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Annual Police Community Programs Night
During the evening of March 10, 2016, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Board and Sault Ste. Marie Police Service hosted the 30th Annual Police Community Programs Night. More than 100 persons and agencies were in attendance to recognize the contribution and assistance to our community rendered by this year’s award recipients.

The Police Service works closely with many businesses, agencies, and service clubs to ensure our community is a safe one.

In conjunction with the Kinsmen Club, who generously support the Elmer the Safety Elephant Program, as well as the Presents for Paeds visit to the Sault Area Hospital, six schools were recognized for practicing Elmer safety tips, such as looking both ways before crossing the street. They have also remained accident-free near their schools when it comes to road safety as follows:

East View Public School – 25 years
F.H. Clergue Public School – 5 years
Grand View Public School – 30 years
Kiwedin Public School – 10 years
Rosedale Public School – 25 years
St. Theresa Catholic School – 25 years
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The Police Service and Police Services Board also presented plaques of appreciation to the following persons and agencies for their contributions to the Service and community:

Social Services Department, City of Sault Ste. Marie for embracing and supporting the new community mobilization model of policing.
Canadian Tire, Sault Ste. Marie for their long-time working relationship with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and their generosity in the past and present in assisting those who might need a helping hand in our community.
Highway Traffic Safety Division, Ontario Provincial Police for their strong working relationship with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and most recently their support of the Random Acts of Kindness event.
Sault Search and Rescue, Inc. for their partnership since 1987 and readiness in assisting the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
Grand Gardens North in recognition of their generosity and Christmas spirit in supporting those in our community needing a helping hand – December 2015.
Algoma District School Board in recognition of their continuous support of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service in our ongoing training efforts.
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The following individuals were presented with a commendation certificate from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Board:

Gary and Helene Geroux – dedication and commitment for thirty years to the Sault Squires Police Cadet Corps and to the youth in Sault Ste. Marie.
Chantal McDonald and Stefan Zaharuk – witnessing and reporting a break and enter in progress which lead to the arrest of a suspect which solved other local crimes.
Christopher MacDonald – quick thinking and efforts in apprehending two suspects after witnessing them break into vehicles.
Rick Muskaluk and the Heritage Home Hardware Building Centre – support of the downtown graffiti eradication initiative, August 2015.
Bruce Wilson – quick thinking and actions in rescuing a toddler in extreme winter conditions.
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Additionally, this year Chief R. Keetch presented Chief’s Coins to several persons at this dinner:
9 officers were presented with a coin for their volunteerism in serving on the Police Service’s Honour Guard unit.
Constable S. Cyr was presented with a coin for his off-duty actions and assistance to the Sudbury O.P.P. at the scene of a fatal motor vehicle collision.
Constable D. Erkkila was presented with a coin to recognize his dedication and commitment to Ontario’s Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet.
Constable D. Pelletier and Constable D. Sirie were presented with coins for their off-duty actions in apprehending two individuals who were breaking into vehicles.
Constable T. Smith was presented with a coin for her off-duty actions in apprehending an impaired driver.
Kathleen Geroux and Maureen Lacelle were presented with coins for their stepping forward and willingly working with Police and their community at the Neighbourhood Resource Centre.

Thank you again to the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie and the Township of Prince as well as our community partners. We look forward to the successes 2016 will bring.