was implemented in 2024 to help identify OPP veterans at events and ceremonies. The OPPVA extends gratitude to the OPP Quartermaster Stores for providing these armbands.
This year the OPPVA also created a Veterans Insignia to be worn on the sleeve of retirees who maintained a uniform after leaving the OPP.
OPPVA membership as of December 31, 2024 was 2480 members, consisting of 441 Life (over 80 years old), 290 Honourary, and 1749 Regular Members. There are 24 OPPVA Chapters throughout the province.
