The Windsor Police Service has revealed the award recipients who will be honoured at the inaugural Chief’s Gala on Oct. 1. The gala will recognize the achievements of Windsor police members and community partners through a series of awards, while raising funds for local programs supporting the wellbeing of people across Windsor-Essex. “These recipients represent the very best of our Service and our community,” said Chief Jason Crowley. “Their courage, compassion, professionalism and leadership have changed lives, strengthened public safety and made Windsor-Essex a better place. It is a privilege to recognize their extraordinary contributions at our inaugural Chief’s Gala.” The evening will be emceed by longtime AM800 broadcaster Mike Kakuk, co-host of Mornings with Mike and Meg. 2026 Chief’s Gala Award Recipients: • Senior Constable John Atkinson Memorial Award of Valour: Constables Joshua Allen, Eduardo Arevalo, and Wayne Bridge, recognized for rescuing occupants from two burning vehicles following a serious collision at Tecumseh Road East and McDougall Street. • Award of Excellence – Policing: Sergeant Charles Sasso and Constables Paco Boutros-Gebrael, Jordyn Naumovski, Jacob Polski, and Emily Stevenson, recognized for their efforts to locate a missing person who was found hypothermic in a ditch and transported to hospital. • Award of Excellence – Criminal Investigation: Staff Sergeant Dave Tennent, Sergeants James Gendreau and Jeff Pocock, and Constables Bethany Bondy, Rob Hanna, Larry Hartley, Phil Peladeau, and Sean Richardson, recognized for their cross-border investigation into a violent home invasion and sexual assault of a child that led to the suspect’s arrest in Michigan. • Award of Excellence – Community Service: Sergeant Adam Young, Retired Constable Bonnie Dominey, and Melanie Kish-Lewis, coordinators of the Windsor Police Law Enforcement Torch Run program, recognized for their years of volunteer leadership in support of Special Olympics. • Award of Excellence – Innovation: Retired Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire, Kristin Kennedy, President and CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital, Bill Marra, President and CEO of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and David Musyj, former President and CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital, recognized for creating the Nurse Police Team and Crisis Response Team, which provide coordinated support for people experiencing mental health and substance-use challenges. • Award of Excellence – Support Services: Nicole Sbrocca, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County, recognized for her efforts to partner with Windsor Police and other community agencies to develop a cross-sectoral response to mental health challenges. • Alton C. Parker Award: Constable Cealia Gagnon, recognized for more than 20 years of exceptional community service, including her longstanding volunteer leadership with local charities and her dedicated coaching and mentorship of Special Olympics athletes. • Citizen Recognition Award: Retired AM800 radio personality Patty Handysides, recognized for her distinguished broadcasting career, longstanding contributions to the Windsor-Essex community, and support of local charitable and community initiatives. Raising funds for Windsor-Essex Proceeds from the inaugural Chief’s Gala will support Camp Brombal, a Windsor Police-led youth engagement program, and the Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB). Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the inaugural Chief’s Gala are available online.
