News
Toronto Police Officer of the Year award winner, Constable Alexander Yuanidis

Sept. 29, 2021 – On May 20, 2020, Constable Yuanidis was working the night shift in 43 Division when he was sent to a fire call where residents were still trapped inside the home.

When he arrived, he went to the rear of the house where he found two people trapped on the elevated rear deck. He took immediate action, locating a ladder from a neighbour, and placed it on the raised deck. He then reached over the railing and brought one of the people down the ladder. The older resident was unable to climb over the railing so Constable Yuanidis broke through the railing with his fists and helped the resident escape to safety. He also recognized the risk to neighbouring homes and worked to evacuate all nearby residents from their homes.

Constable Yuanidis was awarded for taking this calculated risk, acting decisively and bravely, while putting his personal safety at risk in order to save others.

On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, the Toronto Region Board of Trade presented the 54th Annual Police Excellence Awards. Created in 1967, the purpose of the event is to recognize officers of the Toronto Police Service who have made significant contributions to making Toronto one of the safest big cities in the world. An average of 12 officers, or a group of officers, are selected for the Police Officer Excellence Awards, based on the criteria of bravery, humanitarianism, superior investigative work and outstanding police skills. The Police Officer of the Year Award is selected from these groups.