Constable Debra Nolan of the Garden River Detachment of the Anishinabek Police Service was among five local police officers honoured yesterday by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service to our community.
Also honoured:
Constable Bill Mackan Roland Gosselin Bill Mackan
The following is what Sergeant Paul Syrette had to say about Constable Nolan:.
********************** Anishinabebek Police Service – Garden River Detachment Officer of the Year
Constable Debra Nolan
This year the Garden River Detachment of the Anishinabek Police Service is proud and pleased to recognize Cst. Debra Nolan, Badge Number 235 as our recipient for Officer of the Year.
Cst. Nolan joined the Anishinabek Police Service in May of 2003 at the age of 25.
As most young officers, Deb was eager and willing to undertake each and every task assigned to her.
Under the supervision of a relentless coach officer for the first year, Cst. Nolan obtained the skills and confidence to work on her own.
We soon realized that Constable Nolan had great prospects of becoming a dedicated, well-rounded officer who truly wanted to serve and protect her community.
The acceptance of the police officer role did not immediately come easy for Cst. Nolan or without obstacles.
As a single young mother of three small children, ages seven, five and one, Debra had personal challenges to resolve and decisions to make.
Her personal growth and professionalism has without a doubt strengthened our detachment.
Cst. Nolan's determination to carry out her career aspirations can be credited to a strong family support system.
Earlier this year Cst. Nolan was on a routine patrol when she received information that individuals at a residence in Garden River were in the process of dismantling stolen snow machines.
Cst. Nolan, like most young officers in their career, had her heart rate triple and there was a sudden desire to hit the off-duty button.
Deb of course did not do this.
Based on the information received, it was learned that if the police did not act on it immediately, the evidence would be lost.
Cst. Nolan conducted a thorough investigation, initiated a search warrant process, arranged for other officers to assist and the end result was a successful warrant execution, the seizure of two stolen snow machines, numerous stolen snow machine parts and the arrest of three males.
During the lengthy follow-up investigation, other stolen parts were identified which resulted in additional charges being laid with the original charges.
In all, twenty criminal charges were laid against these three individuals in this matter.
Cst. Nolan spent countless hours working on the investigation and preparing court briefs on her own time over and above her regular scheduled shifts.
This type of dedication to investigations such as this is rewarding not just to the victims of crime but to the members of our community in Garden River that Deb protects and serves.
This was only one of many investigations that Deb has conducted worthy of recognition given the fact that the Anishinabek Police Service does not have specialty units such as crime units, ident units, etc. and whatever call comes in, that officer is it!
And on this occasion it was Deb's call and she handled it like a seasoned veteran.
Just in this past year alone Cst. Nolan notably posted the most criminal charges laid by a single police officer for our entire police service.
Highway Traffic Act enforcement on the busy Highway 17 corridor through our First Nation was equally exceptional and Deb makes this a daily part of her routine.
Cst. Nolan continues to successfully liaison with our neighbouring police services.
Recently she received a letter of appreciation from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service for her participation in a street project which targeted the reduction of commercial and residential break-ins.
Deb believes strongly in working with our neighbouring services in our common goal.
The skills and professional growth exemplified by Cst. Nolan thus far, has been truly encouraging and has enabled our detachment to envision a positive future and growth within the Anishinabek Police Service.
As mentioned earlier in my speech I spoke of a strong family support system.
Here today with us, are members of her family and they should be very proud of Deb.
We at the Garden River Detachment, certainly are.
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