Shining a Spotlight on Ontario’s Local Heroes: PAO Launches 11th Annual Police Services Hero of the Year Awards

Police Association of Ontario Launches 11th Annual Police Services Hero of the Year Awards

TORONTO, February 2, 2026 - The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) is pleased to announce the launch of its 11th annual Police Services Hero of the Year Awards program, inviting Ontarians to nominate exceptional local police heroes who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe every day.

From February 2 to March 6, 2026, members of the public can nominate a local police hero for one of five awards at PoliceHero.ca:

On-Duty Difference Maker – Uniform Officer (A police officer who has gone above and beyond the expectations of the job while on-duty)
On-Duty Difference Maker – Civilian Police Service Employee (A civilian police service employee who has gone above and beyond the expectations of the job while on-duty)
The Extra Mile Award (A police officer or civilian police service employee who has done a one-time, extraordinary act of kindness or bravery while off the job)
Community Role Model (A police officer or civilian police service employee who, in their free time, has made a notable difference in or contribution to their community over a prolonged period)
Police Hero Honour Roll Award (Pays homage to a police officer or civilian police service employee who has made a significant impact over the past decade)

The stories of last year's winners, including those inducted into the Police Hero Honour Roll, exemplify the exceptional courage, compassion, and leadership demonstrated by Ontario’s police personnel.

“We’re proud to celebrate more than a decade of the Police Services Hero of the Year Awards program, which recognizes the extraordinary, above and beyond work our members do every day. The program continues to give well-deserved recognition to the exceptional service of Ontario’s sworn and civilian police personnel.” said PAO President Mark Baxter.

For more information on how to nominate a deserving hero or to learn more about previous award recipients, please visit PoliceHero.ca. Nominations will be accepted until March 6, 2026, with award recipients announced during the PAO's Annual General Meeting at the President’s Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Windsor, Ontario.

Media Contact:
Kiki Cloutier
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
media@pao.ca
416-885-4651