2005 Recipients under the IAWP Officer of the Year Awards Program

When I talked to Eva's Chief, Kevin McAlpine, he was so proud of Eva's work. He said, "Eva is our rising star. Wait until you meet her, she is a wonderful person. And of course our department will pay for everything." What a wonderful support system to produce the Officer of the Year.

Eva's leadership has taken her to the challenges through patrol supervisor, to first women in the Homicide Unit, to the continual challenges of the mentoring of colleagues. Through her leadership she calls others to achieve excellence, confront poor performance and stimulate improvement.

Eva's mentoring reaches to her value that each officer should be the best they can be and if Eva can help that process she will. On her own initiative Eva developed an indexed binder of material for all trainers. Eva would not just drop the material off she would sit with officers and help them understand the process. Eva heard of an officer who was frustrated with the promotional process. Eva took the time to seek this officer out, go over the candidate's resume and help them understand the questions and formal process. This comes natural for Eva, and she will also spend the time to celebrate their success.

Eva has a personnel commitment to community service. Her personal principles motivate her actions. "Law Enforcement is a profession that provides community service." Eva has shown that through her many hours of community service. She has organized a clothing drive for a homeless shelter that was destroyed by fire; volunteered for local Jazz and Blues Festival, and helped at Meals on Wheels. She is also a board member for the Violence Prevention Coordinating Council. Eva has organized and run in the Cure for Breast Cancer, and volunteered for the Literacy Network. The list goes on and on, and if there is a cause that will make her community better, she will be there.

Eva has excelled in many areas of police work. She was given a position in the Pickering Youth Bureau after only being on the department for a short time. She had excelled so well she was transferred to the Major Crime Sexual Assault Unit. There she was able to become the first police officer in Canada to obtain and execute a DNA search warrant. Eva has made formal recommendations to improve staffing and assistance to crime victims. The recommendations made a major impact on the department to ease the pain of victims. Eva has also worked in the Cold Case Unit and has solved many cases to bring justice to the victims and their families.

Eva was ecstatic when she won her award and also very proud of what she has done. Eva likes to advise women officers to "Learn the rules, be professional and organized and the opportunities will be given to you.

Heidi uses her athletic abilities to raise money for many causes, such as Special Olympics, Cops for Cancer, Easter Seals, Make a Wish, funds for a hospital, and any other event for which she can raise money. To keep herself athletically fit, Heidi competes in her spare time. She recently completed her Seventh Iron Man the World Championships in Hawaii.

Heidi has begun programs with Toys for Tots, with a shelter for women, for developmentally disabled, for a Jewish community, for those of hate crimes in the Muslim community, for "Keep Aurora Beautiful" and finally she developed a program that educates about the myths and realities of organ donations.

The death of a fellow officer in some countries is rare, but it is extremely rare in England. Sgt. Drury was the head of Killingbeck Road Traffic Department and was on holiday on December 26, 2003, when one officer was murdered, Ian Broadhurst and Neil Roper was seriously injured. She was notified and immediately cancelled her holiday to support her team and those closest to the murdered and injured officers.

Following the aftermath of the tragedy it is impossible to put into words the difficulties facing her by a traumatized team. Ann was active in arrangements, team healing, family healing and being liaison with the trial of the killer. To carry on Ian's legacy Ann felt all her hours and work was important. IAWP rewards her for her excellent performance.

Sandra found methods to identify suspects when they were on line which lead to many arrests of pedophiles. Sandra didn't just help out Ottawa she took her skills to other parts of Canada and now the world. Sandra developed a leadership role in implementing an investigative template for child luring investigation. She keeps the Children's Aid Society apprised of suspects that pose a threat to children. For her work in policing the internet to keep children safe IAWP presents her with Excellence in Performance Award.

A journey through some of her accomplishments would include the following: developing a promotional process both for OPP and the First Nations, publishing seven books on police issues, taking a leadership role in combating police spousal abuse, being the founding President of the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement, bringing IAWP to Toronto for the 2000 Conference, assisting in the ground work for the foundation of Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement, teaching professional policing courses and last be not least serving as the Executive Director of IAWP. For Amy's leadership skills and work, IAWP rewards her for her successes.

Myra is electric. She is upbeat, motivated and above all approachable. She is the first to congratulate anyone on their success and takes it one step further and lets everyone know how great you are.

Myra provides guidance and training to assist young officers. Her high profile status provides new officers with great examples of the importance of getting involved in important initiatives not only in the police service but in the community as well. She is a role model. In May of 2003, Myra was selected as "Women of the Year" in Hamilton. IAWP would now be honored to add Mentoring Award of the Year for 2005.

Constable Lambert saw the vehicle and radioed for medical and fire assistance. Lisa then went to the vehicle, which was burning, to rescue Constable Hickey. Unable to open the door Lisa was able to get Constable Hickey out through the window. She was able to get him to safety before the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. Lisa, IAWP congratulates you for your heroism.

Sylvia's unit was working on a case with a high profile felon wanted for numerous homicides. The suspect was very dangerous and vowed never to be taken alive. Much planning went into the strategies for this given day with a back up plan and other support from other agencies.

The time was set, June 29, 2004. Last minute details were being arranged, but Sylvia was in position. Unfortunately the suspect arrived too soon. He eyed an officer and drove his SUV at the officer. Sylvia was in pursuit knowing her partner was getting the proper medical attention he needed. The suspect rammed Sylvia's vehicle and took off. Sylvia continued the pursuit as he was driving on the wrong side of the road and putting many peoples' lives in danger. The team got the suspect cornered but he came out shooting directly at Sylvia. Sylvia needed to bail out of her vehicle as the suspect shot the car with numerous bullets. Through a hail of bullets she got to safety and was able to apprehend the suspect, "Alive".

Through her dedication to public service Sylvia survived a vehicle attack and a weapon attack and got her man. Because of her bravery IAWP awards her a 2005 Valor Award.

Brenda Radix

In 1995 while assigned to 33 Division, Brenda was personally selected by the Unit Commander to participate in a pilot project incorporating the implementation of an innovative centralized approach to the management of evidence. She was responsible for the development of unit specific policies and procedures governing the seizure and storage of evidence, the development of all training materials including course curriculum and standards, and she directly facilitated the training of over 175 members of 33 Division.

The project was a resounding success and made lasting changes for the success of the Evidence Unit. Brenda was so successful that she was assigned as Supervisor of the Property and Evidence Management Unit. This was only one of the major projects Brenda has worked on to make the Toronto Police Service successful. For your many years of hard work and dedication, Brenda, the IAWP awards you with the Civilian Service Award.