The Greater Sudbury Police Service hosted their third annual community and police awards gala at the Caruso Club on May 18.
This year's awards ceremony featured a total of 10 awards being handed out to police officers and members of the community who have gone above and beyond in the last year to make the Greater Sudbury community a safer one.
The ceremony was once again held in conjunction with Police Week, which kicked off on Monday, May 15, and was once again focused on the GSPS vision of "our shared commitment".
"Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate all that is good and right in our community," said GSPS chief Paul Pedersen.
"We truly are a community-based organization and we can not do this job alone. It takes the efforts of parents, peers, and community members; we all have a role to play in keeping our community safe."
Huntington University was the title sponsor of the awards gala, and the school's president and vice-chancellor Kevin McCormick made a special announcement that next year's awards will feature an award in honour of Pedersen.
"We are proud to announce that Huntington University will create an award in honour of Chief Pedersen," said McCormick. "We want to acknowledge your leadership and presence in our community, and Huntington will be sponsoring this gala once again next year."
This year's award winners are as follows:
- Heroic Action Award: Peter Orsino, Jessica Orsino, Austin Gareau
- Meritorious Action Award: Sgt. Joanne Pendrak
- Police Assistance Award: Douglas Guitard
- Teamwork Commendation Award: Peer Support Team
- Police - Community Leader Award: Renée Richer
- Police - Community Partnership Award: Operation Red Nose
- City of Greater Sudbury Partnership Award: Community Development and Planning
- Sergeant Richard McDonald Award: Shelly Dixon
- Constable Joseph McDonald Award: Cst. Nihad Hasanefendic
- Nicole Bélair Service Above Self Award: Benton McLean
