Intercultural Dialogue Institute-Ottawa, in partnership with Ottawa Police, Fire and Paramedic Services held the Fourth Annual Public Heroes Awards Ceremony. The awards ceremony and dinner kicked off with the bagpipes ceremony performed by the ceremonial unit of the Ottawa Police Service and national anthem sang by Yasemin Bayindir. Hon. Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services greeted the audience on behalf of the government of Ontario with his welcome remarks. Hon. Senator Vernon White delivered a keynote address on the importance of the role that first-responders play to make our community safe. This year’s Public Hero Awards were presented to A/Sgt Maria Keen, police officer, Captain Jim Andrews, firefighter and John Rathier, paramedic. Charles Bordeleau, Chief of the Ottawa Police Service received Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long service with Ottawa Police.
