2026 Police Appreciation Night

This award recognizes a member who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and making a difference in the community.

York Region is one of the most diverse communities in Canada. It is home to 1.2 million people, speaking 120 languages and representing more than 230 ethnic origins. Every day York Regional Police works to ensure every one of those citizens feels safe and secure. At the heart of that work is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bureau, working alongside the Hate Crime Prevention Unit.

Together they focus on two critical priorities: building relationships within the region, and investigating hate crimes. Every day, officers with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bureau are out in the community, meeting residents, building strong relationships and developing trust. Meanwhile, members of the Hate Crime Prevention Unit are investigating hate crimes and hate-motivated incidents.

In order to effectively and efficiently investigate incidents of hate, York Regional Police relies on this two-pronged approach. Ensuring community engagement happens year-round is a top priority for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bureau. Through regular visits to places of worship, at community events and through inter-faith initiatives, each interaction is an opportunity to build trust. This allows investigators to respond effectively to hate crimes and other global events which impact our residents in York Region.

These global issues are also discussed at the annual Hate Crime Prevention Conference, hosted by York Regional Police. The conference, which welcomes members from police services across the country, is an opportunity to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices to combat hate crime. Acknowledging that hate has no borders, and encouraging a collaborative approach to ending hate, the conference has been a resounding success for York Regional Police.

For their work in building bridges in our community, and or leading the conversation to end hate both locally and across the country, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bureau, and the Hate Crime Prevention Unit are deserving recipients of the Herbert H. Carnegie Community Award.

This award recognizes a member or a team who demonstrates professionalism in the execution of an investigation, project or in the course of their duties.

What began as a fatal house fire quickly morphed into a years-long investigation for the Homicide Unit. On January 15, 2022, officers received a report of a house fire in Georgina.

When they arrived at the scene, tragically, an 85-year-old woman, Sandra Gauthier, was found deceased inside the home. Investigators determined Gauthier did not die as a result of the fire, but instead, had suffered blunt force trauma causing her death. A postmortem examination conducted also determined she had been assaulted.

DNA collected at the victim’s residence initially did not generate investigative leads. However, months later in June of 2022, officers utilized investigative genetic genealogy with the help of Toronto Police Service. In October, investigators identified 21-year-old Bradley Strickler as a possible source of the DNA.

Officers learned he lived 300 metres from the victim’s residence. DNA collected from an item used by Strickler was ultimately determined to be a match to the DNA collected at the crime scene. On October 25, Strickler was arrested and charged with Murder, Sexual Assault, and Arson – Disregard for Human Life, in connection with the death of Gauthier. In February 2025, Strickler was found guilty of First-Degree Murder.

He was later sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. The investigative team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity and attention to detail through this lengthy investigation.

By methodically evaluating evidence, leveraging forensic expertise and a through a commitment to accuracy and justice, the team solved a challenging case, provided closure to Gauthier’s family and reinforced public confidence in York Regional Police. For their investigative excellence, the Gauthier Homicide Team has been awarded the Chief of Police Professionalism Award.

This award recognizes a member or a team who demonstrates professionalism in the execution of an investigation, project or in the course of their duties.

More than $215,000 in illicit drugs, seven handguns, four shotguns and four rifles were seized, and five suspects were arrested following a months-long investigation into drug trafficking in Georgina.

The investigation, dubbed Project Madruga, began in February 2025, when officers learned an individual had been trafficking drugs in the Town of Georgina.

Through investigation, other associates of the suspect were identified, who were believed to be trafficking illicit drugs across multiple jurisdictions, spanning from Toronto to Huntsville. Once York Regional Police officers learned the same group were being investigated by the Orillia Ontario Provincial Police Community Street Crime Unit, a joint forces operation began.

On April 16 and May 8, 2025, a total of six search warrants were executed in York Region and the City of Toronto, with the assistance of the Toronto Police Service and the OPP. As a result, firearms and drugs including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, opioids and cannabis were seized.

The positive outcome of Project Madruga serves as motivation for all and shows what can be accomplished through professionalism and teamwork. For their dedication to public safety and in recognition of their tireless work, the #3 District CIB Property Crime Unit has been awarded the Chief of Police Professionalism award.

This award recognizes a member who has demonstrated courage in the execution of their duties. 

A planned takedown of a vehicle theft group turned dangerous after a York Regional Police

member was struck by a vehicle. On April 30, 2024, the Canine Unit was called to assist with a takedown in Toronto of vehicle thieves who had been targeting high-end cars in the Greater Toronto Area.

Constable Zack Leece was partnered with his fellow canine officer, Constable Rob Mulick. As the takedown unfolded, one of the suspects, driving a vehicle, mounted the curb and accelerated toward Constable Lecce.

Constable Leece attempted to avoid the vehicle, but was struck and propelled up and over the windshield. After being struck, Constable Leece quickly got back up, knowing the suspect was fleeing, and that he was responsible for his partner’s safety.

Once the suspects were in custody and the investigation slowed down, Constable Leece informed the team that he had been struck by a vehicle. Miraculously, Constable Lecce only suffered minor injuries, which included a broken rib.

For his outstanding bravery, commitment to teamwork and professionalism, and composure in a high-stress and dangerous situation, Constable Leece is being awarded the Garrett Styles Courage in the Line of Duty Award.

This award recognizes a police professional who has gone above and beyond the requirements of their normal duties in their commitment to York Regional Police and the community.

For 27 years Cyril Chiu has been an integral member of the York Regional Police team.
Leading projects and solving IT problems by day, Cyril has committed endless hours to helping others.

But that work doesn’t end with his day job. In fact, throughout his career, Cyril has dedicated nearly 4,000 hours to volunteering. Cyril has served as a member of the Auxiliary Unit, volunteering at countless events, giving his time to further several initiatives and always conducting himself with professionalism while representing York Regional Police.

Cyril has been honoured with this award to recognize a legacy of service that goes beyond simple participation. Instead, his dedication to his role and his volunteer efforts shows a long, unfaltering line of commitment that has been instrumental in the success of this organization.

In appreciation of his selfless service, Cyril has been awarded the Leo McArthur Civilian Recognition Award.

This award recognizes a member of the service who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and making a difference in the community.

For a decade, Detective Kevin Selwood has been a dedicated volunteer with Special Olympics

Ontario, through the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Hockey Helps the Homeless tournament.

Over his 14-year career with York Regional Police, Detective Selwood has participated in the Polar

Plunge in support of Special Olympics, he has served as captain and as an organizer for the NHL

Old Timers Game, and has taken a lead role in increasing participation for the Hockey Helps the

Homeless tournament in support of 360 Kids and Blue Door Shelters.

Detective Selwood has also ensured Special Olympic athletes receive the support they need. He regularly reaches out to the athletes, attends their sports practices and invites them to events.

In one case, Detective Selwood made sure the family of one athlete who fell on hard times were included and supported by the Holiday Heroes campaign. Detective Selwood’s commitment to making a positive difference in our community shines through in the many ways he proudly represents York Regional Police.

He demonstrates professionalism, compassion, respect, and is always willing to lend a helping hand.

For his selfless volunteerism, Detective Selwood is being honoured with the 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.

Victim Services of York Region (VSY) is a non-profit, charitable agency that works in partnership with York Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police to provide 24-hour emotional support and assistance to people who have been victimized by crime or other tragic circumstances.

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.

Crime Stoppers of York Region, is an arms-length program that allows members of the

public to anonymously provide information to law enforcement to prevent and solve crime.

Members of the public who provide information to Crime Stoppers never have to identify

themselves, or testify in court. Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers about

serious crimes including assaults, homicides, missing persons, robberies, break and enters, thefts, arsons, drug activity and property damage.

The partnership York Regional Police shares with Crime Stoppers is invaluable to helping solve crimes while ensuring the safety and security of our community.