Embracing Faith in Policing

Faith and policing intersect where moral conviction meets the duty to protect, reminding officers that justice is strongest when guided by compassion and integrity.

“Faith and prayer are powerful layers to re-centre ourselves,” said Chief Myron Demkiw at the 59th annual Communion Breakfast on Sunday, Oct. 26. “I was raised in a faith-based home and attended church with my family. In some of my most challenging times, I was always fortunate to be able to rely on my loved ones and my faith. For each of us, faith and prayer help weave the fabric of community, reminding us that we are all connected and we are stronger when we care for one another.”

In the winter of 1964, a small group of Toronto Police officers took their sons to mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral and then to breakfast at a local restaurant. Ever since, officers have attended mass and then gathered for breakfast at a downtown hotel.

“Coming together to organize this event reflects the very spirit of why we are here and that is to unite in faith, to strengthen our community and to pray for the safety of all our members and the safety of our great city,” said Demkiw, at the event at the Chelsea hotel after mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral.

In the midst of everyone’s busy lives, he said the breakfast remains a meaningful tradition.

“We have previously seen the power of prayer walks in communities impacted by gun violence, including how they can help build trust and restore a sense of safety and security. It was good to see so many of you there and so many people representing different faiths, cultures and communities. Encouraging dialogue, including interfaith dialogue, fosters an environment of mutual respect and appreciation.”

Nick Migliore, a member of the Toronto Police Service Board, was the keynote speaker.

“This event speaks to the importance of all faiths, the powerful bonding experience of fellowship and the incredible role that spirituality can play in all our lives,” he said. “We know that Service members draw faith from many sources, including religion, family, community, personal principles and from the Service’s core values. As a Board, we are committed to working in partnership with Toronto’s faith leaders.”

In his roles as former Executive Director of CN Tower and a former Director of Security for TrizecHahn, Migliore travelled extensively.

“I witnessed some of the world’s most complex and inspiring developments and I participated in them,” he said. “Yet those travels were not about business. They were about perspective, After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, I remember standing on top of the CN Tower. That and the Sears Tower in Chicago that we own are massive structures that stood as marvels of human achievement, and also symbols of our shared vulnerability and resilience. In those moments, faith became more than comfort. It became a compass for me. It reminded me that no matter how tall the towers we built, our true security rests not in steel and concrete, but in God.”

Serving on the Victim Services board for six years gave Migliore a better understanding of how faith can help people during their lowest moments.

“We walked alongside individuals and families who were victims of crime and tragedy,” he said. “These were people whose lives were shattered in an instant and their pain was often overwhelming. Even in the darkest moments, I witnessed the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion. That service remined me that faith is not abstract. It is living out and how we care for the suffering and uphold their dignity.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also joined in the breakfast tradition.

“This breakfast reminds us that service is more than a job,” she said. “It is about helping people and showing compassion, even in difficult moments.”

Saint Michael is the patron saint of police officers.

Since 2014, the St. Michael Award is presented to a Service member making significant societal contributions through humanitarian acts of kindness on and off the job.

Constable Peter De Quintal was this year’s winner.

A former altar boy, he travelled to Mexico to help build an orphanage. He has also spearheaded numerous youth programs, including a Star Wars program in high schools, a breakfast program in two high schools and multiple helmet and bicycle safety initiatives, as well as co-champion the Partners for Life blood donation campaign that includes over 1,000 active members.

In addition, De Quintal volunteers with ProAction Cops & Kids.

“Peter’s many contributions represent a lifetime of unwavering service, humility and leadership,” said Staff Sergeant Madeline O’Driscoll, who made the presentation. “His efforts have touched lives locally, nationally and internationally. He is a role model, builder of community and a true servant whose impact will be felt for generations to come. He embodies the core values of our organization and is a most deserving recipient of this award.”

Inspector Matt Moyer, a previous recipient of the award, nominated De Quintal for the honour.

“This award is not just a recognition,” De Quintal said. “It’s a reminder that St. Michael represents courage and service. Every one of us carries that same power to make a difference, no matter how big or small the gesture.”

In 2022 the Fred Mazzarella Memorial Scholarship was created to honour a James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School graduate.

Mazzarella, who in 1990 began working as a part-time Chaplain with TPS, died on Good Friday 2020 at age 87.

Toronto Metropolitan University first-year student Gloria Binosh was the recipient of the $1,000 academic award.

She is pursuing Media Production studies.

“I love telling stories and my career goal is to be a director,” Binosh said.

Ryan De Sa, the founder and President of De Sa Associates, which is a personal injury law firm based in 31 Division, made the donation to start the scholarship.

This year, the TPS Communion Breakfast Committee established a partnership with Toronto Fire and Toronto Paramedic Services.