Volunteer Officers Give Back, Gain Experience

Selected from about 500 applicants, 19 new Auxiliary Officers are joining the volunteer program that has been an integral part of the Toronto Police Service and Canada’s largest city in the last 67 years.

“It has progressed and adapted to meet the complex needs of our city, but the objectives have remained consistent, which is to build public trust and enhance community safety and well-being through a collaborative approach,” Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said at the graduation ceremony at the College on December 10.

“The Auxiliary Program supports our policing efforts in vital areas, such as crime prevention, special events and parades and community engagement.  Our auxiliary members help foster a strong sense of community and highlight the importance of selflessness and dedication to civic duties as a shared responsibility.”

With an increase in protests in the city and other complex pressures, Auxiliary members are integral to Project Resolute supporting public safety initiatives and providing high-visibility presence, particularly near cultural centres, schools and places of worship across the city.

“The professionalism, compassion and commitment demonstrated by our Auxiliary members is greatly appreciated and recognized throughout the Service and our communities,” Pogue said. “Each of you brings unique skills and experiences to enhance and enrich the Auxiliary program and I want to commend you for making this significant decision to serve the community and support the Toronto Police Service. 

“You have all shown dedication and commitment from your academic achievements to your practical training. We recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by our graduates, balancing their volunteer work with their regular jobs, studies, personal and family commitments. Their dedication is truly commendable.”

The Auxiliary program is the Service’s longest-running community initiative and partnership, established in the aftermath of Hurricane Hazel in 1954 which killed 81 people, the majority in Toronto.

With the addition of this current class, the Toronto Police Service now has over 300 members in the Auxiliary Program. On average, these members collectively will contribute a staggering 60-65,000 hours of volunteer work annually, with individual members contributing anywhere from 150 to 1100 hours per year.

“Auxiliary officers such as yourselves make it possible for us to continue to ensure that Toronto is the safest place in which to live, work and play,” said Toronto Police Service Board Executive Director Dubi Kanengisser. “In making the decision to become Auxiliary officers, you are making a personal contribution to the safety and well-being of your community. At the same time, you are embarking on a tremendous opportunity for career advancement should you choose to pursue policing as a career. I understand that, for many of you, that is your ultimate goal and I encourage you to work towards this.  There are many people here who are ready and willing to support you in achieving this goal. Be proud of yourselves when you are in the community, performing your responsibilities. Your role is critical for strengthening our police service. The people of Toronto trust you and rely on you.”

Elizabeth Duni is among the many graduates who aspire to pursue law enforcement careers.

“When I learned about this program, I figured there is no better way to get involved in the community than by volunteering with Toronto Police,” she said. “The training has been very rewarding and I am excited to begin.”

In each graduating class, the student who demonstrates outstanding performance in the various training programs is presented with the Julian Fantino Award for their proficiency.

This year’s recipient was Vince Park.

“I was seeking more ways of becoming involved in community engagement,” he said. “Most of my life has been spent volunteering, but I wanted to do something in law enforcement. This was a great fit for me because of my experience in giving back.”

Park has volunteered as a tutor in Regent Park and youth mentor at schools.

“Most of the work that I have done with young people has helped me prepare for this new role,” the management consultant said.

A former Toronto Police Chief, Fantino began his career as an Auxiliary member.

In each graduating class, the students choose one of their peers to speak on their behalf and share the experiences the group enjoyed over the last eight weeks.

This year’s Class Valedictorian was Michael Pacheco.

Inspector Don Rusk, who became an Auxiliary member 41 years ago, was the recipient of the Legacy Award.

“I have been through numerous positions, including Police Vehicle Operations and Traffic Services and the role has been very fulfilling,” he said. “I made a lot of friends and helped many people get on the job.”

The graduates come from a variety of different professional backgrounds, including aviation, banking and security.

Eight members of the class were born outside of Canada and they speak 19 languages, including Armenian, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Ukrainian, Greek, Vietnamese, Cantonese, American Sign Language and Korean.

The graduates include three 19-year-olds as well as 69-year-old Matteo Pallotta – the oldest grad. He now works as a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Assistant Manager for the Yonge-University-Spadina Line.

“My role with the TTC is customer facing and I love it,” he said. “I am always on the platform dealing with passenger emergencies and ensuring that trains move in a timely manner. While looking forward to retirement, I am also looking forward to doing more community engagement work. As the TTC Chief Honour Guard, I have had a lot of interaction with Toronto Police and I want to give something back to Toronto Police.”

“The backgrounds, experiences and professions of the graduates vary so greatly and the age gap between the oldest and youngest graduate is 50 years,” said Constable Andrew Rosbrook. “Despite all these differences, the class has grown together into a cohesive team. Their camaraderie and friendships will last a lifetime and will serve them well as they tackle the many challenges that lay ahead.”

In eight weeks since October 15, the Auxiliary members were engaged in a variety of academic and practical training to prepare them for their role.