The 2017 PEI Crime Stoppers Police Officer of the Year awards were presented on Friday May 19th, at a luncheon at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. This event is held in conjunction with National Police week. Crime Stoppers holds the event to acknowledge and thank all the fine members and support staff of our Island Police Services that work 24-7 year round to make our communities safe. Crime Stoppers recognizes that often the men and women of our police services go above and beyond to make PEI a better and safer province, both on and off duty. The "Police Officers of the Year" Awards is an event designed to recognize that extra effort. Local radio personality Scott Chapman acted as Master of Ceremonies and guest speaker for the event was PEI Police Commissioner Gerard Mitchell.
Awards were presented in two categories; one to a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and one to a member of a Municipal Police Service. Nominees must have been currently working in the province of Prince Edward Island. Nominations were judged independently by a three person panel consisting of a retired RCMP officer, a retired Charlottetown Police Services officer and a member of the PEI Crime Stoppers board of directors.
The award for 2017 Municipal Police Officer of the Year went to Cst. Tim Keizer of the Charlottetown Police Services. Cst. Keizer was recognized for his ongoing and committed work with young persons in Island Schools and youth sports. His nomination also cited his involvement in a number of community initiatives and activities as well as his work with local, provincial and national Police Associations.
Cst. Jonathan Kennedy of the Summerside Police Service was selected as runner up for this award.
The 2017 Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer of the Year was Cst. Stephen Duggan of the Queens District office. Cst. Duggan was recognized for his work in promoting highway safety throughout the province and, in particular, relating to impaired driving, distracted driving and seatbelt use. His nomination cited his efforts in the education aspect of traffic safety and his passion in getting the message out to the public – in particular to younger drivers.
Cst. Kim Dudley of Queens District was selected as runner up of this award.
Photo, L-R: Cst. Tim Keizer, Cst. Kim Dudley, Crime Stoppers President Don Reid, Cst. Johnathan Kennedy and Cst. Steve Duggan.