Chief Palson honours Cst. Denise Szachury, Cst. Cody Fedorchuk (middle) and Cst. Brice Parsons with Life Saving Awards. (Not pictured Cst. Max Rapine, Cst. L. Randell and Cst. Christian Maltais) Staff Photo.
A bittersweet evening for the Dryden Police Service.
Thursday marked the service’s final staff meeting after more than 100 years and the last awards and recognition night.
“I’m very proud of this service, I’m proud of the community, especially proud of the members and their dedication to the community and the quality work they do,” says Chief Doug Palson.
This year, the Dryden Native Friendship Centre and the Kenora District Services Board were recognized for their community partnership with the DPS.
Chief Palson says both organizations have been key partners in social development, working with youth and addressing issues in order to keep the community safe.
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- Chief Palson and Cheryl Edwards Executive Director of DNFC. Staff Photo.
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- Chief Palson and CAO of KDSB Henry Wall. Staff Photo.
Long Time Service Awards went to Constable Allin Marcino and Constable Denise Szachury for 20 years and Constable Travis Randell for 15.
Chief Palson stresses this is a significant amount of time to be in the field.
Constable Marcino and Constable Szachury will also receive a federal policing medal for exemplary service.
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- Cst. Allin Marcino. Staff Photo.
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- Cst. Denise Szachury. Staff Photo.
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- Cst. Travis Randell. Staff Photo.
Board Chair Garry Bates. Staff Photo
Garry Bates, Chair of the Dryden Police Service’s Board also addressed members.
“I want to thank all staff who have worked so hard through this difficult time and have continued to provide outstanding service to the citizens of Dryden. To the staff moving on to new challenges, we wish you well in whatever direction you choose to go. To the members who will become members of the OPP Service, we know that you will continue to provide the same level of service there as you provide as a member of the Dryden Police Service.”
Bates also extends the board’s appreciation and thanks to Chief Palson for his guidance and leadership and to the ‘unsung heroes’ of DPS including civilian office staff, night guards and court officers.
Acting Inspector Ed Chwastyk, currently with the Provincial Police, takes over Saturday November 27 as the 17th and final Chief of Dryden Police.
Chwastyk says he’s extremely honoured to be in this position and has great respect for the members and work of the DPS.
CKDR News also spoke with Chief Palson about his time with Dryden Police.
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- Certificate of Appreciation/Recognition, Mrs. Lesley Norman. Staff Photo.
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- Certificate of Appreciation/Recognition, Mrs. Heather Hampton. Staff Photo.
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- Certificate of Appreciation/Recognition, Ms. Diana Laverty. Staff Photo.
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- Certificate of Appreciation/recognition, Detective Sgt. Janet Kaus. Staff Photo.
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- Chief Palson honours Cst. Denise Szachury, Cst. Cody Fedorchuk (middle) and Cst. Brice Parsons with Life Saving Awards. (Not pictured Cst. Max Rapine, Cst. L. Randell and Cst. Christian Maltais) Staff Photo.
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- Certificate of Commendation, Sgt. Robert Wright. Staff Photo (Not pictured Cst. Bruce Wastson)
The full list of awards can be read below:
Community Partnership Appreciation:
Kenora District Services Board
Dryden Native Friendship Centre
Long Time Service Awards
Cst. Allin Marcino – 20 years
Cst. Denise Szachury – 20 Years
Cst. Travis Randell – 15 years
Certificate of Appreciation/Recognition:
Mrs. Heather Hampton
Mrs. Lesley Norman
Ms. Diana Laverty
Det/Sgt Janet Kaus
Special Constable Dillon Green (not pictured)
Special Constable Ralph Mason (not pictured)
Life Savings Awards:
Cst Denise Szachury
Cst. Max Rapine
Cst. Brice Parsons
Cst. Cody Fedorchuk
Cst. L. Randell
Cst. Christian Maltais
Certificate of Commendation:
Sgt. Robert Wright
Cst. Bruce Watson
Civilian Recognition Mention:
Fredrick Fisher
Ronique Williams
Nathanial Puddingcombe
Dave Wright
