I am honoured to nominate Don Flanagan and Jovana (Jovi) Minic from the Halton Regional Police Service for the Police Services Hero of the Year Awards in recognition of their outstanding commitment to mentorship, community engagement, and youth development. Their dedication to fostering the next generation of first responders through an innovative mentorship program has made a profound impact on students in our community.
Jovi and Don developed and continue to lead a one-of-a-kind mentorship program designed to give students in-depth exposure to careers in policing, corrections, firefighting, and emergency medical services (EMS). Through this program, students not only gain valuable knowledge about these professions but also build meaningful relationships with mentors who invest in their success, well-being, and future aspirations. These officers go above and beyond their regular duties to ensure each student feels supported and empowered to make informed career decisions.
A hallmark of the program is its immersive learning approach, which culminates each semester in a simulated court case based on a real-life scenario. Students take on various roles and engage in the judicial process within an actual courtroom, gaining hands-on experience that reinforces their learning. Additionally, the program serves as a co-operative education experience, allowing students to earn two academic credits while participating. Jovi and Don also collaborate with other emergency services, including correctional services, to provide a rich experiential learning experience. For example, students work with the fire service at a local training facility, don full gear, and navigate a "burning building" scenario to locate a simulated victim. This unique initiative has inspired many students to solidify their career paths in first responder fields, a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the dedication of these officers.
Jovi and Don take immense pride in their students' achievements, celebrating their successes with as much enthusiasm as their families. Their mentorship program exists solely because of their vision, hard work, and commitment. Their innovative approach to career exploration, combined with their passion for supporting young people, has created an invaluable opportunity that continues to change lives. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the future of first responder professions while fostering trust and collaboration between youth and law enforcement.
For their unwavering dedication, innovative leadership, and the positive impact they have on students and the broader community, I strongly recommend Don Flanagan and Jovana Minic for the Police Heroes Award. Their exceptional service and commitment truly embody the spirit of this honour.
