Shelby and Hallam family thank Sault Police officer for her work and compassion (3 photos)

Emily Coccimiglio is the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service’s 2018 Peace Officer of the Year.

Coccimiglio, a 17-year veteran of the Sault Police Service, celebrated Thursday evening’s 2018 Peace Officer of the Year Awards at The Water Tower Inn (held by Crime Stoppers) with people she has befriended during the course of her work as a Sault Police Service Constable.

Coccimiglio was joined by Sandra Hallam and Shannon Hallam, mother and sister of homicide victim Wesley Hallam, who died in 2011.

Coccimiglio was involved in the investigation surrounding that homicide.

While a murder conviction was expected, three men (Ronald Mitchell, Dylan Jocko and Eric Mearow) were each convicted in the Hallam case on a lesser charge of manslaughter in 2016.

“We didn’t get the justice that was deserved…but the two of you will always be friends of mine,” Coccimiglio told Sandra and Shannon Hallam at Thursday’s event.

“During the worst tragedy of our lives, Emily has been a liaison, a confidant and a shoulder to cry on,” Sandra Hallam wrote in a statement which was read out during Thursday’s awards ceremony. 

“She was a consistent support during the trial, showing compassion and respect throughout the entire process. As a result of her involvement, Emily has been welcomed into our family and is now a close personal friend. It is for this, and many other reasons, that my family and I wish to express their profound gratitude to Emily for all that she has done for us.”

Coccimiglio was also joined by Shelby Speck, who credits the police officer with saving her life and helping in her recovery from drug addiction.

“So many things come to my mind when I think of an exceptional police officer, and to me, Emily is in every way the definition of one,” Speck told Thursday’s audience.

“Emily doesn’t just do her job and go home, she goes above and beyond any expectation. Without Emily I wouldn’t be alive and two full years sober.”

“Without her pushing me and not giving up on me when I had no hope left, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Emily saved my life and for that I’m forever grateful. If there were more people like Emily the world would be a better place. If anyone deserves to be recognized it is Emily.”

Coccimiglio praised Speck for her recovery.

“You actually are the hero tonight. If anyone deserves an award it’s Shelby Speck. She’s come a long way and I know her story will inspire and help people in this community.”

“It’s tough to not get emotional,” Coccimiglio told the audience.

“I’m quite honoured,” Coccimiglio said, thanking the Sault Police Service and family members for their support throughout her career and life.

Other 2018 Peace Officer of the Year Award recipients included:

• Dan Albert, Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre correctional officer
• Sgt. Karen Bell, Anishinabek Police Service Garden River Detachment commander
• Don MacAdam, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) border services officer
• Marc Breton, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) conservation officer
• RCMP Cpl. Cheryle Hayden, the RCMP’s Metis Liaison Coordinator
• The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Break and Enter Unit
• Station Mall Security