AWLE president Lisa Jackson was on hand to present the following awards to the deserving recipients. From left to right: Cst. Georgina Short of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for Community Service, Staff Sergeant Janet Holt of the Saint John Police Force, NB for both Leadership and Officer of the Year. Investigator Darlene Stamp of Canada Customs, Nfld., for Excellence in Performance, Cst. Niki Borden of RCMP Antigonish, NS for Medal of Valor. Absent – Cst. Angela Corscadden of RCMP Cole Harbour, NS for Mentoring.
Cst. Georgina Short has given tremendously to her community through her leadership and innumerable volunteer hours on committees such as the Sunshine Dreams for Kids, St. Francis Foundation, Newfoundland & Labrador Down Syndrome Society, Operation I.D. and School Zone Programs, the Annual Cst. William Moss Memorial Softball Tournaments, and guided the success of the Newfoundland & Labrador Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Association & Monument.
As the first female Customs Investigator for the District of Newfoundland, Darlene Stamp wasrecognized for her outstanding investigative skills, which have led to the development of significant national files. Darlene is known for her collegial and professional rapport with investigators from various agencies and for her “dogged determination” to solve crime. Specifically, Darlene uncovered an aircraft duty scam that resulted in a 3.3 million dollar seizure issued in Windsor in 2003.
Constable Niki Borden of the RCMP in Antigonish was honored for her bravery when she received the medal of valor for her life saving efforts in 2002. On November 14th of that year, Niki responded to the report of a car fire and upon arrival at the scene, discovered a vehicle in flames. Niki, with the aid of others, unselfishly and heroically risked personal safety to remove the lone male occupant from the burning car. The male victim was immediately transported to the Hospital, but sadly passed away a week later due to complications from smoke inhalation.
Angela Corscadden of the RCMP in Nova Scotia was recognized for her dedication to mentoring and helping others in the profession and in her community. Angela, a mother of three, has a very impressive track record for her sacrifices and volunteer work, which includes coaching Volleyball, Ground Search and Rescue Coordinator and Firearms Instructor. She has been instrumental in organizing training workshops for female law enforcement officers in Nova Scotia on a broad range of topics over the years.
Staff Sergeant Janet Holt received two awards in celebration of her outstanding work in leadership and also captured the title of AWLE Officer of the Year. Staff Sergeant Holt has “blazed a trail” in her policing career which began in 1976. She has served in a variety of sections including Forensic Identification and was instrumental in the implementation of community policing in her city. Staff Sergeant Holt is the highest-ranking female officer in the history of the Saint John Police Force and has earned the respect and admiration of her peers. Janet is also known for her community service, her role modeling, advocate and trainer who lives by the philosophy that she “wants to make a difference” And that she does!
The 2003 AWLE award winners will have their names submitted to the Awards committee for International Association of Women Police for consideration with other 2004 nominees at the International level, which will be presented in Boston next September 12-16th.
The Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement (AWLE) held their 11th Annual Training Conference in Truro, Nova Scotia this past October 14-17, 2003.
AWLE president Lisa Jackson presented Staff Sergeant Janet Holt of the Saint John Police Force, New Brunswick with both the Leadership Award and AWLE Officer of the Year Award.
Staff Sergeant Holt has “blazed a trail” in her policing career which began in 1976. She has served in a variety of sections including Forensic Identification and was instrumental in the implementation of community policing in her city.
Staff Sergeant Holt is the highest-ranking female officer in the history of the Saint John Police Force and has earned the respect and admiration of her peers. Janet is also known for her community service, her role modeling, advocate and trainer who lives by the philosophy that she “wants to make a difference.” And that she does!
Congratulations Janet!
This past September, the 41st Annual International Association of Women Police Training Conference was hosted in San Francisco, California.
Sergeant Leanne Fitch of the Fredericton Police Force, New Brunswick was named 2003 recipient of the International Police Officer of the Year award. Sergeant Fitch received a standing ovation with her proud father, retired RCMP Staff Sergeant Ken Fitch and her mother present along her side to receive this prestigious award. Sgt. Fitch was described as an honorable and outstanding police officer that proved her admirable dedication in leadership, mentoring, community service and investigative abilities as she serves with the Fredericton Police Force.
Sgt. Fitch who followed in her father’s footsteps was quoted saying, “Never doubt the impact of our dedication and commitment. We are making a difference and touching the lives of more people than you could ever imagine. Now is the time to show that we are all good police leaders.”
All Canadian Police representatives present were very proud of Leanne as she received her award from the International Association of Women Police and her accompanying certificates of recognition from the Canadian House of Commons and California Legislature Assembly.
Congratulations Leanne!