Heroes - Toronto, Canada
Toronto officers receive honors
February 18, 2006TORONTO - Three City Police officers are being recognized by city officials for their professionalism and dedication to their duty.
Patrolmen Tony Porreca, Charlie Daniels and Larry Fogle soon will be recognized though a proclamation issued by Mayor John Geddis for their hard work in 2005, according to John Parker, city safety director."They led the department in arrests, cases solved and citations," said Parker, adding the three combined records showed they were involved with more than 425 cleared cases for the year. "All three demonstrated a high degree of professionalism. These guys do good things out there, and it's time they were recognized for it."
Parker said the officers were an example of how the department has been making improvements during the past year, with new equipment acquired through grant funds, new training on law enforcement technologies and an emphasis on what Parker said was community policing."(These three officers) take the time to do things in the community," Parker said. "They get out there and do community policing. These guys are well-liked."
Parker used the example of Porreca taking the lead in organizing a fund-raiser for children's cancer research as something that helps give the police a positive profile in the community. The fund-raiser is through St. Baldrick's, an organization that raises funds for research into children's cancer issues."I think anytime someone takes the the time - their own personal time - to organize an activity that raises awareness and helps funding and research for such a devastating disease in children - that's an outstanding gesture," Parker said. "That's something he doesn't have to do. That's above and beyond the call of duty. That shows the integrity of the officers in our city."
Parker said establishment of a new information and management records system is another positive step, and officers are "responding very well" to the new technology. "Our files are now more organized," Parker said. "We're in the process now of acquiring new digital cameras that will be compatible with the new computer system."Parker said Patrolman Rick Parker will be traveling to New Mexico Monday for training in the use of night vision equipment acquired through a grant from the Army. Parker also said the police have stepped up their activity in trying to make life difficult for the criminal element in the city. "We've done more drug raids than ever in the city during the past year," Parker said.
He also gave credit to Rick Parker and Capt. Randy Henry for their role in cracking a major theft ring in Toronto operating out of three states last year. Parker added the department also sponsored an anti-drug dance for Karaffa Middle School pupils."Almost 100 (pupils) at Karaffa Middle School participated in a safe, drug-free event," Parker said, adding the department's future includes more of the same community policing tactics.
"I think we need to stay on the same path for training and staying on the cutting-edge of law enforcement, Parker said. "I think we need be even more community-orients. The officers need to be helping at different community activities. That bridges the gap between the community and the police department." Parker used the examples of the city's 0.5 wage tax passing last November, the Toronto Eagles Club donating $2,100 to the city's safety forces and the Toronto VFW Ladies Auxiliary donating breathalizers to the department as evidence the department's improvements are being noticed in the community. He also said Toronto was one of the safer communities in the area."I feel you can go anywhere, anytime in this community and still feel safe," Parker said, adding keeping the city safe is the responsibility of the entire community. "Everyone plays a part in keeping our community safe. When everyone comes together, you find the criminal element moves away from cities where citizens work together. That's what makes Toronto special."
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