It’s great to be back. Although I’m glad to be back, I was grateful for the time to meet with the constituents in my riding during the break. It was indeed a busy time.

Speaker, I was invited to the Thunder Bay Police Service’s exemplary service awards ceremony this past Thursday where members of the Thunder Bay Police Service were recognized for 20 years and 30 years of service. It was my honour to represent our government and bring greetings and recognition on behalf of Premier Ford. The individuals recognized at this event have served their community and the people of Ontario with distinction, dedication and commitment.

Policing is not an easy job. In fact, I would say it’s not a job at all, but rather a calling and a commitment to serve your community. This career is dangerous and emotional. It can also be a very satisfying experience as well. Many times, all of these feelings are experienced in a single shift.

At the event, we heard stories of such risk, but none as telling as that of Constable Craig Town, who, while on duty in September 1991, was shot twice. He sustained life-threatening injuries that have left him with paralysis from the neck down. His life was saved that evening by his supervisor, Sergeant Mel Vilcek. Constable Town received his 30-year exemplary service medal on Thursday evening.

I also wanted to recognize and thank the family members of those who have served in the police services. The wide range of emotions experienced by police officers can, and often does, impact on family life. You provide the love and support needed as your spouse, parent or sibling deals with the demons following a difficult shift, while at the same time, you deal with the fear and worry every time they are on duty. That cannot be forgotten and I want to thank you for being an unsung hero.

I rise with a heavy heart to commemorate the life of OPP officer Greg Pierzchala. The 28-year-old was fatally shot on December 27 while responding to the call of duty. He saw a vehicle in a ditch near Hagersville and wanted to help. That is the kind of person he was. It was Officer Pierzchala’s first official day on the job, and it was his childhood dream since he was five years old to be a police officer. His whole life was dedicated to service.

His memory will always be alive and well in Barrie, Ontario, where he attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School. There, he participated in numerous teams because he believed in teamwork and helping everyone reach their full potential on his team. His mindset and discipline were driven by his love for martial arts. He served in the Canadian military; he was a member of the Grey and Simcoe Foresters. He served as a Polish Highlander. He will always be remembered as someone who had a strong sense of duty for his country and community and was an exemplary police officer.

We have never lost so many police officers in this province in such a short period of time. The death of Officer Pierzchala could have been avoided, since the two individuals who murdered him were out on bail for heinous crimes and should have been behind bars. That is why our Premier joined the Ontario police and Premiers from across the nation in a plea for the federal government to address our country’s failed bail system.

I want to ask all members of this Legislature to not forget Officer Pierzchala, who was the embodiment of putting service above self, was a true hero in life in everything he did. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and the Polish community who will always remember his acts of kindness and his deep sense of duty.

I would like to thank Monique and Don Henri from Alban in my riding. They are two of 500 signatures that I have on the petition.

“Keep the Noëlville OPP Detachment Open....

“Whereas insufficient communications and consultations have taken place with communities and relevant stakeholders concerning the OPP Noëlville detachment’s continuing operations; and

“Whereas the residents and visitors of the municipalities of French River, Markstay-Warren, St.-Charles, Killarney and Britt-Byng Inlet as well as the First Nations of Dokis and Henvey Inlet deserve equitable access to a reliable, timely and efficient police response;”

They “petition the Legislative Assembly ... to direct the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Ontario Provincial Police to continue having Ontario Provincial Police officers reporting to an operational detachment location in Noëlville.”

I support this petition, will affix my name to it and send it to the table with a page who is sure to come shortly. Merci beaucoup.