OWLE AWARD WINNER BIOS

OWLE HERITAGE AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
SPONSORED BY ONTARIO WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
DEPUTY CHIEF SUE O’SULLIVAN – OTTAWA POLICE SERVICE

THIS AWARD RECOGNIZES A WOMEN WHO HAS A MINIMUM OF 20 YEARS OF SERVICE, POSSESSES OUTSTANDING MENTORING AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND, HAS CONTRIBUTED IN A SIGNIFICANT MANNER TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

DEPUTY CHIEF SUE O’SULLIVAN IS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL WITH 26 YRS OF DEDICATED AND DIVERSE EXPERIENCE. AS THE CURRENT DEPUTY CHIEF OF PATROL OPERATIONS SHE OVERSEES FRONT LINE OPERATIONS FOR THE MAJORITY OF OTTAWA’S UNIFORMED PERSONNEL. THROUGHOUT HER CAREER DEPUTY CHIEF O’SULLIVAN HAS SERVED IN PATROL OPERATONS, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT. SHE HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE AREAS OF INCIDENT COMMAND, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND MAJOR EVENT PLANNING.

SHE IS THE CO-AUTHOR ON 10 NATIONAL REPORTS AND TRAINING MANUALS AND HER EXPERTISE HAS BEEN DRAWN ON BY NOTABLE SOURCES INCLUDING JUSTICE CANADA, SOLICITOR GENERAL CANADA AND THE RCMP.

DESPITE HER DEMANDING SCHEDULE SUE O’SULLIVAN NEVER MISSES AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. SHE IS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN A VOLUNTEER CAPACITY WITH NUMEROUS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND HAS GIVEN UP COUNTLESS HOURS OF HER OWN TIME TO ATTEND COMMUNITY EVENTS AND FESTIVALS. SHE SITS ON MANY COMMITTEES THAT DIRECTLY IMPACT THE COMMUNITY AND IS HIGHLY RESPECTED AS A LEADER AND ROLE MODEL WITHIN THE POLICING COMMUNITY.

SHE IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF MANY LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATONS AND NETWORKS WHICH REPRESENT WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ROLES. SHE SUPPORTS AND SHARES HER THOUGHTS ON THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS FACING WOMEN IN POLICING WHENEVER SHE CAN. SHE IS REGULARY APPROACHED AND HAPPILY ACCEPTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET AND MENTOR WOMEN WHO ARE CONSIDERING POLICING AS A CAREER.

THE FOLLOWING IS A TESTIMONIAL TO HER. “SUE CONSISTENTLY IMPRESSES AS A WOMAN WHO POSSESSES STRONG MORALS, VALUES AND ETHICS. HER ABILITY TO REACH OUT TO ALL PEOPLE IS SECOND TO NO OTHER; HER ABILITY TO CONFRONT THOSE IN TIMES OF CRISIS AND NEED TRULY IS SINCERE AND EXEMPLARY. SHE IS CONSISTENT IN HER ABILITY TO INSPIRE, MOTIVATE AND APPLAUD THE EFFORTS OF HER COLLEAGUES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS. SUE IS A WOMAN WHO HAS BECOME A HOUSEHOLD NAME TO THE CITIZENS OF OTTAWA – A NATURAL LEADER, A GO-TO KIND OF COLLEAGUES WHO CAN BE COUNTED ON TO ALWAYS BE WILLING TO HELP.”

“SUE IS THE EPITOME OF WHAT ALL POLICE OFFICERS CAN BE – A FAIR, OBJECTIVE AND EFFECTIVE PEACE OFFICER. SHE WORKS DILIGENTLY AND IS KNOWN FOR HER EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP SKILLS. SHE IS OBJECTIVE AND MORE IMPORTANTLY INNOVATIVE. SUE IS A UNIQUE AND STRONG WOMAN WHO DEPMONSTRATES DAILY HER COMMITMENTS TO HUMANITY AND JUSTICE.”

AWARD OF VALOUR – Sponsored by Tetragon Distrubutors Inc.
Constable Elizabeth Olleros Ontario Provincial Police

THIS AWARD IS PRESENTED TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONAL WHO DISTINSUISHES HERSELF BY AN ACT OF EXTRAORDINARY SELFLESSNESS, PERSONAL COURAGE, BRAVERY OR SELF-SACRIFICE.

This OPP officer has less than five years in the rank of constable yet she has already received two Commissioner’s Citations.

In October 2005 a driver on Highway 407 in Toronto had a heart attack while driving, crashing his vehicle into a cement barrier. When the officer arrived on the scene, after running from another accident she was investigating nearby, she saw the driver unconscious and slumped over the wheel. The driver’s door was jammed against the concrete barrier and the passenger door while accessible was locked. To make matters worse, the car was still in drive and inching slightly forward. After gaining access by smashing the passenger window with her baton, the officer and a colleague who had arrived to assist, were able to enter the vehicle, place it in neutral and pull the unconscious driver on to the pavement where CPR was immediately started. Emergency Services arrived twenty minutes later but sadly the victim died in the ambulance.

In April 2006 shortly before midnight a barrage of calls from frantic drivers on Highway 407 were received by OPP communications. A car was traveling at high speeds going the wrong way. Numerous narrow misses and near head-on crashes were being reported.

As callers reported the vehicle’s position this officer started heading eastbound in the eastbound lanes, not knowing that the suspect vehicle was heading westbound directly towards her. Due to poor visibility and a curve in the road she was unaware of her close proximity to the suspect but managed to swerve at the last minute to avoid a collision.

Knowing that it would only be moments until a serious accident occurred the officer turned her vehicle around and commenced traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes in pursuit. With emergency lights and sirens activated she began weaving her cruiser back and forth across the lanes, in an attempt to alert oncoming traffic.

Another officer assisted and when the opportunity arose they were able to successfully box in the suspect vehicle and bring it to a stop.

The driver exhibited extreme signs of intoxication and was arrested for Impaired and Dangerous Driving.

EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE – Sponsored by MKD International
Detective Constable Kate McArthur - Chatham-Kent Police Service

This is awarded to the individual who has demonstrated excellent work performance; developed or implemented innovative programs and projects; shown initiative; possesses outstanding competence and has achieved a high measure of credibility among her peers.
In 2003 a woman approached the front desk of the Chatham-Kent Police Station asking to speak to an investigator about a historical sexual assault. This officer from the criminal investigation office, heard the woman’s horrific story of sexual abuse that she suffered at the hands of a now retired Roman Catholic priest. Due to the fact that the woman had settled with the Catholic church, a gag order was in place against her. As no charges could be initiated, the woman was referred to social services for assistance.

Six months later the church lifted the gag order. This officer contacted the original complainant and an investigation commenced. Further investigation revealed other allegations of abuse against the same priest were made by other victims in 1962, 1989 and 1993 but no charges were ever laid. This officer, determined to see the suspect held accountable, located and convinced 46 victims to come forward and speak with her about the abuse they endured.

During the two year investigation this officer spoke with each victim and to every other person mentioned in the victim’s statements, literally hundreds of people. Her organization, preparedness, investigative thoroughness and attention to detail assisted the Crown in obtaining guilty pleas entered by the accused for all 47 victims.

Many of the victims suffered long term effects from post traumatic stress disorder. This officer arranged on-going support throughout the trial and special court security to shelter the victims and their families from unwanted media attention. She established a rapport with the victims and was able to win their trust.

For many of the women it was the first time anyone in authority believed them, including their own parents. If not for this officers caring and sensitivity many of the women would not have come forward and would still be suffering alone and in silence.

One of the victims writes, “You were an inspiration and a gentle, but powerful part of the support I needed during our “ordeal”. I hope you know I will always be grateful and my life richer for having you there throughout a painful time. You believed me.”

LEADERSHIP AWARD – Dedicated to Sgt. Margaret Eves – Sponsored by Ontario Provincial Police Association
Sgt. Nancy Graves – Ontario Provincial Police

THE WINNER OF THIS AWARD HAS THE CAPACITY TO INSPIRE OTHERS AND IS AN EXCELLENT ROLE MODEL. SHE SHOWS INITIATIVE, SUPPORTS AND ENCOROUGES HER COLLEAGUES AND SHOWS STRENGTH IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY. SHE HAS HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS, IS WILLING TO ‘GO THAT EXTRA MILE’ AND ALWAYS HAS A POSITIVE OUTLOOK.

This member has been an officer for 13 years with the OPP and has just recently been promoted to Sergeant, the only female Sergeant in her area. Her nominator stated, he has, “witnessed in her more noble and distinguishable qualities than others will demonstrate in a lifetime.”

The bulk of her career has been committed to front-line policing. However before joining the police she was a teacher and worked with developmentally delayed adults.

There are a number of incidents that exemplify her leadership abilities.

As a platoon Sergeant she is highly motivated and teaches by example. When a violent electrical storm accompanied by high winds hit her area there were widespread power outages, houses damaged and numerous calls for service. This officer utilized her initiative and called in the marine unit to assist with search and rescue on the local waterway saving distressed boaters from certain peril. She also co-ordinated her personnel to assist where they were most needed delegating many duties to her second in charge.

She is the detachment VICLAS co-ordinator and has assisted officers resulting in a 100% compliance rate for submissions. She is also the domestic violence co-ordinator and instructor for the detachment where she has been commended 11 times for her comprehensive investigations. She is an Intoxilizer technician and has taught nine new technicians to become better at their duties. She is approachable and sought out by many external organizations such as women’s shelters and special needs committees because of her outstanding communication and relationship skills.

As the Detachment Training Sergeant she organizes training for her officers and for the Auxiliary members. She is an outstanding teacher and leader who can be an assertive commanding presence, and a caring thoughtful person depending on the situation at hand.

As a Professor at Algonquin College for the past two years she teaches Traffic Management to the Police Foundations course. She assists the students with advice, personal career path choices and lifestyle choices. She has been commended by the Dean and the Program Director for her selfless volunteerism and dedication.

When time permits, this officer volunteers for many charities including the Special Olympics.

Her accomplishments continue. As the result of a new protocol that was being developed for special needs members of the community, this officer asked to be the overall police co-ordinator for all investigations involving special needs people as well as be the liaison for the new centre responsible for a catchment area of 57,000 citizens. She has developed a relationship with the Director of the facility to establish a greater understanding of police roles, and in turn is providing officers with an understanding of the special needs requirements for investigations.

Her nominator says, “She walks her talk, and is committed to making a positive influence. From the impressionable youth of our nation, to the disabled special needs citizens and underprivileged and abused woman, she is a champion and a great role model. She always leaves people with their dignity regardless of their crime, and ensures that women victims are followed up with on a regular basis. She is an outstanding role model and leader for others to follow.”

MENTORING – Sponsored by Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police
Acting Sergeant Debbie Miller - Ottawa Police Service


THIS AWARD RECOGNIZES A WOMAN WHO PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO OTHER WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. SHE IS AN INSPIRATION, PROVIDES SUPPORT AND AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHERS AND, HAS EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS. SHE IS APPROACHABLE, ACCESSIBLE, PREPARED TO GIVE CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK AND IS AVAILABLE FOR ADVICE AND CONSULTATION. SHE ENCOUROGES NETWORKING AND SUPPORTS THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSION.

This officer’s love of policing began in 1993 when at Carleton University she competed for and became the first recipient of the Thomas G. Flanagan Scholarship Award. This award encourages young women of visible minority or aboriginal background to consider policing as a career. Since joining the Ottawa Police Service in 1994 she has become a trail blazer and ambassador for not only her service but for young women.

She recognized early the impact her role could have on future generations and it was not long before she was encouraging young women to follow in her footsteps.

She is now her police service’s official spokesperson for the Scholarship award as well as an ambassador for the Outreach Recruitment Program and a member of the Community Police Action Committee. She delivers countless presentations, many on her own time, in support of her Service’s key projects.

Her previous role as a School Resource Officer at a public school gave her the opportunity to interact with children. The principal of the school writes, “Her enthusiasm and joie de vivre are infectious. She has a heart for humanity. She always gave the impression that she had unlimited time to give to each and every person regardless of age or position. She was an awesome ambassador for the police department and a model for the concept of proactive community policing.”

In 2003 her Service tasked her with developing a prevention and intervention strategy on the issue of media violence on youth and children. In her typical high energy fashion she mobilized community partners and put forth a proposal to raise awareness on the possible impact of violent video games on children. The proposal was accepted and for the first time a police organization was publicly addressing the issue of media violence.

In her current role as a Platoon Sergeant, she constantly monitors the newer members of her platoon, ensuring they have the tools to do their job and providing guidance when required. She is also continually upgrading her own skills, seeking other self-development opportunities.

Born in Jamaica she emigrated to Canada with her mother and three siblings at the age of three. Her mother raised all four children single-handedly facing the challenges of a new country. It’s easy to see where this winner gets her determination.

Her unique perspective and personal experience have provided her with an ability to identify the barriers confronting young women who are interested in pursuing a policing career. Through her professionalism, calm demeanour and excellent interpersonal skills, young women leave her presentations feeling empowered. As her nominator writes, “She is an inspiration to others, a woman of character and a great asset to this police service. Her professionalism is a hallmark and strength of the Service.”

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – The Laura Ellis Award – Sponsored by Toronto Police Association
SPECIAL CONSTABLE KAREN MURPHY – PEEL REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE

THE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD IS PRESENTED TO THE PERSON WHO HAS DESIGNED PROGRAMS AND IMPLEMENTED INITIATIVES SPECIFIC TO THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS IN HER COMMUNITY. SHE SEES AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP HER COMMUNITY AND SHE GOES FOR IT. SHE IS AVAILABLE WHENEVER HER COMMUNITY NEEDS HER.

The recipient has found a way to combine her job with the Peel Regional Police with her community commitment.

For the past five years she has been a member of the Peel Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. In 2005 she was elected as Chair of that organization. In this role she steers the path to ensure the residents of Peel Region receive proper mental health care and she assists in identifying and shaping the future mental health needs for the Region. She also oversees a budget of over $7.5 million and has a staff of 90 employees.

Her commitment to mental health issues goes back farther than 2002.

In 2001 she joined the Toronto/Peel Mental Health Implementation Task Force. Here her extensive knowledge of the gaps in mental health services within the judicial and police environment, helped to shape policy and increase government funding for much needed services.
In 2000 she was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor’s Order-in-Council to work with the Halton-Peel District Health Council to identify immediate needs and pressures facing the health care system. She was directly involved in identifying the location of the newest hospital in Peel Region which is opening northeast of Brampton shortly.
For the past six years she has been involved with helping to resolve the numerous issues that arise within the judicial system in dealing with offenders suffering from Mental Health issues. Her background gives her a unique perspective and her sensitivity and deep commitment to working with people with special needs have made her an integral part of the committee overseeing this issue. As a direct result of her commitment a designated Mental Health Court was established in Peel with two psychiatrists assigned to work at the courthouse with the mentally challenged. Our winner was specifically asked to work with the doctors and to be the Mental Health Court Officer. She is now known as the ‘go to’ person for mental health issues and after five years has built up a trust in the community.

In her spare time she is actively involved as a Big Sister being matched with her first little sister 10 years ago. Since then she has been a spokesperson for the organization and gives lectures on information nights about the program.

She helps out with the annual Toys for Tots Christmas campaign and she lectures at the University of Toronto, Crime and Deviance Program. In 1999 she undertook a study of court services and detention areas in North America. This project took her to 10 Canadian and US cities where she conducted an in-depth study of the facilities and how they were managed. The results were compiled in a book with several recommendations for improvement being adopted by her police service.

This member has incorporated volunteerism into her life to make a difference in her community and the province, especially in the area of mental health and the judicial system. She feels strongly about the issues and chooses to become actively involved to make a difference.

TEAMWORK AWARD – Sponsored by Dupont Canada
Western Region Women in Corrections Committee: Emelie Malloy, Chair; Lou Ann Lucier, Co-Chair; Members: Mary-Lou Mackie-Tomlin; Shirley Anne Lair; Susan Elliott; Rita Hunter; Julie Shepherd; Jackie Hamilton; Kim Barton; Cindy Loach; Cindy Haynes; Diane Trachy; Christina Danylchenko with the assistance of Sue Hollins.

THE TEAMWORK AWARD WAS ESTABLISHED TO RECOGNIZE THE EXCEPTIONAL SUCCESS OF WOMEN AND THEIR MALE COLLEAGUES WORKING ON COMPLEX, COMPREHENSIVE, CROSS-JURISDICTIONAL, GROUNDBREAKING OR LONG-TERM PROJECTS WITH BROAD IMPLICATIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OR JUSTICE.

This team from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, provided leadership by supporting and encouraging women to take ownership in shaping the culture within their workplace, promote inclusiveness so that equity was embedded as a core organizational value and highlight contributions made by women throughout their region. It is comprised of 13 members.

In 2006 four networking sessions were developed to promote women in the Corrections field. The workshops led to open discussion on some of the systemic issues faced by women in a male dominated profession. The women worked together to develop strategies to improve their working environments.

One of the initial barriers faced by the women wa