Halton Regional Police Chief Receives Gold Medal

In an award ceremony this evening, Chief Gary Crowell will be presented the 2008 Gold Medal for Human Rights and Race Relations, in recognition of the Halton Regional Police Service’s many programs and partnerships that promote and support diversity in the community. The Gold Medal is awarded annually by Human Rights and Race Relations Centre to individuals or organizations that curb racism and promote multiculturalism.

“I am extremely proud and honoured to be chosen as this year’s recipient of the Gold Medal,” said Chief Crowell. “From my perspective as Chief, I know that our Service’s strength lies in part in our diversity – it gives us our character, and our heart. By reaching out to the diverse communities we serve, we strengthen the social fabric of the region, and ensure that Halton remains as safe tomorrow as it is today.”

Over Chief Crowell’s 37-year career, he has been a leader and role model for Human Rights and Race Relations within the police community. He has brought this strong commitment to the Halton Regional Police Service and currently is a member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Diversity Committee.

Under Chief Crowell’s leadership, the Service has developed and maintained many strong police-community partnerships with various ethnic, cultural and faith-based groups in Halton. For instance, all Halton Regional Police Service employees, whether police officer or civilian, receive extensive diversity training to ensure they are culturally competent in diversity issues. They are also encouraged to attend and participate in cultural events as representatives of the Service, as their work permits, as every employee is considered a diversity officer.

In addition to diversity training for all employees, the Service has a dedicated Diversity Sergeant and Diversity teams work in each of the Districts. New initiatives that partner with the community include Emergency Services Introduction for New Canadians (E.S.I.N.C,), Multi-Faith support teams, Enhanced Language Training and the Police Ethnic and Cultural Education Program (P.E.A.C.E.).

Chief Gary Crowell will accept the Gold Medal on March 25th, 2008. The event will take place at 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, at the Board Room of the Toronto Catholic District School Board in a ceremony from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

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