Recognizing Community Partners & Heroes

On September 14, Toronto Police recognized community members for their outstanding contributions to public safety and for playing a key role in building trust between citizens and law enforcement.

“Whether it is by helping officers make an arrest, supporting victims, providing mentorship or volunteering to strengthen our communities, your actions made a difference,” Chief Superintendent Shannon Dawson said at the awards ceremony at police headquarters. “Some of you even saved lives. To each and everyone of you, you are real life community heroes.”

Dawson recognized the selflessness and courage of many award recipients.

“Your selflessness, quick thinking, willingness to help people in times of desperate need and prompt actions in assisting police in apprehending suspects make all of us so proud,” Dawson added. “These awards are a way for us to honour you and a way for you to remember that you changed people’s lives when you stepped up.”

Many others were recognized for their long-term work on police-community programs.

“Then there are some of you are not being recognized today for a single action or quick decision, but for your work over many weeks and months. Some of you created and strengthened relationships between police and communities. You made our neighbourhoods better and provided resources and support to improve wellness and mental health. I am privileged to meet all of you today. Seeing that there are so many good people in our city makes me optimistic for the future.”

Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll said ordinary people doing extraordinary things to ensure public safety is a reminder of what makes the city truly strong.

“Our community is not just a place on a map,” she noted. “It is a tapestry woven from the actions and hearts of people like you. As we continue to rethink and reimagine what safety means in our city, it’s clear now more than ever that true safety doesn’t come from institutions alone. It comes from us, working together and from neighbours looking out for each other, to families and friends stepping up in times of need. Community safety is a shared responsibility.

“This ceremony is deeply meaningful. When we recognize these acts of bravery, care, and kindness, we’re reminded that goodness exists everywhere in our city, on every street, every corner. You’re proof that people in Toronto don’t just stand by. They step up, even when it’s hard and even when it’s risky.”

Silvia Gualtieri, the Parliamentary Assistant to Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, commended the recipients for their selflessness and compassion.

“You put service over self to make this city better,” she said. “We all hope never to be confronted with situations like the ones you faced. But we hope that if we ever do, we would have the bravery and presence of mind that you did.”

Last February, three security guards helped Toronto Police arrest a violent perpetrator who attempted to stab an officer in a mall.

The suspect committed a robbery at a store in the mall the previous day.

After Chavaughan Barrett, Nicholas Borowski and Joshua Morrison and two police officers apprehended the suspect, a scuffle ensued, and the suspect attempted to stab one of the officers with a sharp object.

“He engaged in a physical alteration, but we were able to subdue him and neutralize the threat,” said Barrett. “We are glad we were there to assist the officers.”

A month after the incident, he got the good news that he had been accepted into the Toronto Police Service.

The cadet starts his training at the Ontario Police College on October 6.

“Policing is something I always wanted to do and I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life,” said Barrett.

Moving into Toronto Community Housing 22 years ago, Len Mirander wanted to do something that would benefit his East Scarborough community.

Growing up on a farm in St. Catherine, Jamaica before coming to Canada 56 years ago, he understood the value of trees and the natural environment.

Barrett has single handedly transformed the landscape, planting trees, flowers and greenery that have brought life and beauty to the area.

“The community garden started with 12 plots,” he said. “Now, we are up to 70.”

Mirander said members of 41 Division have helped him over the years.

“They have done so in many ways,” he said. “They used their own time to help build 32 boxes around the plots.”

Superintendent Warren Wilson said they are partnering with Mirander in a mentorship program because of his passion for community.

“Len is passionate about giving back,” he said. “We are assisting him in taking it to the next level by bringing in young people to learn about gardening.”