Previous Heroes Beyond the Badge Award Winners

We honour Detective Constable Cristobal Brea of the Hamilton Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit. While investigating a tip received by the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre, Detective Constable Brea identified a suspect who worked and volunteered with children. By following up on successive clues, Detective Constable Brea determined the suspect was directly involved in child exploitation.

Through sharp observation and careful investigation, Detective Constable Brea helped apprehend an especially dangerous predator and protect vulnerable individuals in his community.

Halton Regional Police Service
Victim Services Unit
We honour the staff and volunteers in the Victim Services
Unit (VSU) of the Halton Regional Police Service. When the
living situation of a local man and his three granddaughters
became dangerous and unlivable, they were forced to stay at
a shelter. The VSU team went above and beyond to resolve
their complex case. The VSU completely overhauled the
home using resources from within the community. Thanks
to their extraordinary efforts, this family is finally back safe
in their home.

Fallen Heroes
The death of an officer deeply affects their family, their
friends, anyone they serve with, as well as their entire
community. On September 12, 2022, Toronto Police
Constable Andrew Hong was tragically ambushed while on
duty. Two days later, York Regional Police Service Constable
Travis Gillespie died in a head-on traffic collision while on
his way to work. The OACP and OnStar honour the sacrifice
of these two Heroes Beyond the Badge.

We honour Constable Darrell Rivers of the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) for spearheading his department’s first Mooz Akinonmaaget Maa Aki, or Moose Hunt. As GSPS Indigenous Liaison Officer, Constable Rivers saw an opportunity to help Indigenous youth build positive relationships with GSPS Officers and delve into their own heritage. The youth spent a weekend with officers from GSPS, connecting to traditional Anishnawbek values and learning about hunting, firearms safety, first aid, and more. The program continues this year with more officers, more mentors, and more opportunities for Indigenous youth to learn about safety, gratitude, and respect.

Most people run away from danger, but not Constable Nolan Di Diomete - our May Heroes Beyond the Badge award winner. When he saw a fast-travelling plume of dark smoke moving across the highway, he raced toward the cries for help and was able to save the lives of residents living in an encampment of wooden cabins. We are so grateful and honoured to have such a courageous hero representing the Waterloo Regional Police Service.

This April, we would like to congratulate Dr. Dalit Weinberg and Dr. Kyle Handley - our Heroes Beyond the Badge award winners. Through their advocacy for mental wellness, they have made a positive shift in their work culture and are helping shape the approach to mental health within York Regional Police. We are so thankful they are putting their knowledge, skills and tireless energy into making their community a better place.

Thank you to Constable Farzad Ghotb and Constable Mustafa Popalzai of the Toronto Police Service for creating Project Hope. Because of their kind and caring hearts, the city of Toronto now has a way to help Afghan refugees settle down in Canada. With the assistance of their division and community agencies, they have delivered food and clothing to those hoping for a better life. Thank you for everything you have done to help make our communities a brighter place. 

February’s Heroes Beyond the Badge award winner is 911 Communications Supervisor Megan Petzel, Thunder Bay Police Service. Her team recognizes her outstanding leadership skills in their unit and appreciates how she always takes notice of other people’s contributions and achievements. Most recently, she helped locate an unconscious young woman who was new to the city and monitored the situation until First Responders arrived. We thank Megan for helping make our community a safer place!

It was easy to choose Sergeant Karen Hunte, Toronto Police Service, as January's OACP award winner. Years ago, she was involved in a horrific case involving a three-year-old girl, and throughout the child's recovery, she kept in close contact with her and found ways to boost her spirits when times were tough. Over the past nine years, Sgt. Hunte has developed a relationship with the child and always makes sure that the girl feels special and loved. We couldn't be more proud of Sgt. Hunte's compassion, efforts, and commitment to the people around her.

We recognize your exceptional service and thank you for all you do to keep our communities safe and secure!

Staff Sergeant Kim Manuel, St. Thomas Police Service, goes above and beyond in her law enforcement role, one of many reasons why she is our first honoree for this award. Not only does she protect her community, Staff Sgt. Manuel serves as our Law Enforcement Torch Run Coordinator and has organized numerous events over the years. She has even assisted in replacing an Olympian's stolen bike. We are proud and grateful to have her on our force.

We recognize your exceptional service and thank you for all you do to keep our communities safe and secure.