2025 Police Appreciation Night

Staff Sergeant Josh McCue

For years, Staff Sergeant Josh McCue has been working hard behind the scenes to strengthen the relationships between York Regional Police and Indigenous communities, namely the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

Staff Sergeant McCue has built partnerships that have fostered growth, provided new insights and has enhanced the organization's understand of the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples. 

Representing Yok Regional Police at numerous flag-raising events and serving as a Master of Ceremonies for the opening of the Indigenous Crosswalk, and the candlelight vigil marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Staff Sergeant McCue has played an instrumental and invaluable role for the organization. 

Staff Sergeant McCue has acted as the liaison officer with Chippewas of Georgina Island and Sutton District High School. He has helped to secure Indigenous performance groups, has arranged for works of art to be displayed in the service's buildings and has obtained medicine wheel pins for distribution to educate York Regional Police members. 

For his outstanding work and meaningful contributions to York Regional Police and Indigenous people of this region, Staff Sergeant McCue is the worthy recipient of the Herbert H. Carnegie Community Award.

Drug Trafficking Investigation - Project Crystal

A six-month investigation into a drug trafficking network operating in Newmarket resulted in more than $7 million in drugs seized.

In April 2023, members of the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit identified multiple drug suppliers from the Greater Toronto Area who were bringing harmful drugs including methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl into Newmarket. 

Between April and September 2023, officers conducted more than 20 undercover operations, during which they purchased fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and a firearm from various suspects and identified several suppliers.

During Project Crystal, police executed 23 search warrants, arrested 39 individuals and laid 162 charges. To date, many of the suspects arrested have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing later this year. 

In total, over 11 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, more than one kilogram of street level fentanyl, one kilogram of raw fentanyl, over six kilograms of cocaine and more than 230 pounds of illicit cannabis and $110,275 in cash were seized as a result of Project Crystal. 

On the street, the seized drugs are worth more than $7 million.

The diligence, teamwork and professionalism of the Project Crystal ream resulted in the successful dismantling of a drug trafficking network, and has led to a safer community for all in York Region. 

Home Invasion Investigation - Project Glaceport

After six violent home invasions were reported in Markham during the fall of 2022, York Regional Police launched an investigation.

In each of the incidents, multiple suspects forced their way into the homes, armed with firearms, and confronted the owners, causing physical and mental injuries and stealing valuables before fleeing. 

Officers identified two suspect vehicles, and, while conducting surveillance, were ambushed by the suspects who were armed with a firearm. A shootout occurred. One person was killed and another was arrested.

The Special Investigations Unit has cleared the officers involved in the shooting incident.

After this incident, a search warrant was executed at the suspect's residents, and drugs, firearms, bullet proof vests, valuables belonging to the home invasion victims, robbery kits, multiple rounds of various calibres of ammunition and more were seized.

Forensic and cell phone evidence was reviewed by investigators, and additional suspects were identified. 

In total, five suspects were charged with numerous robbery and firearm-related charges. All parties have since been convicted. Three individuals will be deported from Canada after they serve time in jail.

For their teamwork and bravery, the Project Glaceport team are worthy recipients of the Professionalism in Policing Award.

#4 District Home Invasion

A chaotic scene with multiple suspects, bits of incomplete information and reports of a firearm. That's what officers encountered when they responded to a home invasion in Vaughan on November 22, 2024.

A neighbour told police they had witnessed several suspects aggressively force their way into a home on Ventura Way, while two vehicles waited outside. One of the suspects was seen pointing a firearm at a victim.

Within minutes, the first two officers arrived at the house and located two suspect vehicles. The first stolen vehicle sped towards one of the cruisers while attempting to flee, causing a head-on collision. The second vehicle also attempted to flee, but was prevented, resulting in a second collision. 

The suspects attempted to flee on foot, but were arrested thanks to the swift and decisive action of the officers.

Meanwhile, inside the house, the homeowner was located with a wound on his head. In the basement of the home, additional suspects were drilling into a safe.

Officers strategically situated themselves at the top of the basement staircase and demanded the suspects surrender. After more drilling and an unsuccessful attempt to flee through a window, three suspects surrendered and were arrested.

Through the investigation, the York Regional Police Canine Unit, and the Air Support Unit were engaged to help locate outstanding suspects. In total, seven people were arrested at or near the home.

An eighth suspect was later arrested in Brampton.

Thanks to the courageous actions of members of #4 District Uniform Patrol and CIB, additional violence was prevented and lives were saved.

Dana Bourdages - Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator Dana Bourdages has been a York Regional Police member for 14 years, and has consistently gone above and beyond her daily duties to support her colleagues, the organization and the community at large.

Dana is a volunteer member of the logistics team for the Ride 2 Remember, a memorial bike ride honouring fallen officers. She is also an active member of the Holiday Heroes campaign and is a fundraiser for the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. 

In her role as a volunteer coordinator, Dana has overseen the development of the Community Ambassador program, and has supported the Venturer and Rovers youth groups.

Under her leadership, the Georgina Community Volunteers have raised thousands of dollars in donations and have collected tonnes of food for the Georgina Food Pantry.

Dana also assists the Youth Engagement Unit with the Youth Crime Prevention Academy, and helps with events at the Community Safety Village, including Halloween in the Village and Police Week.

Dana is a passionate and dedicated volunteer, is always a team player and is an amazing ambassador for York Regional Police.

Dana exemplifies the York Regional Police value of compassion, through her selfless volunteerism and is a worthy recipient of the Leo McArthur Civilian Recognition Award. 

Detective Constable Dan Banks

When Detective Constable Dan Banks isn't investigating crimes, he is volunteering his time as a coach for Special Olympics. 

Detective Constable Banks has been volunteering with Aurora Special Olympics since 2013, as a softball and basketball coach.

Thanks to Detective Constable Banks' volunteerism, a large group of individuals with disabilities have been able to make life-long friends, gain confidence and learn to play their favourite sports. Through his coaching, the athletes have improved their physical and mental health, and have gained a feeling of belonging. 

Detective Constable Banks has consistently run inclusive, enthusiastic and exciting practices and leads teams at various competitions, ensuring each participant feels supported, empowered and celebrated. Whether organizing events, mentoring athletes, or providing logistical support, his efforts have had a profound positive impact on the lives of countless individuals. 

When Detective Constable Banks is not involved with municipal politicians and local boards to gain access to better facilities, running at the Law Enforcement Torch Run or jumping into cold water at the Polar Plunge, he is busy dealing with equipment and uniforms, accounting, budgeting and securing venues to make sure the athletes have the best possible time. 

Detective Constable Banks has exemplified the York Regional Police value of compassion through his profound volunteerism, and by positively impacting the lives of Special Olympics athletes. 

For his contributions to the community, he is the worthy recipient of the Detective Constable Rob Plunkett Outstanding Service to the Community Award. 

The York Region Centre for Community Safety (YRCCS) is a service delivery hub for survivors of intimate partner violence, family violence or human trafficking.

YRCCS seeks to assist those in need help in finding resources, safety and hope. It offers a one-stop spot for survivors to receive the support they require.

YRCCS offers a number of supports including, crisis intervention such as shelters, prevention supports such as income subsidy supports and education programs.

It also offers special priority housing intervention supports such as Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program and basic universal human service supports such as education, hospitals, public health and transportation.

With donations collected through the 2024 Police Appreciation Night, YRCCS was able to connect with Loblaws to bring the Ask for Angela Campaign to York Region. The organization was also able to increase its hours of operations to seven days a week. 

YRCCS was also able to use some of the funds to launch the 'Taking Your Breath Away' campaign, focused on educating the public about the dangers of strangulation. 

As a result of 2024 Police Appreciation Night, YRCCS partnered with York University's Schulich ExecEd to create a curriculum to help survivors re-enter the workforce.

VSY provides emotional support, practical assistance, information and referrals to those in need.

The agency offers a number of programs including on-scene response, the victim quick response program, the homicide survivor support group, the suicide bereavement support group, telephone crisis response and more.

Last year, the funds collected through Police Appreciation Night were designated by VSY toward the Client Emergency Expense Fund, the Crisis Intervention Program and the Youth Empowering Youth Program.