10-5 - the official podcast of the opp association by OPP Association, Scott Mills, Joshua Jutras

Laura Ferron, the OPP Association's Senior Advisor, Pension and Benefits joins the 10-5 Podcast to educate on how the OPPA Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) works.

Humberto Carolo is a globally recognized gender-based violence prevention expert and the Chief Executive Officer for White Ribbon. With a focus on engaging men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality and healthy masculinities, he has provided technical assistance and expert guidance to diverse organizations, institutions, governments, UN agencies, and industries around the globe.

Caledon OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart was a well liked member of the OPP and OPPA until his tragic off duty death in 2006. Greg was struck by a truck while riding his bicycle in Milton, Ontario and died in hospital the same day. Greg's wife, The Honourable Eleanor McMahon joins the 10-5 Podcast to share Greg's legacy - the ongoing Share the Road campaign and Greg's Law, which was enacted after Greg's death to toughen laws for suspended drivers and repeat offenders. For more information visit sharetheroad.ca.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique and OPP Association President David Sabatini join 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association for a 2025 year in review discussion.

Retired OPP Sergeant John Flesher's life suddenly changed in June, 2024 when he was struck from behind by a vehicle while riding his motorcycle. John was left with life altering injuries. John joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss his journey of reslience and recovery, and stress the need to have accidental death and dismemberment insurance, a power of attorney for personal care and property, and a will. 

Retired Sudbury Detective Sergeant Jordan Buchanan joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to speak about his service with Sudbury Police and his secondment to OPP GHQ working with the early start up of the Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System, known as the ViCLAS, in the 1990's. He also touches on his experience as a Forensic Polygraph Examiner, and his newly released fictional novel "Past Ghosts Echoed" that is based on real cases and policing in Sudbury. Some of the themes of the cases in the book relate to an unsolved line of duty death of a police officer, using DNA to solve a cold case and a biker gang investigation. To learn more about Jordan and his work visit his website jordanbuchananauthor.com.

OPP Provincial Constable Jesse Nobleman and Charlene Randall from the Peel Children's Aid Society (Peel CAS) are guests on Episode 141 of 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association.  

Sherri deGroot and Joe Evans are Board Members of the OPP Youth Foundation. They join 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the Pathway of Memories and Milestones. 

Ontario Provincial Police Association Director and former OPPA President Rob Jamieson officially retires on May 30th, 2025 from the OPP and the OPP Association.

All are invited to attend the 2nd Annual 2025 Ontario Police Suicide Memorial (OPSM) at 11a.m. ET, Sunday June 22, 2025 on Queen's Park Crescent, Toronto, to show support for all Ontario police members who have died "Because of the Line of Duty".  

Cheryl Russell of Canadian Blood Services talks about the importance of donating blood as part of the Partner For Life program on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association. The OPPA has a team for blood donations. We encourage all of our Members to donate blood on a regular basis, and to become a member of our OPPA team. Members and the public can also join other teams.  Book an appointment at Blood.ca or on the "GiveBlood" app available for download from the Apple App Store and from Google Play. Once you have the app downloaded, click on the "Partners For Life" section, search for our Ontario Provincial Police Association team and join us. Each time you donate, wherever that may be, your donation will count towards our goal of 100 donations for 2025. 

Lance Valcour had it all. Or so it seemed. A thirty-three-year career in policing, rising through the ranks to become an Inspector. A decorated veteran cop, respected as an expert in technology and information management systems, speaking and consulting to police services across Canada and around the world. A happy family, a loving wife and three amazing sons. That’s what everyone thought. That’s what everyone saw. If they only knew.

Shift workers in high stress jobs such as policing and First Responders typically over time experience low testosterone levels, which can contribute to a number of health concerns including but not limited to depression, fatigue, low libido, increased risk of heart attack and stroke and cancer. OPP Provincial Constable Matt Aris of the Corunna Detachment joins the 10-5 Podcast along with Pharmacist Mat Rezaei to explore the issue of low testosterone, the importance of getting levels checked and monitored, and modern treatment options for low testosterone (TRT) that can lead to improved physical and mental health.

Dr. Peter I. Collins is the Operational Forensic Psychiatrist, Threat and Behavioural Analysis Team, High Risk Offender Unit, Criminal Behaviour Analysis Section in the Investigation and Support Bureau of the Ontario Provincial Police. He joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss his highly decorated career as he reflects on semi-retirement.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique and OPP Association President John Cerasuolo are guests on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the highlights of 2024 for the Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario Provincial Police Association. Topics discussed are the new Uniform and Civilian Collective Agreements, the rise in assaults on police, bail reform, the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation Ceremony of Remembrance, Ontario Police Suicide Memorial, the Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial, National Peace Officers' Memorial Run, the Ride to Remember, member mental health and much more. 

Registered Nurse Michelle Marr works for Headwaters Healthcare Centre in Orangeville as a Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) Nurse in partnership with Dufferin OPP Officers.  

Dr. Frank Stechey is a renowned Canadian forensic dentist who has been involved in several criminal investigations assisting the Ontario Provincial Police, as well as police services throughout Ontario, Canada and internationally. Dr. Stechey shares some insights on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association about what police officers, health care and social services workers can look for to prevent, do interventions and solve child abuse, sexual assaults, homicide cases and more.  Dr. Stechey was a key member of the forensic dentistry team identifying victims after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. He discusses the victim indentification process used in the aftermath of 9/11 and opens up about some of the life long trauma that he endures from his valued service. 

OPPA Director Dave Dube joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the OPPA Modernization Committee. A summary of the presentation at the 2024 OPPA AGM is provided. If you have suggestions for the Committee or ideas for future podcast episodes please email communications@oppa.ca.

Retired OPP Sergeant Steve MacNally served 37 years with the Ontario Provincial Police and was involved in the OPP Association for the majority of his career, retiring in 2024 as the OPPA Branch 1 Pesident. Steve joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the value of involvement in the OPP Association. Steve opens up about his personal mental health journey hoping to inspire our OPPA members and their families to proactively look after their mental health. 

OPP Provincial Constable Debra Brown of the Georgian Bay Detachment (pictured on left now and in her younger years), and Orillia Synergy Healthcare Naturopathic Doctor Jody Snider (pictured on right) join 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association in an episode titled "Understanding Perimenopause to Menopause Transition for Women in Policing". To learn more about Dr. Snider visit  jodysnider.ca. For resources to learn more on the topic visit: Menoverse and Menopause Society.

Peel Regional Police Detective Sergeant Robert "Bob" Hackenbrook and Peel Regional Police Executive Advisor to the Chief, Retired Staff Superintendent Robert "Rob" Shearer are the Co-Chairs of the 2024 National Peace Officers' Memorial Run, also known as the "Run to Remember".  

The 2024 OPPA Uniform and Civilian Collective Agreements are discussed with OPPA President John Cerasuolo and Vice President David Sabatini in Episode 126 of 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association. 

 OPPA Member Sarah Bowers-Peter led the development of Indigenous Focus Crime Stoppers which won a 2023 OPP Accolade Award for Team Partnership (Community Focus). Sarah joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss her role as the Program Coordinator - Crime Stoppers Guelph-Wellington and the evolution of Indigenous Focus Crime Stoppers being implemented in Northern Ontario and beyond. 

Retired York Regional Police Service Superintendent William (Chris) Bullen is one of the founding members, as well as the former President and Vice President of the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.). Chris joins OPPA Director Lynn Neale on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the 32nd A.B.L.E. Scholarship and Awards Gala being co-hosted by the OPP Association and the OPP on November 16, 2024 at the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre in Orillia. All are welcome to attend. To purchase tickets and/or nominate a scholarship and/or award recipient please visit ableorg.ca

Retired OPP Staff Sergeant Kathleen Doherty joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss her role as an ambassador and competitor in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games happening June 22 - July 6, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama . 

OPP Provincial Constable James Giovannetti discusses the Dufferin Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association.  

The first Ontario Police Suicide Memorial hosted by Canada Beyond the Blue will occur at Queen's Park Cr., Toronto on Sunday June 23, 2024 at 11am.  

June is Pride Month. OPP Provincial Constable Tate Pearson of the Dryden Detachment joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss his gender transition journey. 

Sherri deGroot, Director Brand and Business Development at the OPPA Credit Union joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the benefits of membership in the OPPA Credit Union. For OPPA Members, the OPPA Credit Union is your financial backup for life.

OPP Provincial Constables Sandra Mouland and Darryl Clark of the Kenora Detachment join 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss their role working as veteran "accommodated" police officers (Sandra is diagnosed with Lupus and Darryl is diagnosed with PTSD) in the Kenora OPP's General Patrol Support Unit (GPSU). The police officers support the frontline OPP officers in Kenora and area doing much needed valuable work obtaining, analyzing and investigating video evidence in partnerships with a number of community agencies and citizens to prevent and solve crime.  One of the programs that they are involved with is CAMSafe, which is a CCTV and security video registry aimed at keeping communities safe and assisting police solve crime, equivalent to "Neighbourhood Watch 2.0".

Ontario Provincial Police Official Photographer Jayne van der Veen joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss her job and career. 

Provincial Constable Ed Dizon was the Class Valedictorian of OPP Experienced Police Officer (EPO) Class 514. A total of 37 experienced police officers graduated on March 8, 2024 in Orillia. Ed joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the reasons he joined the OPP after 25 years with the Toronto Police Service. The OPP is always hiring. For more information  visit the OPP website on the Careers section opp.ca/careers

The names of two OPP police officers who died in the line of duty in 2023, Sergeant Eric Mueller of the Russell County Detachment and Detective Constable Steven Tourangeau of the Perth County Detachment will be added to the Ontario Police Memorial on Queen's Park Cr. in Toronto at the 25th Anniversay of the Ontario Police Memorial Ceremony of Remembrance Sunday May 5, 2024 at 11am. 

Veronique Boucher is the daughter of Retired OPP Provincial Constable Guy Boucher. She joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss her father's career and his tragic suicide shortly after his retirement. Veroinique hopes that by sharing her story that she can give hope to other police families dealing with mental health challenges. If you are struggling the OPPA's Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available 24/7 to OPPA members and their families online at EncompasCare.ca or by calling 1-866-794-9117.

Ontario Provincial Police Association Senior Advisor of Pension and Benefits Caitlin Fournier is the guest on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to explain Life, AD&D, Critical Illness Insurances for OPPA members. 

Kristal Jones is the Vice President of Canada Beyond the Blue and the President of Toronto Beyond the Blue. She joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to update the 2024 efforts of the Beyond the Blue organization, including an appeal for peer supporters and brand ambassadors. Learn more about the programs offered to members and families of the policing community across Canada, and connect on the Canada Beyond the Blue website canadabeyondtheblue.com.

Brant County OPP Provincial Constable and OPP Torch Run Coordinator joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the 2024 Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Ontario, an event hosted by the Brant County OPP happeningt March 7, 2024 1:30pm at North Park Collegiate and Vocational School in the city of Brantford, Ontario. 

Ontario Provincial Police Veterans' Association President Rob Pilon joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the benefits and criteria of membership in the OPPVA. Also discussed is a pilot project to regularly check in on retirees "Vet's Watch".

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique joins OPPA President John Cerasuolo on 10-5 the Official Podcast of the OPP Association for a 2023 Year in Review episode. Topics addressed at line of duty deaths, OPP recruiting and additional cohorts at Ontario Police College, staffing, morale, equipment, emerging technologies, benefits, collective bargaining and priorities for 2024.

OPP Provincial Constable Guy Boucher retired on January 31, 2020. On May 2, 2021 Guy died by suicide. His wife, Lynn Boucher and many family and friends were left saying "but Guy had it all". Lynn has been speaking to many OPP members ever since about trauma being the silent killer. Lynn joins this episode of 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to share her thoughts about warning signs of suicide and educate others what can be done to address the signs to save and improve the lives of our police officers and civilian members. 

November is "Movember" an initiative dedicated to changing the face of men's health. Prostate cancer and breast cancer can be beaten if detected early. Retired OPP Officer Jack Harkness was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Retired OPP Detective Sergeant David Lalonde joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss his new book "Death of a Millionaire".  David spent a career with the Ontario Provincial Police mostly policing in Northern Ontario. His recent fiction publication is based on his experiences as a criminal investigator. Learn more about his book online at dcjackbutler.com.

This episode of 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association features OPPA Director Lynn Neale, and Police Safety Spokesperson and Judge of the 2023 Dancing With the Stars of 911 event, Colleen Eve.  

Sylvio (Syd) Gravel, the co-founder of Badge of Life Canada joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the origins of Badge of Life Canada and discuss his vision and hope for peer support for public safety personnel moving forward.  

OPP Provincial Constable Elana Durtnall of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to talk about “Nora’s Nook”. Elana and her wife have worked tirelessly to establish children’s book nooks in neo-natal intensive care units of hospitals and in schools. The initiative is in memory of their infant daughter named Nora. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. 

Dancing with the Stars of 911 event organizer OPP Sergeant Patrick Armstrong and participating dancers, OPP Provincial Constables Lindsie Adamson, Morgan Rolph and Austin Kohler are guests on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the Dancing with the Stars of 911 fundraiser event for the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund.  

Retired OPP Officer Teena Stoddart joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss violence link training. 

OPP Provincial Constable Adam Belanger is the Provincial Bike Coordinator & Tammy Heidbuurt is the Executive Director of New Hope Community Bikes in Hamilton. They join the 10-5 Podcast for our 100th Episode to talk about the James Bay EPIC Fat Bike Ride. The Ontario Provincial Police, Nishnawbe Aski Police, New Hope Community Bikes and Ontario Cycling partnered together to build Youth Bike Programs in five communities along the James Bay Coast.  

This episode of 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association will assist Regular Full Time Uniform and Civilian members of the OPP Association to understand their entitlement to Short Term Sickness Plan (STSP) credits. Please note that references in this podcast assume that the member is off work due to a non-work related injury/illness.  

Retired OPP Inspector, Gerry Salisbury is the Vice Chair of the local Ontario Provincial Police Veterans' Association (OPPVA) Chapter 9 Kingston Branch. In this podcast episode Gerry updates listeners on a very special annual golf tournament in support of the local Special Olympics. The history of the tournament, as well as the mental and emotional value of getting vets, families, friends, and the community together in a social environment actively involved in their communities is explored. 

Retired OPP Inspector and SafePet Ontario Volunteer Karen Moffatt along with Executive Director and Co-Founder of SafePet Ontario Hayley Glaholt join 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the work SafePet Ontario is doing providing pet safekeeping for those fleeing family violence & human trafficking, helping survivors escape abuse by temporarily caring for their beloved pets. For more information visit SafePet.ca.

OPP Provincial Constable Andrew Wierzbicki of Pembroke Detachment (formerly of the OPP East Region ‘PLT’ Provincial Liaison Team) joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the Indigenous Youth and OPP Camp Niigan Mosewak, which means "Walking Forward" in Ojibway language. The camp has been in operation for 14 years and runs for one week in the the summer months in a number of regions of Ontario. The camp pairs Indigenous youth between the ages of 13-17 with OPP police officers, civilian employees, Auxiliary officers and interested community partners such as Police Foundations students for the purpose of building positive relationships between the police and the Indigenous community.  For more information on the camp and application forms click here.  

Retired OPP Officer Sylvie Côté and retired Kingston Police Service Officer Rick Whalen have rekindled their relationship in retirement after dating early in their policing careers. They both join the 10-5 Podcast to discuss living your best life post retirement.

The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund is an Ontario Not-For-Profit organization which donates life-saving defibrillators in memory of fallen Law Enforcement, Fire, Paramedic and Military members; killed in the line of duty. To date, the Fund has donated over 150 defibrillators and 6 lives have been saved!

OPP Detective Sergeant Steve Coburn has been a member of the OPP for over 28 years and currently works as a Forensic Polygraph Examiner. He has taken on and completed the “Ice Mile Challenge". This is a challenge recognized by the International Ice Swimming Association (IISA) and it is swimming 1610 m in under 5 degrees Celsius water. This swim is considered one of the toughest swims on the planet. 

The Greg Pierzchala Run is Saturday May 13, 2023 in Barrie, Ontario Canada. All are welcome. 

OPP Rainy River District Sergeant Ann McEwen (Fort Frances, Ontario) is the guest host of 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association for Episode 91, and  interviews Thunder Bay Paramedic Pat Dixon about PTSD.  A number of issues are discussed including the evolution of how employers deal with mental health challenges in the first responder community, the barriers for many to reach out out for help, and many tips and tricks to assist in recovery to live a fulfilled life. 

In 1991, OPP Constable Scott MacLeod answered a typical distress call, a man with a gun, threatening suicide. Just another addict going to jail was his first thought. Little did Scott know his involvement would be the beginning of a life-transforming event for Joe Roberts.

March is Fraud Prevention Month. Detective Constable John Armit of the OPP Anti-Racket's Branch of the OPP joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss cryptocurrency, fraud trends in 2022, investment frauds, romance scams, grandparent scams (also known as emergency scams) and training of police investigators for fraud investigations. 

Carl Dalton, Chief Executive Officer of Dalton Associates and OPP Association Director Rob Jamieson joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk to our members about the “why” behind the OPP Association's Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program that has been serving our OPP Association members and their families since 2020.

OPP Pilot/Sergeant Hans Schirmer joins the 10-5 Podcast to share his experience as a pilot for the Ontario Provincial Police. Topics covered are the career journey to become an OPP pilot, the shiftwork and duties of a police pilot, the types of helicopters and airplanes the OPP utilizes, and recruiting.  

OPP Sergeant Ann McEwen and OPP Provincial Constable Jason Sobkowicz of the Rainy River District  join the 10-5 podcast to speak about being a police officers in Northern Ontario and experiencing PTSD. Topics discussed include the issue of identity for police officers, the officers' stories on how PTSD evolved, how gender and a male dominated workplace factors in for women, the challenges of reaching out for help, advice on improving toxicity in the workplace, ways to cope and overcome PTSD in addition to clinical therapy, how understanding ego is an important part of recovery and how we can move forward positively together from a PTSD diagnosis with humanity and community. 

OPP Sergeant Ann McEwen and OPP Provincial Constable Jason Sobkowicz of the Rainy River District  join the 10-5 podcast to speak about being a police officers in Northern Ontario and experiencing PTSD. Topics discussed are the officers' stories on how PTSD evolved, the challenges of reaching out for help, advice on improving toxicity in the workplace, ways to cope and overcome PTSD in addition to clinical therapy, how understanding ego is an important part of recovery and how we can move forward positively together from a PTSD diagnosis with humanity and community. 

OPP Association President John Cerasuolo and OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique for our annual “Year in Review” episode. As this episode was recorded on December 19, 2022, OPPA President Cerasuolo shares a brief message regarding the on-duty death of Provincial Constable Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala prior to the start of the episode.

OPP Association Director Dave Dube joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the current staffing levels in the Ontario Provincial Police. Topics also include the OPPA Staffing Forms, the impact from the closure of the Smiths Falls Provincial Communications Centre, projections on the number of retirements, the impact of the now overturned Bill 124, and recruitment efforts.

OPPA Manager of Member Services Amie Fabiano joins the 10-5 podcast from the OPPA Head Office in Barrie, Ontario to provide an overview of member services for the close to 10,000 members of the OPP Association. Those services include Legal, Labour, Pension and Benefits, Training and Education, and much more.  

David Sabatini is the new Vice-President of the OPP Association and the first Civilian Member to hold this role. He joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about his career with the OPP, his election to the OPPA Board of Directors and transition to his new role. Additionally, David provides more information on the roles civilians play in the OPP, the OPPA’s “On-Call” system, and talks about his “three wishes” for the Association and its members.

The OPP Association’s newest Director, Rob Jamieson, is no stranger to the OPPA and our members. He joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about his journey back to the Board of Directors and his new role, including the PTS/OSI portfolio and the Mental Health Steering Committee.

Liz Siydock is the Family Liaison Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and the widow of OPP Provinical Constable Michael Siydock, who died in the line of duty on November 26, 2004. She joins the 10-5 Podcast to share information about her role. Topics include how this role was developed, her role in assisting the families of fallen police officers and soldiers who have died in service to our country, how she and other members of her office look after their mental health, and her “three wishes” for change.

Sergeant Bruce Angel from the OPP’s Grey Bruce Detachment joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk to our members about why “It’s Ok not to be OK.”

Provincial Constable Heidi Strutzenberger of the OPP’s Kenora Detachment joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the unique challenges of not only policing in the North but dealing with PTSD in a remote location.

Retired OPP Sergeant and former OPPA Branch #1 President John Flesher is now a psychotherapist working in private practice in Sarnia. John takes referrals from the OPPA’s Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program, and is listed on the "Find a Therapist" section of EncompasCare.ca. (Note: Please consult the OPPA Benefit Plan Overview to determine what services are covered. The link can be found in the members only section of OPPA.ca. If you have problems logging on please email oppa@oppa.ca for assistance.)

OPP Sergeant and OPPA #5 Branch President Scott Burrows of Highway Safety Division’s 407 Detachment is joined by his brother, RCMP Corporal Blake Burrows, and sister, Ontario Police College Instructor Carolyn Fraser, for this episode of the 10-5 Podcast to talk about “Siblings in Policing.” Topics include the motivation to become a police officer, inspiring stories over their careers, pulling rank at family dinners, the various paths that a career in law enforcement can take you, and “three wishes” for change in policing.

Lisa Hillstrom, Executive Officer of Pension and Benefits for the OPP Association joins the 10-5 Podcast to inform our listeners on OPPA contacts for retirement. Lisa is a wealth of knowledge. This episode was released in 2021, and is one of our most listened to episodes. Lisa tells us that many people have spoken with her about the value of the information provided, so we decided to re-release the episode.  

Liz Arbour is a Director with the OPP Veterans’ Association (OPPVA) and joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the history of the organization, the work they do for their members, and how you can join.

Dilnaz Garda is the President of Canada Beyond the Blue and one of the organizers of a recent gala held in Toronto called the “Champions of Change of Gala.” She joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the event and the work of Canada Beyond the Blue. Topics include the purpose of the event and award winners, a wall of honour for law enforcement members who have died by suicide, an overview of Canada Beyond the Blue, how to start a local chapter, and Dilnaz’s “three wishes” for change.

Acting Commander of the OPP’s Indigenous Policing Bureau, Inspector Marcel Beaudin, and the Manager of the OPP's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Unit, Staff Sergeant Brooke McRoberts, join the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Topics include the history of this day, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its calls to action, the relationship between police and Indigenous people, future opportunities for reconciliation with Indigenous people, available mental health supports, and "three wishes" for change.

Retired Peel Regional Police Staff Sergeant and Boots on the Ground peer support team trainer Shawn McCowell joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the 2 recent deaths in the policing family, his recent artwork in response, police funerals and the upcoming Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial in Ottawa.

Retired OPP Provincial Constable Shawn Evans joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss back his work with the Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council and bench donations, his career with the OPP, and his "three wishes" for the world.

OPP Sergeant Kerry Schmidt joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss back to school safety, his role as a Media Officer with the OPP, getting ready for winter driving and his “three wishes.”

Lianne Hovingh and OPPA Director Lynn Neale join the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the upcoming Canadian Police Memorial “Ride to Remember” and the Marc Hovingh Memorial Ride, Run or Walk taking place on September 10th.

Brent Young from the OPP Youth Foundation Pathway of Memories Committee and Sherri DeGroot, Director of Brand and Business Development for the OPP Association Credit Union, join the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the Pathway of Memories and how you can be a part of it.

The Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ 45th Annual Memorial Service will take on September 25, 2022, at 11am on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, ON. Michael Gendron is the Communications Officer for the Canadian Police Association and the Media Coordinator for the Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial. He joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss this year’s service and the history of the Memorial.

Sherri deGroot is the Director of Brand and Business Development OPPA Credit Union. She joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss to talk about the Credit Union and its services for OPP Association Members. Topics include the history of the OPPA Credit Union, an overview of the services they provide, benefits of switching to the OPPA Credit Union, and community involvement.

Director of OPP Fleet, Supply and Weapons Services, A/Supt Robyn MacEachern and Deputy Director of Fleet Services and Garage Operations Rick Andrews join the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the OPP’s fleet renewal efforts. Topics include the status of the fleet renewal, supply chain issues, challenges with vehicles over the mileage threshold, and fleet optimization and balanced usage of vehicles.

In the conclusion of our series on resiliency, Derek Banks, currently an Acting Inspector with the OPP, shared his story of resiliency with the delegates at the OPP Association’s 2021 Annual General Meeting.

In the third installment of our series on resiliency, OPP Communications Operator Sue Weir, also known as Comm Centre Sue, shared her story of resiliency with the delegates at the OPP Association’s 2021 Annual General Meeting.

Continuing our series on resiliency, we feature a presentation delivered by OPP Sergeant Angela Stiles to the delegates at the OPP Association’s 2021 Annual General Meeting. In this presentation, Sergeant Stiles spoke about her journey as an OPP officer.

In the first part of our short series on resiliency we feature a presentation delivered by OPP Provincial Constable Peter Tucker to the delegates at the OPP Association’s 2021 Annual General Meeting. In this presentation, Provincial Constable Tucker discusses his definition of resiliency, after surviving a crash with a Canada goose on his police motorcycle and losing his leg. Constable Tucker is now back at work making a difference. 

Retired OPP Detective Constable Brenda Orr joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the recent “100 K in a Day” walk in support of the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund. Topics include the history and current operations of the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund, the upcoming Run to Remember in advance of the Canadian Police & Peace Officers’ Memorial in September, the Canadian Police Memorial Ride to Remember, and the Dancing With The Stars of 911 event.

Concluding our series on Pride Month, Inspector Wendy Burrow, Commander of the OPP’s Perth County Detachment, joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the importance of Pride Month. Topics include the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Positive Space Course, changes in diversity and attitudes of members over the last 25 years, the importance of flying the Pride Flag, the Pride Progress Flag, and being “out” at work and in the community.

June is Pride Month and OPP Sergeant and Serving with Pride Director, Ben Cruickshank, is joined by his husband, OPP Provincial Constable John Hill, to talk about “Serving Ontario with Pride and Married to a Cop.” Topics include the positive and negative impacts to their policing careers, information on the organization “Serving with Pride”, the importance of pronouns, “locker room talk”, Pride and Pride Progress Flags, being a cop and being married to a cop, being “out” at work and in the community, and a new segment on the 10-5 podcast we call “three wishes.”

2022 marks the 20th anniversary of civilian members joining the OPP Association. Their work is critical in keeping Ontario safe and on this episode we speak with Communications Operator Lee Matthieu, who recently retired from the OPP for a 2nd time. Topics include the transition from OPSEU to the OPPA from Lee’s perspective, staffing issues in the Provincial Communications Centres, the mental health of Communications Operators, and Lee’s upcoming keynote at the Invisible Wounds Conference.

Dr. Michelle Vincent is a Program Evaluation Specialist and Researcher for Dalton Associates, the provider of the OPP Association’s Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program. She joins guest host Carl Dalton to talk about the stigma that comes with treating the mental health of first responders. Topics include the Encompas program evaluation, the impact language has on stigma, negative self-talk, and giving a voice to stigma.

Trevor McKean is the President of the OPP Association’s #7 Branch and joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss his role with the OPP Association and the tragic on-duty death of his father, OPP Sergeant Ronald E. McKean, on October 12, 1977.

OPP Provincial Constable Bob Hawn is spearheading a community initiative in Carleton Place which will bring an outdoor rink to youth in the community. He joins the 10-5 podcast to discuss the progress on this highly anticipated project at Carleton Junction and how listeners can help.

OPP Beyond the Blue focuses on the well-being of family members through education, tools, and ultimately building a community that understands what it's like to live with and/or love a police officer. Jacqueline Sbeyti is the President of OPP Beyond the Blue and Kristal Jones is the Vice-President of Canada Beyond the Blue and they join the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the work of both organizations. This includes the history and structure of both organizations, their personal experiences being a spouse of a police officer, long term goals of Canada Beyond the Blue, and how to start a chapter of Beyond the Blue. 

Former OPP Provincial Constable Isabelle Sauve, Provincial Constable Jodi Halliwell, Provincial Constable Kim Stapleton, and Dr. Nina Fusco from the OPP’s Healthy Workplace Team are “The Blister Sisters.” They join the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the "Walk For The Wounded", led by Wounded Warriors Warriors Canada.

Retired OPP Staff Sergeant and GlobalMedic Canada volunteer Kathleen Doherty joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss her recent time in Moldova providing humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees.

The annual Ontario Police Memorial Foundation (OPMF) Ceremony of Remembrance will take place on May 1, 2022. For the first time since 2019, this will be a full regimental, in-person ceremony. OPMF President Jason Tomlinson and OPPA Director Lynn Neale discuss join the 10-5 Podcast to discuss this year’s ceremony. Topics include the history of the OPMF and the Memorial itself, details of this year’s ceremony, including logistics and the names being added to the Wall of Honour, the criteria for inclusion on the Memorial, and how you can watch at home if you are unable to attend in person.