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MEDIA RELEASE
Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and General Motors OnStar Canada Honour Toronto Police Service Detective Sergeant Michael Palermo and Police K-9 Luke With The Heroes Beyond the Badge Award
For Immediate Release: May 15, 2024
(Toronto, ON) – During Police Week (#PoliceWeekON), the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and General Motors OnStar Canada honour the incredible dedication of police officers and personnel across Ontario by announcing that Toronto Police Service (TPS) Detective Sergeant Michael Palermo and Police K-9 Luke have been awarded the Heroes Beyond the Badge award in recognition of their exceptional service and dedication to keeping community members safe.
The Heroes Beyond the Badge Program honours an individual or team in a police service whose contributions to policing excellence deserves to be known and appreciated. Individuals and/or teams are recognized for the things beyond “operational” duties that police officers and personnel do to support their colleagues and communities.
In late October 2023, an elderly individual suffering from dementia and other conditions went missing. Within minutes, D/Sgt. Mike Palermo and his K-9 partner, Luke, responded with accurate assessments, clear communications, and efficient deployment. D/Sgt. Palermo persisted through multiple challenges and rough terrain, and within an hour, the person was located. D/Sgt. Palermo rendered aid and coordinated paramedic response, effectively saving the citizen's life. The Toronto Police Service, the citizens of Toronto, and all Ontarians have reason to be incredibly proud of the outstanding effort of D/Sgt. Palermo and Luke.
The OACP and General Motors OnStar Canada are proud to honour D/Sgt. Palermo and his K-9 partner Luke as true heroes beyond the badge!
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Quotes:
“During Police Week and every day across Ontario, uniformed officers and police professionals engage in extraordinary work that keeps Ontario safe. D/Sgt. Michael Palermo and his partner, Police K-9 Luke, exemplify the truly inspiring dedication of all police members to ensuring everyone in our province can count on their police services to be there for them, their families, and their communities.”
Chief Jim MacSween, President
Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police
“This rescue operation is an example of the challenges and heroic actions taken by our officers in the line of duty. Detective Sergeant Mike Palermo and Police Dog Luke exemplify bravery and commitment. The determination of D/Sgt. Palermo to explore all possible scenarios to locate the missing person, who was vulnerable without his mobility aids, demonstrated incredible perseverance in the face of adverse weather conditions and treacherous terrain. Their efforts saved a life and highlights the profound impact of our emergency response teams on the safety and wellbeing of our community.”
Chief Myron Demkiw
Toronto Police Service
“OnStar has worked with First Responders for more than 20 years to help keep our communities safe, whether it’s a crash, a vehicle theft or a crisis situation, including locating missing persons, OnStar is proud to work with public safety professionals. Together, we help save lives and make a difference in the communities they protect and serve. We celebrate all their efforts, and what they sacrifice to keep us safe every day.
Congratulations to D/Sgt. Mike Palermo and his K-9 partner Luke of Toronto Police Service for their commitment to the elderly community, and for their perseverance in navigating the rough terrain to locate and save the citizen’s life.”
Charlene Poranganel
General Motors Public Safety Engagement Lead
For more information, contact:
José Luís (Joe) Couto
Director of Government Relations & Communications
T. (416) 926-0424 ext. 22
C. (416) 919-9798
E. media@oacp.ca
X. @OACPOfficial
@OACPCertificate
FB. http://facebook.com/OACPOfficial
Instagram: @OACPOfficial
YT. http://youtube.com/OACPOfficial
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police is the Voice of Ontario’s Police Leaders
Members of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police serve their communities as the senior police leaders in municipal, regional, provincial , National, and Indigenous police services across Ontario.
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