Community Making City Safer
Everyday citizens and community partners were recognized with Community Member Awards, celebrating their contribution to creating a safer city through acts of bravery and kindness.
“When I look at the people we are recognizing today and hear their stories, I see our sense of community. There is compassion, service and a willingness to be there for one another that is both reassuring and inspiring,” Chief Superintendent Shannon Dawson said.
Dawson told the honourees that their actions made a real difference.
“You are community heroes,” she said. “Many of the situations were volatile, and it took a great deal of courage for you to act as swiftly as you did. Thank you for supporting our officers and for everything you have done to help keep our communities safe.”
Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll highlighted the deeper meaning behind the recognition, pointing to the everyday acts that strengthen communities.
“Courage, compassion, but also that basic commitment to everyday people,” she said. “People who choose to act are the ones who matter most and the ones we want to celebrate. The stories you hear today remind us that community safety is not created by institutions alone. It is built by people — neighbours, friends, and even strangers — who step forward to support one another.”
Carroll added that the honourees’ contributions are helping to make Toronto stronger and safer.
“But most importantly, it is making us all feel connected,” she said. “Your actions are helping to build a safer, stronger, and more compassionate city, and for that, I want to thank you on behalf of the Board.”
Among those recognized was Michael Meltzer, whose actions began with a visit to a friend’s Christmas party. What started as a social gathering quickly took on deeper meaning when he learned the home had been burglarized in August 2022, and his friend’s father’s prized war medals were among the stolen items.
“I saw military photos on the wall and asked him about them because my father also served in World War II, and I am fascinated by history,” said Meltzer. “After he told me about his father’s heroics and that the medals had been stolen, I was devastated.”
The four medals stolen from the home of Reverend Peter Newell and Cheryl Milne included Captain Peter George Newell’s Military Cross, awarded for bravery during the Second World War. His skilful and accurate direction of artillery fire over an extended period contributed significantly to breaking up 13 counterattacks and securing a critical bridgehead.
On Christmas Eve, the day before Meltzer was scheduled to meet Newell again, he searched online for clues about the medals.
“I went to a site and found his father’s name,” he recalled. “While reading about him, I did another search and discovered the medals were listed for auction on the eMedals website. Not only were they for sale, but the story of his father’s wartime actions was included.”
The Toronto Police Service’s 55 Division Major Crime Unit was notified, and Barry Turk, owner of eMedals, along with his staff, cooperated with police to return the medals. Turk was also recognized with a Community Member Award.
Newell, a deacon at All Saints Toronto, attended the ceremony.
“Getting the good news just before Christmas was among the best presents I have ever received,” he said. “Having those medals returned, especially the Military Cross and Bar that my dad won twice, meant so much to our family because of the risks he took and the courage he displayed.”
Judah Etinger was recognized for rescuing four swimmers in distress near the Scarborough Bluffs last July.
“As I was going by, people were waving at me,” he said. “At first, I thought they were just saying hello, so I waved back. But after I passed them and they kept waving, I realized something was wrong. Another jet skier nearby and I went over and pulled the swimmers out of the water onto our jet skis.”
Etinger then called 9-1-1 and guided emergency responders to the location. The Toronto Police Marine Unit transported the swimmers to a nearby launch point, where they received further medical treatment.
