York police show support for troops

York Regional Police have announced they will join other Greater Toronto Area emergency services in displaying a "Support Our Troops" ribbon on every police cruiser in the fleet.

After discussions with Police Services Board Chair Danny Wheeler during last week's board meeting, approval was granted to go ahead with the campaign.

This follows several other York Regional Police initiatives supporting members of the Canadian Armed Forces past and present.

Two years ago, the Toonies for our Troops campaign raised thousands of dollars to purchase Tim Hortons coffee, which was then shipped to the men and women serving in Afghanistan.

During 2005, the national Year of the Veteran, veteran flags were flown at all York Regional Police facilities for the year, then boxed and presented to representatives of every Royal Canadian Legion in York Region. The 2005 Annual Report was dedicated to veterans with a quote of support on each inside spread.

Chief Armand La Barge has made a personal commitment to write a letter of condolence to the family and the unit of each fallen soldier across Canada.

In addition, plans are under way for a fund-raising tattoo to take place in 2008, which would support scholarship opportunities for family members of fallen soldiers.

"We must do all we can to show support for the brave men and women who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces and who demonstrate their courage and valour every day as peacemakers and peacekeepers," said La Barge. "Police officers and indeed, all emergency services personnel, feel a special affinity with members of our armed forces and they deserve our respect and our support."