TPS Members Thanked for Dedicated, Lifesaving Work

Members of the Toronto Police Service (TPS) were presented with Service Awards and Commendations in recognition of their exceptional dedication and commitment to serving the public on April 1 at the Toronto Police College.

“As a police service, trust must be at the centre of everything we do,” Chief Myron Demkiw said. “Trust with each other as colleagues and partners, and trust with the communities we serve. There are many ways to build trust. Perhaps the simplest, yet most effective way is to be good at what we do. It means showing up to work, whether you are a sworn officer or civilian, with the mindset that every contact matters. Every project, every investigation and every call. Not only did you show up with courage and professionalism, but you also went above and beyond.”

Despite the many people they have helped through their actions, the Chief reminded award recipients that their efforts contribute in invaluable ways to building trust within TPS and the wider community.

“I know you don’t do this work to be recognized, but this evening we are recognizing you. We see you, and we see what you bring and the sacrifices you make. You represent the very best of our organization. Thank you. At a time when maintaining trust is more important than ever, and when there is so much anxiety and uncertainty in the world, it is reassuring to know we can count on you.”

More than recognition, Toronto Police Service Board (TPSB) Chair Shelley Carroll said the evening was also about reflection.

“It is about pausing to acknowledge the extraordinary work being done every day by the people who serve this city,” she said. “We are here to honour exceptional officers, civilian members and community leaders—individuals who, through their actions, have demonstrated courage, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of others.”

Carroll added that this recognition is especially meaningful given the complexity of policing in Toronto.

“It requires judgment, resilience, compassion, and, above all, a deep sense of responsibility to the people we serve,” she said. “The individuals we recognize tonight have gone beyond what is expected. They have stepped forward in moments that demanded more—more courage, more care, more leadership—and they delivered… Tonight reminds us that policing is not just about enforcement. It is about service. It is about care. And it is about people—both those who serve and those who are served.”

The Mental Health Excellence Award is presented annually to TPS members who demonstrate compassion, respect and excellence in their interactions with members of the public experiencing crisis.

Constables Ridley Kerr and Austin O’Neill are the recipients of this year’s award for rescuing a young woman in crisis.

In August 2024, the 43 Division officers were on patrol when they received a call regarding an unknown trouble incident in the area of Lawrence Avenue East and Meadowvale Road. When they arrived, they located a woman sitting on an overpass bridge with her legs dangling.

“We parked a little distance away and radioed for additional units to block traffic,” said O’Neill, who joined the Service in August 2021. “We didn’t want any cars passing by that might startle her.”

He was the first officer to communicate with the woman.

“I asked her if I could come closer and then turn around,” O’Neill said. “As she stood up to turn around and took her eyes off me, I grabbed her and pulled her over the railing. When we spoke to her afterward, she said she was in university, overwhelmed, and that she would have jumped if we hadn’t arrived when we did.”

Commendations and a Merit Mark were also presented at the event.

Constable Nicolas Cho was the recipient of the Merit Mark.

Granted by the TPSB, this honour is bestowed for exemplary acts of bravery, performance of duty, community policing initiatives, or innovations that enhance the image or operations of the Service.

While off duty on September 7, 2025, the 32 Division officer witnessed a vehicle flipped on its side, with gasoline leaking and the driver trapped inside near Lake Shore Boulevard East and the Don Valley Parkway.

“I reacted without thinking twice,” said Cho, who has spent most of his 18 years at the division. “The vehicle was smoking, and my concern was that there could be a fire or explosion. I immediately cleared the people around the car. Inside the vehicle, I saw someone hanging upside down in the driver’s seat. I grabbed a fire extinguisher someone had and smashed the windshield.”

The officer attempted to communicate with the driver, but he was unconscious.

“He was breathing, so I unbuckled his seatbelt with the aim of getting him out of the car,” said Cho. “But he was a large man and I couldn’t move him. I cleared everyone from the area and made sure 9-1-1 was called. Emergency services soon arrived and transported him to hospital.”

Superintendent Donald Belanger described the incident as an incredible act of bravery by an off-duty member.

“His quick and decisive actions, after identifying himself as a police officer, not only potentially saved a life but also helped enhance public trust in our Service,” he said. “In a dynamic and busy city like Toronto, it reassures the community to know that our officers are willing to face danger and restore order, even when they are off duty.”

The majority of the awards presented were Teamwork Commendations.

Superintendent Kim O’Toole, Inspector Lisabeth Benoit, Staff Sergeant Murray Barnes, and Constables Nicolas Souhleris and Richard Santos Vicentino were recognized for their collaboration with Interval House, Canada’s first centre for women survivors of intimate partner violence and their children.

Founded in 1973 and located within the boundaries of 55 Division, Interval House takes a holistic approach to helping women and children leave abuse behind and begin new lives free from violence.

“I was an Inspector at 55 Division seven years ago and we were working with them at that time, developing a strong partnership and having officers engaged with the staff and clients,” Benoit said. “Here we are so many years later, and we are still involved. They are now coming to our division to offer training, and our officers are going there and cooking meals. Now that I am the Inspector at 13 Division, we are engaging Interval House with officers at 13 and 53 Divisions.”

Paula Del Cid, the manager of shelter services and outreach at Interval House for the past 18 years, said the relationship with the Toronto Police Service is vital, as it leads to better outcomes for the women and families they support.

“When I was looking for a community partner, I thought Toronto Police would be ideal,” she said. “Even though a lot of the officers have moved on from 55 Division, the partnership has endured and is now stronger than ever. We need Toronto Police, whether it is to bring referrals in or to educate us on the court process. From our side, we want women to feel more comfortable going to police.”

In 2017, Del Cid was the recipient of the Robert Qualtrough Memorial Award, established in 2016 and presented to Service and community members who have demonstrated excellence and leadership through their participation in an innovative and effective police-community partnership initiative.

Qualtrough, who served with distinction and honour during his 34 years with Canada’s largest municipal police organization, died in October 2014.