Recognizing People Who Step Up for their Community

For two decades, Lorna Colquhoun has helped ensure that families and young people in the Orton Park community have somewhere to turn when they need support.

Her leadership, compassion and commitment to community well-being were recognized at Toronto Police Headquarters on September 13 during the Community Member Awards ceremony honouring residents and public-safety partners whose actions have made a difference across the city.

Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said the recipients demonstrated the kindness, compassion and courage that strengthen communities, particularly during times of uncertainty.

“When I look at the people we’re recognizing today, I see a willingness to be there for one another, and that’s both encouraging and inspiring,” he said. “You remind us that no matter how big this city gets, it’s still a community. Communities thrive when we step up for one another.”

Barredo, who has been a police officer for 40 years, said he has witnessed people at their worst and at their best.

“It’s that capacity for kindness, compassion and courage that continues to amaze me,” he noted. “Some of you intervened when people were in danger. Some of you helped vulnerable people. Others have dedicated years to supporting young people and strengthening neighbourhoods.”

Colquhoun leads a food bank and community kitchen, coordinating donations, suppliers and volunteers to provide vulnerable residents with reliable access to food. She also prepares meals for children and helps families obtain clothing and other essential resources.

“I don’t have the money to give back, but I have the time to give back,” she said. “That is why I volunteer.”

Her contributions extend beyond addressing immediate needs. Colquhoun organizes outings to destinations such as Niagara Falls and Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm, giving families opportunities to enjoy new experiences while strengthening connections among residents.

She has also developed a close partnership with Woburn Neighbourhood Community Officers from 43 Division, involving them in community dinners, youth activities and other initiatives designed to build trust between police and residents.

Constable Matthew McMillan said Colquhoun never hesitates to respond when someone needs help.

“She answers the call and often goes out of her way to provide food for families in need,” he pointed out. “She never turns anyone away.”

McMillan said her compassion and willingness to collaborate have helped officers build meaningful and lasting relationships in the neighbourhood.

“She has a heart of gold, and working with her has truly been a joy,” he added. “We have watched children grow from toddlers into teenagers, and they still come back to say hello and let her know how much she has been part of their lives.”

Constable Alfred Surita described Colquhoun as an integral part of the Service’s connection with the community.

“She has been invaluable in helping us build inroads in the community,” he said. “We have watched her feed families and young children. When children go to school knowing they have nothing to eat, they know there is always Lorna. That has really touched our hearts.”

Colquhoun praised the officers for listening to residents, honouring their commitments and being present when the community needs them.

“They listen, they show up when you need them and they support the community,” she said. “The community knows them by name.”

Other award recipients were recognized for intervening during emergencies and helping people facing life-threatening situations.

Toronto paramedics Bajro Junuzovic and Greg Skerratt were honoured for preventing a person experiencing a mental health crisis from jumping from the Overlea Bridge in March 2026.

The paramedics physically restrained the individual until Toronto Police officers arrived, assumed custody and apprehended the person under the Mental Health Act for transport to hospital.

Sergeant Diana Croll of the 55 Division Community Engagement Team nominated the paramedics for the award.

“Although paramedics are trained to save lives, this situation is certainly outside of their usual actions and above and beyond their training,” she said. “Without the quick and selfless actions of the paramedics, this person would not be alive. They put themselves in danger and acted purely on compassion and instinct to save someone who could not save themselves.”

The ceremony also recognized residents who intervened during a violent knife attack, helped a young man experiencing a crisis on a bridge and provided observations that assisted officers investigating serious incidents.

Two Traffic Agent Supervisors were recognized for protecting a young child found on the Don Valley Parkway. They shielded the child from approaching vehicles, coordinated the emergency response and intervened when the child ran onto the roadway.

Toronto Police Service Board Executive Director Louis Tsilivis said the awards demonstrate that public safety is a shared responsibility involving police, residents, community organizations, schools, service providers and governments.

“Each of you has contributed in a different way, but together your stories demonstrate what civic responsibility looks like in practice and the important role you can play in creating safer communities,” he told the recipients.