Joining Community in Celebrating Lunar New Year
Service members joined the community in welcoming the Year of the Horse as Lunar New Year approaches.
Speaking at the Lunar New Year celebration at police headquarters on February 11, Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said it is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures and traditions that shape our city and are reflected within our own ranks.
“Among the many traditions, we had the honour of awakening the lion as part of a blessing ceremony earlier,” Pogue said, of the event organized by the East Asian Internal Support Network (EA-ISN). “As you know, and as others have mentioned, this year will be the Year of the Horse. For me as a police officer, and for us as a Service, the Horse represents strength, perseverance, and leadership. These same values guide the more than 8,000 members of the Toronto Police Service who serve with integrity every day.”
She also highlighted that last year, Community Safety Indicators saw a significant decrease compared to the previous year.
“This year, we are committed to building on that momentum,” Pogue added. “We will continue working to ensure these trends move in the right direction, with the energy and determination of the Horse.”
In the Lunar calendar, each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. The year 2026, which begins February 17, is the Year of the Fire Horse.
“It is a year that symbolizes energy, passion and forward momentum,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “The TPS East Asian Support Network represents all of those qualities.”
Established in 2008, the EA-ISN comprises over 200 police officers and civilian professionals.
Members with similar backgrounds provide mentoring, guidance and support to each other and create networking, knowledge-sharing and skills development opportunities to help members develop personally and professionally.
Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll said the city is strongest when we work collaboratively.
“Toronto is a city of many neighbourhoods and cultures, and we are strongest when we move forward together,” Carroll noted. “Our commitment to building trusting partnerships very much includes Toronto’s Asian communities. The EA-ISN plays a vital role in strengthening our Service from within, much like the Horse’s quiet strength that carries others forward.
“Like the Horse, this plan is about moving forward with intention, setting a clear course, strengthening accountability and advancing safety and well-being through collaboration with the communities we serve. It is not about speed, but about thoughtful, sustained progress built on trust and respect.”
Sergeant Alex Li was the Master of Ceremony. Sergeant Stephen Yung is the East Asian Internal Support Network Chair and the co-chairs are Staff Sergeant Danny Lee, Detective Constable Benny Chu and Constable Ryan Yuen. Elaine Wong is the treasurer and the Senior Advisors are Superintendent Ryan Forde and Inspector Rob Choe.
