City Welcomes New Police Constables

Everywhere Chief Myron Demkiw goes, community members ask him to see a stronger police presence in their neighbourhoods.

“This is because your work matters,” Demkiw told the lastest group of police consatbles at their graduation ceremony on November 27 at Toronto Police College. “It matters to enforce the law and prevent crime, and it matters to help people feel safe.”

The previous day, the Chief announced the expansion of the Service’s Neighbourhood Community Officer program into four new areas, and increased police presence on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

“We would not be able to increase our presence throughout the city without you,” said Demkiw. “With our three classes of 2025 so far, we have added over 250 new police constables to the Toronto Police Service. This is all part of our multi-year hiring plan that we will continue over the coming months and years.”

As Canada’s largest city and its financial and cultural hub, Toronto hosts major events like conventions, concerts, and soon the FIFA World Cup. To remain attractive to residents, visitors and businesses, the Chief said the city must stay safe.

“And you are now part of this important mission,” he said. “As you know, every contact matters in our line of work. Your presence and how you engage make a difference in people’s lives in ways you will often never see. But make no mistake about it. You will make a difference. Every time you remove dangerous drugs or guns from our streets, every time you are the first to show up when people need you the most, every time you engage with our communities in a positive way that builds trust, you will make a difference because your job is so important for our communities, our city and our country.”

Demkiw shared some important lessons he wished he had known when he graduated 35 years ago, to help bring out the best version of the graduates as they set out to serve their communities.

“It is important to seek first to understand before you seek to be understood, continuous learning and education will help enhance your knowledge, skills and abilities, and there is immense value in consistently prioritizing and practicing self-care,” he noted. “Reflecting on my own career, I can pinpoint specific periods when I did not prioritize self-care. And those mistakes had an impact on both my personal and professional life.”

The Chief said self-care is vital to safeguarding the recruits against experiences they will face and building resilience as a police officer.

“Our health, safety and well-being are essential for us to serve our communities effectively,” added Demkiw. “…Prioritizing self-care is a commitment to yourself just as it is a commitment to your loved ones, many of whom are here this evening. To the family members and friends joining this evening, I can promise you that we will continue to do everything we can to ensure your favourite police officer is safe as possible. Our members’ health, safety and well-being will always be my priority.

With mental health and well-being now a strategic priority for the TPS, a new Chief’s Well-Being Award has been introduced to recognize a recruit who demonstrates exceptional commitment to personal wellness and the well-being of others.

The recipient was Bryan Vargas Marin.

“This is a great way to celebrate our newest members who are dedicated and committed to keeping themselves and others healthy, and hopefully they will carry that through their careers,” said Lanie Schachter-Snipper, the TPS Workplace Mental Health Lead.

A panel comprising Toronto Police College and Wellness Unit members, along with Wounded Warriors Canada Chief Operating Officer Mike Wionzek, made the selection from the pool of recruits who applied.

With most of the graduating police class speaking multiple languages, Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll said this helps strengthen connections in the city’s multicultural communities.

“That matters because Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world and the strength of our police service comes from reflecting the very communities you will serve,” she said. “Your backgrounds, your languages and your perspectives will help build trust, foster relationships and ensure that every Torontonian sees themselves in the people who serve and protect them.”

Carroll told the recruits they are embarking on a journey that will challenge them, shape them and allow them to make a real difference in the community.

“It is a job like no other, one that asks a great deal of you,” the Toronto City Councillor and Budget Committee Chair added. “You will be called upon to keep people safe, to respond in times of crisis and to serve with compassion and professionalism. And make no mistake, this city is grateful. Your families, your friends and your community are incredibly proud of you…The Toronto Police Service is a world-class organization made up of dedicated professional individuals who serve with integrity and commitment. And now you are part of that team. You have earned this moment through hard work, determination and a deep desire to serve our city.”

Carroll challenged the recruits’ families to be ambassadors for Canada’s largest municipal police service.

“I want you to let people know that your sons, daughters, partners and whatever it is just started on one of the most exciting career paths ever,” she said. “This is a job that not only affords you the pride of serving in this city. This is a solid career. As you experience this pride, I hope you will spend the entire holiday season telling everyone you know what that feels like.”

Mayor Olivia Chow, who supports and invests in the Toronto Police, met the recruits earlier in the day.

“I wanted to be here to personally congratulate you and see your faces,” she said. “It is incredible that you have chosen to serve the public. I thank you for stepping forward to serve our city. The job is not easy because you will meet people on the worst day of their lives. When you show up, there is a great sense of relief.”

Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner challenged the recruits to meet the moment with purpose and determination.

“The moment in time is about understanding their inherent right to have a career with one of the finest flagship services that exists anywhere in Canada, and in a city that I proudly call my own,” he said. “…We will have your backs because you made the decision that you wanted to have a meaningful career and that you wanted to make a difference in the lives of our community every day.”

New Constable Linda Mahmoud said this job has been a lifelong goal.

“This is something unique for me to be doing, and my parents are very proud because they know this is what I wanted to do,” she noted. “I like helping people, especially the most vulnerable and those who are unable to advocate for themselves.”

Mahmoud, who is going to 52 Division, said the most rewarding aspect of the training was learning to overcome the physical and mental pressures.

“The instructors, however, were extremely supportive, and I grew in ways I hadn’t expected,” she added.

For Shaniece Bennett who is assigned to 32 Division, the best part of the training was the strong friendships she has built with her fellow recruits.

“These are people who will be part of my life for a long time, and I’m excited to serve alongside them,” she said.

Receiving the police offer letter was one of the happiest moments of Bennett’s life.

“It’s a big achievement for me and I am so happy to be here,” she added.

Her goal is to work in homicide where she can investigate serious crimes and provide families with the answers and closure they desperately need.

Maria Yousofi was looking for a career that is new and different, and policing seemed like the perfect fit, offering both challenges and opportunities to make a real difference in people’s lives.

“This job is both physically and mentally challenging, pushing you to your limits and helping you grow stronger, more resilient and better prepared for yourself and your future,” she pointed out.

With just over 20 percent of the class being women reflects a growing trend of female participation in policing that pleases Yousofi whose police career starts at 53 Division.

“It is great to see women stepping out of their comfort zone and trusting in themselves because they belong here,” she said.

Losing a close friend to gun violence has had a profound impact on Beryl Mefful, who is assigned to 51 Division.

“I know what the effects of gun and gang-related crime can have, and I am hoping to make an impact in my new role,” she pointed out.

A friend encouraged Mefful to consider a career in policing.

“When I researched the requirements and responsibilities of the role, I was immediately captivated and knew this was the path I wanted to pursue,” she said. “I am excited about what this career has to offer.”

Several prizes were presented at the graduation.

Brian Yoo earned the High Academic Achievement Award with a mark of 97 percent, Andrew Lawson was the recipient of the Harry Mayzell Leadership Award, Luka Milanovic captured the High Performance in Fitness Award and Dimitri Adragna won the Most Improved Fitness Award.

Antonios Varahidis was the recipient of the Gulshan Kassamali Diversity & Inclusion Memorial Award and Rong Li was the winner of the Drill, Dress & Deportment Award that was renamed the Jack Reid Toronto Police Military Veterans Association (TPMVA) Award.

Joining Toronto Police in 1941 as a Clerk in the Chief’s Office, Reid took leave two years later to enlist with the Royal Canadian Navy and serve aboard the HMCS Longueil during the Battle of the Atlantic.

The Glen Cole Memorial Award was presented to class valedictorian Maliha Ratansi. The Citytv broadcaster died in 1990.

“We have made the transformation from citizen to constable,” said Ratansi who is assigned to 12 Division. “We faced every challenge, pushed through personal and family hardships and earned our spot here today. As we head into our respective Divisions, let’s cherish these memories and wear our badges with pride. Let’s serve with honour, be the officers our communities deserve and, above all, let us never forget why we started this journey.”

Beginning last June 4, the recruits spent five weeks at Toronto Police College where they were introduced to the Criminal Code and the Highway Traffic and Provincial Acts.

They also received Bias Avoidance, Indigenous Experience, Mental Health & Addiction, Peer Intervention and LGBTQ2S training before heading to the Ontario Police College.

At Aylmer, the focus was on academics, police vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms and physical training.

Back at the College, they spent the last 10 weeks doing scenarios, report writing, vehicle stops and additional physical training.

The day after graduation, the recruits head out to their Divisions for station orientation before being matched up with a Coach Officer who partners with them.

Every graduating class raises funds for a charity. Through a bake sale, Class 25-03 raised over $1,000 for The Hospital for Sick Children.

Margaret Northrup, the widow of Constable Jeffrey Northrup who died in the line of duty in July 2021, and their daughter Samantha, attended the graduation ceremony.