The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is pleased to share features and information about the people, programs and services that keep our community safe.
June 21, 2024
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
On June 21, the Thunderbird flag was raised at TBPS headquarters in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Prior to that, Chief Darcy Fleury joined others in a Sunrise Ceremony to give thanks for all creation. “On National Indigenous Peoples Day and every day, we recognize & celebrate the rich heritage and meaningful contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples in our country, our community and within the Thunder Bay Police Service,” said Fleury.
Elder Aaron Therriault, Chief Darcy Fleury, Community Inclusion Team Coordinator Jan Ritchie, and Indigenous Liaison Officer Bob Simon raise the Thunderbird Flag for National Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
On the front lines
Frontline Officers at TBPS respond to all types of calls. After reporting in for briefing, Officers hit the roads. From that point on, every shift is different. Officers respond from one call to the next. Calls may be related to assaults, intimate partner violence, sudden deaths, missing persons, mental health assistance, motor vehicle accidents, robberies, and other matters.
Officers are highly trained, leaving them prepared for even the most challenging scenarios, like calls involving weapons. Between May 16 and June 16, 2024, there were 93 calls related to weapons, compared to 69 during the same period in 2023. These numbers reflect the calls classified as weapons-related, and do not include the calls where weapons are discovered to be involved during the response.
Police take weapons calls seriously due to the threat to public and officer safety. Weapons can include a variety of items, including baseball bats, tools, knives, and firearms. Officers must constantly be aware of their surroundings and cognizant of potential risks. When the situation is assessed, it may be found that no actual weapon was involved, but officers will always respond as if a weapon is present at a scene. It is one of the countless ways TBPS officers serve and protect our community.
Answering the Call
On June 17, TBPS welcomed three new Cadets to the Service. The Cadet program gives people insight into and experience with policing. Mentoring, interactions with the community, and administrative experience prepares them for a possible career with TBPS.
Cadets Kris Lengwenus and Kyle Auger are currently in the TBPS Cadet Program.
Current Cadet Kris Lengwenus noted, “I’ve gained experience helping people who are going through trauma. I’ve learned a lot that will assist me to best support victims when I attend calls as a constable.”
Cadets join TBPS at various stages along their journey – some after completing school, others after a career in another field. After a period of development, and as Constable opportunities open up, Cadets are selected to continue on to the Basic Constable Training at the Ontario Police College and are then sworn in as Fourth Class Constables.
Learn more about and apply to the Cadet Program at https://thunderbaypolice.ca/careers/police-constable