Volunteer Officers Play Vital Role

Auxiliary members play a vital role in supporting the Toronto Police Service (TPS) by strengthening community engagement and enhancing public safety efforts.

A total of 30 new members graduated on May 5 at Toronto Police College.

“This evening, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of our graduates, but also the enduring spirit of Volunteerism and community partnership that defines the Toronto Police Auxiliary program,” said Chief Superintendent Mandeep Mann. “Throughout their training, they formed bonds that will last a lifetime. They began as strangers, but stand before us today as one cohesive team, members of the Toronto Police Service family. We look forward to watching you grow, to witnessing the difference you will make and to celebrating your achievements in the years ahead.”

He noted that the Service is fortunate to have members employed by the Toronto Transit Commission who contribute their specialized expertise by training others on safety protocols for transit properties and vehicles.

“They have played an important role in planning and delivering Project Next Stop: Community Safety, a joint initiative between the TTC and the Toronto Police Service focused on improving safety and fostering a stronger sense of well-being across the transit system,” said Mann. “Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with passengers consistently describing our auxiliary members as approachable, professional, and knowledgeable.”

Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll told the new members that public safety is a shared responsibility built on trust.

“We need trust with the Service and within the Service and you will be helping us build those connections everyday with every community,” she said. “At the Board, we believe deeply in the strength of community and nowhere is that more closely reflected than in our Auxiliary program which is our longest standing community partnership.”

Carroll thanked the graduates for choosing to volunteer.

“This evening is about you, your hard work, your commitment and the unique contributions you bring to our city and our Service,” she added.

Tyron Lincoln has long demonstrated a strong commitment to serving both his community and his country. During his time with the Canadian military, he developed discipline, resilience and a deep sense of duty, qualities that continue to guide him today.

Seeking another meaningful way to contribute, he joined the Toronto Police Auxiliary to remain actively involved in public safety.

“When I left the military, I was looking for something else,” said Lincoln, who served three tours in Afghanistan and participated in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia. “I like volunteering and helping people, so this seemed like the right fit.”

In each graduating class, the student who demonstrates outstanding performance in training receives the Julian Fantino Award for proficiency.

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

This year’s award recipient was Althaf Lathif.

Recruits also select one of their peers to speak on behalf of the class. Yvonne Janas was chosen as valedictorian.

“We all chose to apply to become Auxiliary members for a shared purpose and that is to give back and serve our communities,” she said. “For some, this program is a stepping stone toward a career as a police officer. For others, it represents the fulfilment of a lifelong goal. Whatever brought us here, we came together and made these past eight weeks truly memorable. As we move forward, each of us will carry the lessons, experiences and friendships we have built. We will wear the uniform and badge with honour and pride.”

The graduates were selected from a pool of 520 applicants. More than half were born outside Canada, collectively speaking 14 languages.

Sworn in on March 10, the class raised over $1,500 and assembled 76 personal care kits for Women’s Habitat.

With this graduating class, the Toronto Police Service now has more than 320 Auxiliary members. Collectively, they contribute approximately 60,000 to 65,000 volunteer hours annually, with individuals contributing between 150 and 1,100 hours each year.

Veteran Auxiliary members Duncan Walker and Leonard Lyn were also recognized at the event.

Superintendent Walker, who began his career in 1972 received the Long Service Award. After retiring in 2017, he served with Cobourg Police for eight years, helping rebuild their Auxiliary program.

“This has been a fulfilling career because it is about helping people, hoping to make a difference in their lives,” he said.

Lyn, a lawyer by profession who became an Auxiliary member in 1985, received the Distinguished Service Award.

“Initially, I thought about a policing career, but I developed other interests over time,” he said. “Serving as an Auxiliary member was a good way of keeping my feet in the field of law enforcement.”

The Auxiliary program is the Service’s longest-running community initiative, established in the aftermath of Hurricane Hazel in 1954, which claimed 81 lives, most in Toronto.

Over the past 69 years, members have contributed countless hours of service during major events and emergencies, including the 2010 G20 Summit, papal visits in 1984 and 2002 during World Youth Day, the 2003 Rolling Stones concert, and incidents such as the 1962 propane plant explosion in Maple, the 1969 natural gas explosion in Malton, and the 1979 train derailment in Mississauga.

A moment of silence was held for Brandon Malcolm, an Ontario Provincial Police sergeant who died in the line of duty. He began his law enforcement career as an Auxiliary member with the Toronto Police Service.

Auxiliary Coordinator Constable Andrew Rosbrook of the Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit served as Master of Ceremonies.

Visit the Auxiliary Program webpage.