The Cornwall Police Association hosted its 18th annual retirement and recognition evening on Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Ramada Inn and Conference Centre.
Among the awards given out for service, Sgt. Trevor Butler was presented Police Exemplary Service – 30 year bar – issued through the office of the Governor General of Canada for loyal and meritorious service. Sgt. Butler has held assignments in the criminal investigations bureau, bicycle patrol, as well as field operations, and is presently assigned to community patrol.
Long service awards went to Martha Franklin (30 years), Lawrence Silmser (30 years), Sgt. (25 years), Debbie Parisien (25 years), Shelley Chaytor, (20 years), Cst. Robert Archambault (10 years), Cst. Marc Fortin (10 years), Special Cst. Steven Fleming (10 years), Carole Anne Levac (10 years), Cst. Jason Mines (10 years), and Cst. Kevin Wells. Mobile Community Watch – 5 years went to William LaSalle.
The recipient of the Cornwall Police Association Award went to Cst. Pat Huygen. Recognized for this attendance at police association meetings, police funerals and memorials, as well as his participation at community functions, Huygen is regarded as a positive image to children. President of the police association, David MacLean, described Cst. Huygen as exemplifying what it means to be a police officer in our community.
The Police Board Award of excellence for innovation and creativity went to Danielle Lauzon for spearheading the Medi-Drop Program, a drop-off box where the community could safely dispose of all unwanted and expired prescription medication. Officially launched in May of 2012, the program is the first of its kind in Canada. As a result of Lauzon’s innovation, 300 lbs. of medication has been taken out of circulation in the city.
Also receiving an award of excellence for innovation and creativity was Sgt. Thom Racine for his dedication and work on the history of and subsequent memorial event for Cst. John Robert Davey, who was killed 1892, in the line of duty.
Teamwork awards went to (group 1) Cst. Jeffery Lalonde, Cst. Kevin Wells, Cst. Daniel Doyon, Cst. Michael Menard; as well as (group 2) Cst. Jennifer Payment and Cst. Marc Fortin.
Investigation award of excellence went to Cst. Dave Langlois; Dedication to Duty to Cst. Austin Clark and S/Sgt. Shawn White and the Community Service award was presented to Cst. Jason Mines.
Four retirees, Constable Gary Leger, Sgt. Wayne Holland, Constable Robert Ouellette and Nelson Ayotte, were also recognized.