Police Association of Ontario

10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, and every day, we’re thankful for our 33,000+ members who dedicate themselves to protecting our communities.

A special thank you to those working today and spending time away from their families to keep Ontario safe.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

10/10/2026

Today is . Most people will experience 3-10 traumatic events in their lifetime. Police officers will face close to 800-1000.

What our members experience on the job can stay with them long after they’ve clocked out. Mental health matters, and having the right support can make all the difference.

Let’s support one another, break the stigma, and keep the conversation about mental health going. If you’re struggling, please know that help is available.

Find mental health and wellness resources here: https://pao.ca/mental-health-wellness/

Canada Beyond The Blue
Wounded Warriors Canada
Boots On The Ground - Peer Support for First Responders
Badge of Life Canada

10/08/2026

We’re relieved to hear this positive update on Cst. Jeff Smith’s progress following the events of September 20. Our thoughts continue to be with him and his family as they navigate the long road to recovery.

10/07/2026

That’s a wrap on the PAO’s 2026 Civilian Conference!

The two-day conference, hosted by the Belleville Police Association, brought members together for expert-led sessions on civilian collective bargaining, legal and discipline updates, JJE’s and pay equity, onboarding and workplace culture, AI in policing, and a provincial roundtable.

Thank you to our Conference Co-Chairs, Kathryn Chytuk, Tim Morrison and Becky Verreault, for your leadership and dedication, and to all our association executives for your continued work supporting civilian police members across Ontario.

A special thank you to the Belleville Police Association for hosting us and organizing a fantastic social event at Linguine’s Italian Restaurant last night. We appreciate everyone who contributed to a successful conference!

10/06/2026

Thank you, Ontario PC Party, for your continued collaboration and support in protecting our members.

We need stronger action to protect our members and ensure that violent and repeat criminals face serious consequences for offences committed against those who serve our communities.

Our police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.

Doug Ford and our Ontario PC team will always have their backs.

We’re calling on the federal government to strengthen protections for frontline officers and bring in tougher consequences for violent criminals who target them.

https://ontariopc.ca/2026/10/01/standing-up-for-the-police-officers-who-keep-us-safe/

10/06/2026

Following last week's National Roundtable on Officer Safety, the Canadian Police Association and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police have sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Carney, on behalf of association presidents and executives, urging coordinated action to better protect police officers across Canada.

We call for targeted policy changes to enhance officer safety, increase accountability for violence against police, and improve the tools and resources available to police services.

The PAO remains committed to working with all levels of government to advance these priorities and deliver meaningful action that protects our members. Read the full letter here:https://www.cpa-acp.ca/sites/default/files/publication/cacp-cpa_roundtable_-_letter_to_the_prime_minister.pdf

10/02/2026

Advancing WE in Policing Ontario (AWIP) is hosting its inaugural Women’s First Responders Summit!

Taking place October 16–18 in Puslinch, Ontario, this three-day summit will bring women in first responder roles together for professional development, meaningful connection, reflection, and wellness.

Register and learn more: forms.office.com/r/ZfRHEfdesi

10/02/2026

Great to see the Chatham-Kent Police Association continuing to make a positive impact in the community!

Their annual Rob Herder Memorial Golf Tournament raised an incredible $15,000 for the Ontario Student Nutrition Program – Chatham-Kent, helping provide nutritious food and support to local students.

A great example of community spirit and giving back!

Giving back to our community!

We’re proud to share the impact of this year’s Chatham-Kent Police Association Rob Herder Memorial Golf Tournament with a $15,000 donation to the Ontario Student Nutrition Program – Chatham-Kent!

On August 11, 2026, the Chatham-Kent Police Association hosted our annual tournament, bringing together an incredible group of golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters — all helping us raise funds for an important cause right here in Chatham-Kent.

Every dollar raised will go directly back into Chatham-Kent schools, helping provide nutritious food and support to local students. We’re proud to know that the generosity of our community will continue to make a difference long after tournament day.

A huge thank you to Julie MacDonald at Ridge Landfill Community Trust for their incredibly generous donation and continued support, as well as our other corporate sponsors, including Clarkes Construction and Johnson Controls. Your support helps make this donation possible.

We’d also like to recognize Amy Ostropolec and Jennelle Arnew from the Student Nutrition Program for the work they do supporting students across Chatham-Kent.

And, of course, thank you to everyone who golfed, donated, sponsored, volunteered, or supported the tournament in any way. Your generosity is helping make a meaningful difference for local students and families.

Pictured left to right: Jason Herder, Jennifer Fletcher, Natalie Stokes, Julie MacDonald, Mackenzie Lauzon, and Amy Ostropolec.

Not pictured: Joel Rehill, who was instrumental in helping run and organize the tournament.

Photo taken in front of Queen Elizabeth II Public School.

Ontario Student Nutrition Program - Southwest Region

10/01/2026

Today, we had the honour of celebrating Cst. Preston Gabriele, recipient of a Police Services Hero of the Year Award, in Hamilton, surrounded by members of his service and his family.

Cst. Gabriele has gone above and beyond in his role, making a meaningful difference while on duty and earning the 2026 On-Duty Difference Maker – Uniform Award. Congratulations, Preston, on this outstanding achievement!

Read more about the story behind Preston’s recognition: https://pao.ca/news-post/police-association-of-ontario-honours-extraordinary-acts-of-heroism-at-the-2026-police-services-hero-of-the-year-awards-ceremony/