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York officer honoured with South Simcoe Police award

Officers 'a testament to the spirit of collaboration and support we enjoy with our neighbouring policing partners,' chief says

Among the awards for excellence in police service in South Simcoe was one that recognized the importance of collaboration among local forces.

The Chief’s Awards of Excellence included an Excellence in Investigation award that went to York Regional Police Det. Colin Organ and South Simcoe Sgt. Kai Johnson at the Nov. 21 ceremony.

Their investigative work led them to two arrests and convictions of two people in the string of pharmacy robberies in Bradford and York Region in 2016. The lengthy investigation led to an arrest in October 2019 of two men who are both facing prison sentences. 

"These two officers are a testament to the spirit of collaboration and support we enjoy with our neighbouring policing partners."

Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe and the province’s former Attorney General, was just one of the dignitaries expressing thanks to the sworn officers, auxiliaries, and civilians oft the South Simcoe Police Service, at Thursday night’s 2019 Service Recognition Awards.

“The officers are the every-day heroes that should be treated with gratitude and respect,” she said.

She was joined by Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard, Mayors Lynn Dollin of Innisfil and Rob Keffer of Bradford West Gwillimbury, at the evening of celebration, and recognition.

Police Chief Andrew Fletcher said he was going “a little off-script" to “from the heart,” as he praised the generosity, bravery, commitment and leadership shown by his officers. The awards, Fletcher said, provided “a mere glimpse of the great work that goes on each and every day…. Our success comes from the members of our service who give from themselves, every day” to keep their community safe.