Volunteering Pays Dividends in Community
The strength that volunteers bring to our community is truly powerful, noted Chief Superintendent Mandeep Mann at an appreciation ceremony for the Service’s Auxiliary members and volunteers on April 22 at Toronto Police College.
“It is more important than ever to be there for one another as we build strong communities together,” he said during National Volunteer Week. “Tonight, we are here to express our appreciation and recognition of more than 700 volunteers who take on many roles in our communities.”
Toronto Police Service Board (TPSB) Executive Director Louis Tsilivis said volunteers are more than just part of the organization.
“They are essential to it,” he said. “They strengthen both the Service and the city we serve. The Board is proud to support their work and proud to support this event in recognition of their contribution.”
At a time when communities need connection, trust and support more than ever, Tsilivis said the contributions of the Service’s volunteers are critical.
“You give your time, your skills, your empathy and your energy, and in doing so, you help build safer, stronger and more inclusive communities,” he added. “You are the foundation of that work. Through your dedication and commitment, you demonstrate what is possible when people come together with a shared purpose. You engage communities, build relationships and help us reach people we could not reach on our own.
“You bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences that make this Service stronger, more responsive and more connected to the public it serves. And you do this consistently, quietly and selflessly. We know that your commitment often comes at a personal cost, balancing work, family and other responsibilities. Yet you continue to give your time and energy without hesitation. You do it because you care deeply about your community, and that commitment matters.”
He reminded volunteers that they are the bridge between the Service and the people it serves.
“Community safety is not achieved by policing alone,” he said. “It is built through partnership. Policing with the community and for the community is a cornerstone of modern policing, and you bring that principle to everyday life.”
The TPSB funds and supports the Service’s volunteer programs.
Barbara Spyropolos, co-chair of the 12 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), and Haroon Khan, who for the past 36 years has worked alongside the TPS through its South and West Asian Community Consultative Committee, were the recipients of Legacy Awards.
Spyropolos has been a pillar in her community for 29 years, building bridges between officers and the communities they serve.
“She shows up consistently and reliably, not because she has to, but because she chooses to,” said Superintendent Richard Harris. “Her leadership has helped shape stronger relationships between the police and the community, and her steady presence has made a lasting impact on everyone she has interacted with.”
Superintendent Shane Branton said Khan recognizes the essential role consultative committees play in building understanding, fostering dialogue and addressing community concerns through proactive engagement.
“Mr. Khan has provided valuable insight into training, recruitment, professional standards and officer engagement, always with the goal of strengthening effectiveness and responsiveness in policing,” he said. “He understands that serving a diverse city like Toronto requires continuous learning, reflection and partnership.”
Auxiliary Officer Dwyke Young was honoured with the James Carnegie Memorial Award, presented to an Auxiliary member who demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to the community.
Known for his approachable demeanour, warm personality and engaging sense of humour, he has played an integral role in many of 33 Division’s key community events, including Cram-a-Cruiser food drives, school fun fairs and the division’s annual open house.
“Dwyke serves with enthusiasm and has a heart that stands out,” said Superintendent Donovan Locke. “He doesn’t just volunteer his time. He invests himself in everything he does, always putting service to the community and support for his fellow officers first.”
The award honours the legacy of the organization’s first Auxiliary member, whose community involvement was extensive and distinguished over four decades before his passing in November 1996.
Auxiliary Sergeant Brian Godfrey, who joined the program in 1997, was presented with the Chief’s Award. He has donated approximately 900 volunteer hours annually.
“This award demonstrates that I am serving my community, which is something I enjoy,” he said. “I put in over 1,000 hours last year doing foot patrol and interacting with people, including those experiencing homelessness.”
Whether conducting foot patrols at the Dufferin mall, interacting with young people or connecting with residents during neighbourhood canvasses, the 11 Division member is consistently approachable and demonstrates a strong sense of pride in the Service.
“The amount of volunteer time Brian has put in speaks to his deep sense of duty to both the Service and the community,” said Superintendent Andy Ecklund. “He consistently represents the Toronto Police Service with professionalism, approachability and pride. His presence builds trust, his interactions strengthen the bond between the police and the community, and his leadership inspires others to serve with the same level of commitment.”
The award was created in 2013 by the Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit (CPEU) to honour an Auxiliary member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to community service.
Danny Durane, a volunteer with the 31 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), received the John Herra Memorial Award, presented to community volunteers who display leadership and commitment.
The owner of a grocery store in the Jane and Finch community supported several key initiatives last year, including donating 400 pumpkins to local schools for Halloween, providing turkeys to families in need at Thanksgiving, supporting the 31 Division Open House, donating water and snacks for the Summer Safe Play initiative, and participating in community events and the Cram-A-Cruiser food drive.
“Danny doesn’t just own and operate a grocery store,” said Superintendent Jack Gurr. “He runs an unofficial community centre, crisis response unit and catering service, among other things. If there is a community event, he is there. If there is a fundraiser, he is there. If there is a barbecue, he drops off the buns before remembering to buy the charcoal. He gives without keeping score and understands that kindness is an investment that always pays dividends.”
Herra, a Toronto Police Service Auxiliary officer, retired as an inspector in 1996 after 14 years of community service.
Special Recognition Awards were presented to Auxiliary members Gerald Mak and Vicky Yang.
On January 2, they were conducting a high-visibility patrol in the Rosedale area, which had recently seen an increase in home invasion robberies. They observed a vehicle with two hooded occupants whose behaviour appeared suspicious and promptly broadcast clear and detailed information, including the vehicle description.
Officers from 53 Division responded and located a vehicle matching the description nearby. The driver was identified as an individual known to police, with a prior arrest for a home invasion robbery while armed with a firearm.
“Their instincts, composure and commitment reflect a strong foundation and a deep understanding of their role,” said Staff Sergeant Michael DeZilva.
Five-, 10-, 15-, 25- and 30-year pins were distributed to 48 volunteers from across the Service, including Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and CPLC members who help inform police about community needs.
Auxiliary Legacy Awards were presented to Inspector Leonard Lyn and Constables Mick Damani and Ron Titka for 40 years of volunteer service.
“Four decades of commitment is no small accomplishment,” said Superintendent Anthony Paoletta, who served as master of ceremonies. “It represents a lifetime defined by integrity, resilience and unwavering dedication to both community and colleagues.”
Established in 1957, the Service’s Auxiliary program has about 320 members attached to every division, as well as the Marine Unit, Traffic Services and the CPEU.
Auxiliary members are also responsible for maintaining heritage vehicles and providing them for community events.
Sherene Jattan and Constable Andrew Rosbrook led the CPEU team that coordinated the event.
