Recognizing Leaders in Mental Health
Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw praised this year’s Beyond the Blue Champions of Change Award nominees, saying they are making a profound impact on raising awareness about mental health and well-being.
“Their efforts reflect the kind of leadership that is embodied by Beyond the Blue,” he said at the third annual gala on September 5. “Tonight, even as we recognize that there is still more work to be done, we celebrate how far we have come together.”
Canada Beyond the Blue offers programs designed to help address the unique mental health challenges faced by law enforcement members and their families.
Last May, Toronto Police – following the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) lead – added the Because of the Line of Duty recognition to the Honour Wall at headquarters.
Demkiw thanked the OPP and Commissioner Thomas Carrique for taking the step to honour members who put service before themselves.
“These members stepped forward, ran towards danger, risked their lives to serve and protect and because of their devotion to duty, they saw things and had experiences that impacted them deeply and significantly contributed to their deaths. For those left behind, the pain and loss have been immeasurable and endures. We stand with you.”
Last summer, Demkiw attended the inaugural Police Suicide Memorial.
“It was encouraging to witness and to be part of the change that’s making a real difference to raise awareness and honour our members,” he pointed out. “But this change will only be sustainable, meaningful and lasting if all of us continue to demonstrate leadership.”
Since becoming Chief, Demkiw has asked Toronto Police recruits to commit to prioritizing self-care and mental health.
“As we know, it is vital to bullet-proofing themselves against upcoming experiences and building resilience as a police officer,” he added. “No matter our ranks or stripes, we can all be agents of change. Taking the time to listen to a colleague who has had a tough shift, being attuned to what is not being said, helping to create an environment where it is okay not to be okay are acts of leadership may seem small in the moment,
“But they can and do create a ripple effect. Raising awareness, breaking the silence reducing stigma and making mental health a safe topic to discuss openly is what this movement is all about. And this is what the outstanding nominees this evening have been doing throughout their careers.”
Demkiw presented the Leadership Award to OPP Deputy Commisioner Chris Harkins.
After the organization lost three members to suicide in 2018, he co-led an Internal Mental Health Review team that conducted 465 consultations with active and retired members and their families.
A year later, Harkins integrated the Healthy Workplace Team Bureau into daily operations, normalizing mental health support within front-line policing.
Other nominees were Toronto Police members Manager Kerry Murray-Bates and Inspector Bradley Donais and Danielle Thomas of London Police Service.
In January 2017, Dilnaz Garda started Toronto Beyond the Blue to prevent deaths related to mental health in the law enforcement community. Her brother, Toronto Police Constable Darius Garda died in 2016 after dealing with PTSD and other mental health issues after a traumatic incident.
The Darius Garda Legacy Award was presented to Royal Canadian Mounted Police member Lawrence Peyton who was part of the investigative team in the Nova Scotia mass killing in April 2020.
Despite the RCMP’s outreach to officers involved in the investigation, Peyton did not receive a check-in call. He took medical leave in December 2022 and started the Papa Tango Sierra Delta (PTSD) podcast to share his journey with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the experiences of other first responders and healthcare professionals.
Tina Renaud and Suzanne Solman of London Police Service, Pete Wiesner of Hamilton Police Service and Robin’s Blue Circle – an Ottawa-based Peer Support Group -- were nominated in the category.
Former Toronto Police Officer Ryan Hutton, who is with the Greater Sudbury Police Service, was the recipient of the Agent of Change Award.
The other nominees were Toronto Police members Kathy McMahon, Rachel Spekking, Dawn Sams and Sarah DaSilva; Zach Dagg and Aline Major of North Bay Police Service and Rick Zavitz of London Police Service.
Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) Director Rob Jamieson won the Association Advocacy Award. The nominees included Liz Cordeiro of the Toronto Police Association, Niagara Regional Police Association Director Scott Kraushar and Marilyn Thomson-Joseph of the OPPA.
Dave McLennan of Boots on the Ground was the Community Partner Award winner.
