Police Officers of the Year

Sergeant Sean Thrush, Constables Ibnul Chowdhury and Stefan Grujic were named Police Officers of the Year for helping save a man in a mental health crisis.

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, both police officers and civilian Toronto Police Service (TPS) members were recognized at the 58th Annual Police Excellence Awards.

Chief Myron Demkiw expressed deep appreciation for the work of TPS members.

"I know that you did not enter public service to receive awards or recognition – You did it because you want to make a difference and because you have a passion for serving and protecting our communities. I also know that some of you saw very difficult things, people in a lot of pain – whether related to the case why you are being recognized or over the course of your careers."

He said the work of TPS members is not easy, but essential.

"Your compassion, commitment to teamwork, and willingness to go above and beyond to find solutions to meet our city's complex needs, sometimes at risk to your own safety, help us to build stronger and safer communities," said Demkiw.

The Awards, presented by the Toronto Police Service Board (TPSB), Toronto Police Service and Toronto Police Association, recognize and pay tribute to dedicated, brave and compassionate TPS members who are committed to making our city one of the safest and most livable in the world. Every TPS member who has received a major commendation is considered for the awards.

TPSB member Ann Morgan said policing is not simply a job, but a calling.

"A commitment to building a safer, stronger Toronto for us all. It is a career steeped in deep responsibility, demanding resilience, empathy, and a steadfast belief in the power of community,"Morgan said. "Tonight, we have the privilege of shining a light on the very best of that calling."

TPS President Clayton Campbell thanked members for running to danger and pursuing their cases and work relentlessly.

"Thank you for policing a city of this size and complexity; it is not easy," Campbell said. "Thank you for never giving up and thank you for what you have done and for what you will continue to do."

Award winners:

Business Excellence Award

Homicide and Missing Persons Cold Case Section Detective Constable James Atkinson, Genealogists Maret Susan Page, Lauren Robilliard and Christina Lauritsen for pioneering work using Investigative Genetic Genealogy to solve murders and identify people.

Civilian Excellence Award

Communications Services Operator Madison Turner-Bob was honoured for her response to a call for a suicide attempt while working as a Tactical Communication Liaison.

Police Animal Excellence Award

Sergeant Brandon Smith and Police Service Dog Bingo (Posthumous)

PSD Bingo was honoured for tracking a murder suspect and sacrificing his own life protecting the police officers at his side.

Police Officer Excellence Awards

There were 10 individuals and groups who were given Police Officer Excellence Awards. The recipients are selected based on the criteria of bravery, humanitarianism, outstanding police skills and superior investigative work.

Read all their stories on the Police Excellence Awards webpage.

Of these 10 awards, the Police Officers of the Year were chosen:

Sergeant Sean Thrush, Constables Ibnul Chowdhury and Stefan Grujic were honoured for helping save a man in a mental health crisis.

In 2024, Constables Ibnul Chowdhury and Stefan Grujic, of 55 Division, were assigned to look for a missing person whose family reported had attempted to die by suicide only a week earlier.

The officers reached out and talked to the missing man on the phone. He described a park location that led them to believe he was in 22 Division, but a subsequent comprehensive search using a dog, drone and multiple officers failed to find him.

Constable Chowdhury, having spoken to the man on the phone, believed that he may, in fact, be on the Toronto Island based on the information provided and were able to locate him on the island through his phone location. As a result, the officers reached out to the Marine Unit to shuttle them over to the Island.

They were joined by Police Dog Services Sergeant Sean Thrush and his Police Dog Rebus, who volunteered to join the search party along with Marine officers who helped hone in on the man.

Their work to find him paid off. As they searched there was a very low call for help coming from a heavily wooded area.  Pushing through dense brush they were able to find the man curled in the fetal position, buried deep in tall grass along a fence line.

Paramedics arrived to take care of the man, who, it was later discovered, had taken prescription pills in a suicide attempt.

Sergeant Sean Thrush, and Constables Ibnul Chowdhury and Stefan Grujic are commended for their tenacious work to save a man’s life.  Had they not persisted in their efforts to locate this individual, the outcome may likely have been tragic.

Visit the Police Excellence Awards webpage to get more information and read all the stories.