I work for Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW), a program recognized at both the provincial and international levels for our work in community safety and crime prevention. Our impact over the past decade would not have been possible without the support of Detective Constable Hugh Currie.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Hugh since 2019 on crime awareness and prevention initiatives, particularly in areas like human trafficking and cyber safety. His expertise from the Guelph Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit has been invaluable, but beyond his experience, Hugh’s commitment to community safety truly sets him apart.
Despite dealing with serious and difficult subject matter, collaborating with Hugh is always a pleasure. He has a direct and sincere approach that enhances both our crime prevention content and public presentations. He has a unique ability to break down complex, emotionally charged issues into understandable and actionable information for the community.
I’ve seen firsthand how Hugh responds when a situation demands immediate action. In the middle of a presentation, he has stepped in when there was concern that a youth was being exploited. He has reassured parents overwhelmed by the risks of online engagement and has even given his personal phone number to those in need of support. After every presentation, parents, guardians, and educators line up with questions—and Hugh stays until every single one is answered.
Throughout our partnership, I’ve pushed Hugh into roles outside his comfort zone. As an investigator, his work is typically behind the scenes, yet he stepped up when asked to take on a more public-facing role. When I invited him to work with a production company on a cyber safety campaign, I expected hesitation. Instead, he immediately agreed, prepared thoroughly, and dedicated significant time to the project.
I reach out to Hugh not just because he’s a subject matter expert, but because he is an outstanding representative of the Guelph Police Service. His knowledge and dedication add weight to our initiatives, making CSGW’s efforts more impactful.
In 2020, Hugh received the CSGW Cornerstone Award for his exceptional contributions in 2019. This award is given annually to an individual, business, or organization that has demonstrated outstanding support for our program. The Board of Directors unanimously agreed that Hugh’s commitment and expertise made him more than deserving of this honor.
Additionally, CSGW has earned recognition from the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers and Crime Stoppers International for initiatives developed with Hugh’s help. His behind-the-scenes work may not always be visible, but his impact on cyber safety—especially for youth—cannot be overstated.
Hugh’s professionalism, dedication, and passion for community safety make him an invaluable partner. Working with him has not only improved our crime prevention efforts but has also made me more effective in my role.
