There was no shortage of heroes at the Crime Stoppers (Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District) 2016 Peace Officer awards luncheon.
Robert Keetch, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service chief, personally presented Sault Ste. Marie Police Service officer of the year award to Sergeant Brent Ralph.
In 2015, Sergeant Ralph was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a form of bone cancer.
"In his usual fashion, in displaying strong character, Brent refused to give in to the illness…as a testament to his spirit, he became active in fund-raising efforts to fight against this terrible illness," Keetch said.
"As he received treatment, even in his illness, he came to work every day and inspired others until his physicians and own body told him it was time for a well-deserved rest."
"His work performance, his involvement in the community and, most importantly, his personal character and strength as he fights cancer, are all qualities the Sault Police Service looks for in its employees."
Ralph is undergoing treatment while he spends time with his family and cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays.
"I'm very proud to work with Sergeant Ralph…Brent is an inspiration to every one of us," Keetch said.
There was more recognition than ever at this year's awards (formerly known as the Police Services Awards), held at the Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Hotel.
For the first time, the list of organizations that had members honoured with Crime Stoppers peace officer awards included the Sault Ste. Marie Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre (ATRC).
"I think what it's saying is that there are more agencies and more people out there doing proactive work within the policing realm than the usual police agencies, so it's only fitting they be recognized as well…they are our partners," said Monique Baker, Sault OPP Constable and Crime Stoppers coordinator, who also served as emcee at the awards luncheon, speaking to SooToday.
The new awards came in addition to awards given to officers with the Anishinabek Police Service, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, and the Sault OPP and RCMP detachments.
Staff Sergeant Michael Maville, a Sault native who returns home to officially begin his stint as the new Sault Ste. Marie OPP detachment commander May 30, was on hand for the awards.
"The Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District Crime Stoppers program is really second to none," Maville told Monday's audience.
"The work you guys (Crime Stoppers) do with social media and traditional media, you guys should be really proud of that," said Maville, who has served as an OPP officer since 2002 throughout Northern Ontario.
Winners included Sergeant Ralph, Anishinabek Police Services Officer of the Year Constable Kyle Custer-Jones, OPP Officer of the Year Constable Steven Gravel, RCMP Officers of the Year Rob Lamont, Mark Allison and Alvin Tang (for their joint efforts in an RCMP operation), CBSA Officer of the Year David Walker, MNRF Officer of the Year Tammy McKellar and Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre Officer of the Year Mark Vendramin.