NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Dec. 6, 2018 marked a great day for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) as officers, civilians and auxiliary members were honoured for their exceptional efforts in service with the 2018 Accolade Awards.
The OPP is a proud organization with tremendous pride based on the great work that so many of our employees do to support our vision of Safe Communities… A Secure Ontario.
The Accolade Awards of Excellence recognizes individuals and team members in the categories of Valuing and Supporting People, Enforcement, Investigation, Innovation and Creativity, Dedication and Team Achievement. The Leadership Awards of Merit acknowledges individuals and team members in the categories of Community Service and Partnership.
Detective Sergeant Bill Gofton was the recipient of the Officer of the Year Accolade Award for his extraordinary selflessness and heroism in providing immediate assistance to individuals wounded in the October 2017 Las Vegas shooting, while he was vacationing with friends.
Ms. Josie Puglisi received the Civilian of the Year Accolade Award for her dedication, commitment and leadership in fulfilling her duties serving the OPP Highway Safety Division.
The Auxiliary Member of the Year Accolade Award was presented to Auxiliary Staff Sergeant Richard Audette. A ten-year veteran of the OPP Auxiliary Program, Aux/Staff Sgt. Audette has volunteered over 400 quality hours for the betterment of his community and the OPP.
Sergeant Shelly Tuck was awarded the Jim Potts Award for her outstanding contribution to building partnerships and relationships with First Nation Police services and Indigenous communities through the development and coordination of Missing Persons Awareness Day.
Additionally, the Jim Potts Team Award was presented to members of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls OPP National Inquiry Response Team.
"It gives me great pleasure, as Interim Commissioner, to take part in what is a great day for the Ontario Provincial Police as we honour our employees whose exceptional skills and commitment earned them the recognition they deserve," said Interim Commissioner Brad Blair.
"Every employee receiving an award today cares a great deal about the OPP and the challenging jobs that they do, day in and day out. Their commitment, teamwork and personal dedication in the good things they do for us and for the citizens of this province are deeply appreciated and admired. Congratulations to all our award winners."
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