Superintendent Lynda Bowen, Hamilton Police Service - Retired

The winner of the Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement in Law Enforcement is Lynda Bowen - "a remarkable woman" -- who proudly served for 30.5 years with the Hamilton Police Service; having recently retired at the rank of Superintendent. We recognize and salute Lynda for her commitment to excellence in policing; her outstanding mentoring and leadership skills; and the contributions she has made to the advancement of women in policing. In the early l970's Lynda completed a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Bachelor of Education, setting her sights on a teaching career. However, with the severe shortage of teaching jobs, she decided on an alternate career -- policing -- becoming the third generation of her family to be a police officer. Lynda joined the former Hamilton Police Force in l972. Despite commencing a policing career at a time when women in policing were not the norm; in a "steel town"; and in a field historically dominated by men - she made great strides to work

L to R: Loyall Cann, Deputy Chief (ret'd), Toronto Police Service, Superintendent (ret'd) Lynda Bowen, Hamilton Police Service, Sergeant Lisa Hodgins, President, Ontario Women in Law Enforcement.

her way through the ranks. Along the way she would effect changes and set standards that transitioned the "old" police culture, while gaining the respect of her peers and subordinates. Lynda's career saw her work in uniform patrol, the Juvenile Section, Youth Branch and Court Branch. She was promoted to Sergeant in l985, Staff Sergeant in l989 and to Inspector in l991 and was subsequently assigned to manage the Human Resources Section. She went on to become a Superintendent and took charge of various Divisions, including Patrol and Administrative Services. During her career she experienced many "firsts" -- although Lynda was never overly fond of the "first" term -- and she faced many challenges including the inevitable clothing and equipment issues. Her successes have been measured in her many accomplishments throughout her career and in the recognition she has received from within and outside the organization. Lynda is a dedicated Police Officer and a superb mentor, who brought a new perspective to policing in the community she served. Her belief in educating others by the example she sets and leading by example is always evident. She is committed to excellence in policing, setting her personal standards high and encouraging others to do the same. Lynda takes education seriously - she continued her education throughout her career taking various police studies and management courses that included a degree in Criminology. In l995 she graduated from the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia -an experience Lynda recalls as: "amazing," "what some people will do for a yellow brick and a T-shirt!" Lynda has been an advocate for women in policing and has acted as mentor for many female police officers. She has encouraged policing as a viable career choice for women. She understands the need for support and networking. Over the years, Lynda has instilled a sense of pride and shown that through hard work and perseverance you can achieve your goals. She always stresses the need to give back to the community, to be involved and to strive for greatness. Lynda is an exceptional person who "walks the walk and talks the talk". Lynda has the ability to inspire people, make them believe in themselves and challenge their own abilities. She takes the time to celebrate others successes and supports and encourages others when she recognizes a need. She has a genuine concern and care for other people and she has made a difference in the lives of others. Lynda is an active Member of the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement and the International Association of Women Police and she has a played a significant role in encouraging membership and networking. She is recognized as an outstanding leader and an exceptional role model.