Honouring Exceptional Police Work

Uniform and civilian members who demonstrated exceptional dedication and went above and beyond the call of duty were honoured with Service awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions on October 8 at the Toronto Police College.

“Whether you used data to make our operations more efficient or oversaw large-scale events, we are celebrating you because you stepped up,” Chief Myron Demkiw said. “Your courage, skills and compassion have had a positive impact on our residents, our Service and our city. You represent the very best of our organization.”

While most police officers say that helping others is simply part of their job, it's important for their supervisors to remind them when their actions are truly exemplary.

“You have shown what it means when we say that every contact matters,” said Demkiw. “Every rescue matters. Every investigation, every task, every time you run towards danger, you make a difference. This is what leaders do. They step up. And when I look across this room, this is what I see – great leaders who are there for their community and great leaders who make us proud.”

Demkiw said it is unfortunate that positive news rarely makes the headlines.

“But I want you to know that we see you,” he added. “We know the sacrifices you make and the hours you put in. As your Chief, I want to express my deep appreciation for your work. The recognition you are receiving tonight is well-earned. Your compassion, commitment to teamwork and willingness to find solutions to our city’s complex needs are truly remarkable. I am incredibly proud of our members for what you do every day.”

Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll said celebrating this work is important.

“As a Board, we genuinely want to celebrate heroic outcomes and the individuals who make them possible. That is the time when our city is focused on meaningful partnerships and forward-thinking policing. We are reminded that all of you are the foundation of that progress. Your excellence and service and your leadership and care are what we are striving for,” she said.

Commendations, Letters of Recognition and a Merit Mark were presented at the event.

Rescuing a little girl trapped under a car is an experience that will always stay with Detective Constable Amy Davey.

On October 11, 2024, she responded to a mother’s screams near Eglinton Ave. W. and Glen Cedar Rd.

“When I pulled up at the scene, I could see the mom was hysterical,” said the officer. “I could also see people walking towards the car and it took a split second for me to see her child was trapped under the car. She was screaming and blood was all over her face. Her teeth were knocked out and there were scrapes everywhere.”

Knowing she had to do everything she could to save the child’s life, Davey’s first thought was to find people to help lift the car.

“I didn’t not have to collect people,” she said. “There were about 15 to 20 of them coming forward to assist. On the count of three, we lifted the car. To see so many people stopping everything they were doing to save this little girl reinforced that there are good people out there.”

Transported to hospital with serious injuries, including a broken leg and facial trauma, the four-year-old girl recovered.

Constable Arielle Dubissette-Borrice was the recipient of the Merit Mark.

Granted by the TPSB, the honour is bestowed for exemplary acts of bravery, performance of duty, community policing initiatives or innovations that enhance the image or operation of the Service.

Last February, the 51 Division Primary Response Unit officer was among the first TPS members on the scene of a fire that broke out in a sixth-floor unit on Bleecker St., sending thick black smoke and confusion through the Toronto Community Housing high-rise.

“When I arrived, people were screaming, kids were running everywhere and there was a heavy capacity of people running down the stairs,” recalled Dubissette-Borrice. “People were crying and giving me their babies. We had to deal with a lady who was bedridden. To move her out of the apartment was a bit emotional for me. Doing the work we do is gratifying.”

There were 12 people hospitalized, and five police officers treated for smoke inhalation.

Three years ago, Constable Isabelle Cotton was selected to lead the newly established Youth Engagement portfolio to address the growing need for meaningful and sustained connections with young people across the city.

Out of this initiative emerged Community Connect that addresses critical challenges youths face, including unemployment, lack of job readiness and limited access to recreational opportunities.

“This officer asked bold questions about how to engage students and turned those questions into a transforming program,” said Carroll. “Her work is giving young people better access to opportunity, support and community and we know this year more than ever, we need to be doing that. This is getting ahead of the very thing we are striving for. That is how real change starts -- on the ground in a program like that.”

In her 27th year with the Service, Cotton genuinely enjoys working with youth and is enthusiastic about making a positive difference in their lives and communities.

“It is crucial to have a strategy that focuses on building relationships and earning the trust of young people, especially during a time when they face significant anxiety and challenges,” the Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit member said. “Consistency in our efforts is key to making a lasting impact.”