NRP hands out top honours

The Niagara Regional Police Service awarded several of its own during a special ceremony Tuesday at Club Italia in Niagara Falls.

The NRP, together with the Niagara Regional Police Services Board and the Senior Officers Association, formally recognized service members for outstanding police work or exemplary community service during its annual awards ceremony.

The ceremony also recognized members of the community for acts of self-sacrifice, bravery or actions that assist the police service which far exceed those expected of a citizen.

Three officers from District 8, which serves West Niagara, earned top honours with Mike Rees being named Officer of the Year, David Thiessen earning the Chief’s Award for his work with west-end high schools, and Neal Orlando receiving the Traffic Safety Leadership Award.

“I do believe that the roads in the Niagara Region are safer when education and engineering are combined with enforcement.  Driving a vehicle is the most dangerous thing we will ever do in our lifetime, yet it is a task that we become the most complacent,” said Orlando.

“In order for the region to lose the dubious distinction it has it will take a change in driver behavior.  We all need to do our part to ensure our friends and family make it home safely.  Slow down, drive sober, put the phone away and pay attention.”