574 words – MR
A full house of dinner guests and dignitaries were on hand. Once again the master of ceremonies was none other that Cam Woolley, former police officer and current CP24 crime reporter. Cam’s other activities includes being a panelist with the popular television series <Canada’s Worst Drivers>.
Blue Line columnist Dave Brown introduced the first award, Canada’s Best Dressed Police Vehicle. This years recognition, and January cover story, was the Amherstburg Police Service vehicle. Amherstburg gave its fleet a makeover to recognize the community’s role in the War of 1812. The area was a British stronghold when the Americans invaded and the police vehicles depict a period-dressed line of red coats with muskets aimed for fire.
“This design was a hands down favourite,” stated Brown, who has been judge coordinator since the award was first created in 2005. “Not only did it bring clarity as to the vehicles primary purpose but it also incorporated a unique style completely unique to this community.”
The award was presented to Amherstburg Police Chief Tim Barthaume, who stressed how much his members and the community at large appreciate the honour. “It is not often that a smaller agency like ours receive this kind of recognition,” he said in thanking Blue Line for the recognition.
The Medic Alert Canada Foundation then presented its annual award, Legends of the Call, to OPP Cst. Ken St. John for his quick action in identifying a wandering patient suffering from dementia. St. John took the elderly lady under his care and phoned the contact on her Medic Alert bracelet to find out from to return the wandering senior. The award was presented by Robert Ridge, Medic Alert Canada Executive Director.
Steve Duggan, police leadership liaison and coordinator of online police foundations learning at Humber College, introduced the concepts of the Police Leadership Award and the importance of recognizing those who display leadership qualities which encourage and inspire their peers. Mike Sale, head of the selection committee and coordinator for the award, introduced this year’s recipient, Sgt. Edith Turner of the Winnipeg Police Service. Edith was the subject of the cover story for the April edition of Blue Line and was presented with a wooden plaque replica of the magazine cover and the glass etched award topper.
York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe gave a moving speech as he presented Robert Lunney with an honourary police leadership award, sharing his experiences as a young rookie with the Edmonton Police Service. He was jogging up a flight of stairs at the HQ building when a man addressed him by name and asked how he was making out.
Jolliffe chatted with he person for a moment and continued up the stairs to discover a picture of the man at the top. It was none other than Chief Lunney. He was impressed that Lunney knew his name and that he was new to Edmonton. A leadership quality seldom seen.
Publisher Morley Lymburner presented Lunney with a second recognition in honour of his almost 20 years of being Blue Line’s senior management consultant and columnist. A life-long belief in continuous learning has earned Lunney recognition both nationally and internationally within policing circles for his knowledge and wisdom. Blue Line readers have benefited greatly from his on-going input and guidance in this magazine.
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