Rookie Recognized for Maturity, Compassion and Commitment

Constable Damian D’Ornellas had been with the Toronto Police Service for less than a year when his initiative, professionalism and commitment to the community began drawing attention at 43 Division.

Since joining the Service on December 2, 2024, he has distinguished himself through investigative work, a life-saving intervention and the relationships he has built with residents.

Those contributions earned him the Blue Line Rookie of the Year Award, which recognizes excellence, public service and leadership demonstrated through action.

“At a time when strengthening trust is more important than ever, Constable D’Ornellas understands that good policing is about relationships and has embodied one important lesson in policing, which is to seek first to understand before seeking to be understood,” said Chief Myron Demkiw. “He has already made significant contributions to the Service and the city, and I look forward to seeing where his policing career takes him.”

For D’Ornellas, the award affirmed a decision he had spent a long time considering.

“Finishing in the top 25 of my recruit class, being named class valedictorian and now receiving the Rookie of the Year Award are all incredibly satisfying,” he said. “I was on the fence about joining policing for a long time. These experiences have reassured me that taking that leap was the right decision.

During his first year, D’Ornellas was involved in several significant investigations, including the arrest of a wanted person involved in drug trafficking. Information developed from an earlier traffic stop contributed to the investigation and the seizure of more than 74 grams of illicit drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with cash and drug-trafficking paraphernalia.

His attention to detail and willingness to follow up on information also played a role in another investigation involving a violent offender.

While conducting a routine assault follow-up, D’Ornellas identified inconsistencies that warranted further investigation. He obtained important statements and worked with Major Crime officers to help establish grounds for a search warrant.

The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of a loaded Glock handgun, ammunition, narcotics, scales and replica firearms.

D’Ornellas has also demonstrated his ability to remain composed during difficult and unpredictable situations.

In July 2025, he was involved in the high-risk arrest of a wanted woman who became unresponsive while in custody. Despite being physically assaulted during the arrest, he remained focused on her safety.

Recognizing that she was experiencing a medical emergency, D’Ornellas and his partner administered Naloxone twice and successfully revived her.

The incident demonstrated his ability to balance officer safety and enforcement responsibilities with compassion and a commitment to preserving life.

D’Ornellas’s impact, however, extends beyond arrests and investigations.

He has developed strong relationships with residents, families and community leaders, particularly in Toronto Community Housing Corporation communities within 43 Division.

Through respectful and consistent interactions, he has worked to establish trust and strengthen relationships between residents and frontline officers.

That approach was evident during an emotionally charged call involving a young person who had been arrested and later released without charges. When the youth’s mother arrived extremely upset, D’Ornellas calmly spoke with her, de-escalated the situation and helped the family understand what had occurred.

His patience and empathy helped prevent the situation from escalating while ensuring the family was treated with dignity and respect.

D’Ornellas has made a similar impression on colleagues at 43 Division.

Known for arriving early, prepared and ready to work, he has developed a reputation for reliability, a strong work ethic and a willingness to assist others. His positive attitude, humour and eagerness to learn have also made him a valued member of the platoon.

“Constable D’Ornellas comes to work everyday to make a difference,” S/Sergeant Saleem Husain noted. “He brings life experiences, leadership and common sense to all the situations he is called upon to deal with during his shifts. He recognizes he is dealing with people on one of their worst days and brings compassion and understanding to those situations.”

Though still early in his policing career, colleagues say D’Ornellas demonstrates leadership through his actions rather than his position.

He steps forward when assistance is required, works collaboratively with members across units and approaches interactions with members of the public with professionalism and respect.

“Recognition like the Blue Line Rookie of the Year award is meaningful because it highlights the kind of policing we value,” said 43 Division Superintendent Paul Krawczyk.  It acknowledges dedication, professionalism, and service, and it reminds our members that the work they do every day is noticed and appreciated.

“What sets Damian apart is how he carries himself every day.  Even early in his career, he approaches the job with maturity, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility, whether he is working alongside his peers or engaging with the community. He has earned the respect of his coworkers and supervisors alike, and we are very proud to see his service recognized in this way.”