OPP officer, nurse awarded for outstanding community service
Constable Katy Viccary from Nottawasaga OPP and Cathy Eisener from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) were recognized this week for their ongoing excellence in community service.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique presented them with awards during a special ceremony at OPP General Headquarters on Thursday. The duo was honoured for their commitment to building trust, improving community safety and well being, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.
- Download the CTV News app free to get local news alerts
- Don't miss breaking news - Sign up for the CTV Newsletter
“I’m very humbled to receive this award,” said Viccary in a phone interview with CTV News. “At the end of the day, that's what we're trying to shine the light on, is these public awareness campaigns that we've been running for the last five years.”
“It was an honour to be recognized for the work that we do,” said Eisener. “It was really special to be recognized for a campaign that came out of place for building compassion.”
Eisener is a nurse with the SMDHU’s Substance Use and Injury Prevention Program. She and Viccary have worked together since 2020 on numerous public awareness campaigns to save lives when it comes to opioids, drug use, addictions and mental health.
Viccary began serving as a Toronto Police Officer in 2009 before joining the OPP in 2017. She is known by her fellow officers for her commitment to positive community engagement and dedication to public service.
"Officer Viccary's dedication to the community embodies the true spirit of service,” said Kevin Bucknor, Staff Sergeant and Operations Manager for Nottawasaga OPP. “Her steadfast commitment is evident daily as she goes above and beyond the call of duty to connect with the people she is sworn to serve, ensuring our community feels safe and supported."
Viccary says the circumstances of her father’s death are what drive her dedication and commitment to service.
“In 2017, I was the one who located my father deceased of suicide,” recalled Viccary. “I'm not saying it would have changed what happened, but being aware of local service providers and resources does go a long way, not only for the person that's affected by the mental health crisis, but for loved ones that are trying to support somebody that's going through a mental health challenge. So for me it’s a personal project.”
While Viccary is currently on a mental health leave, she says she plans to continue her campaigns and initiatives when she returns to service.
“Kindness is free. It doesn't cost anything.” added Viccary. “If we could just treat each other through a lens of compassion and empathy, I think the world would be a better place.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Two-month GST holiday bill expected to pass the House today, Conservatives to vote against
The federal government's five-page piece of legislation to enact Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promised two-month tax break on a range of consumer goods over the holidays, is expected to pass in the House of Commons by the end of the day.
Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says
The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has been laying striking employees off as the labour action by more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark.
B.C. man lied about cancer diagnosis while dodging $330K debt, court hears
A construction contractor from B.C.’s Lower Mainland has been ordered to repay a $330,000 loan from a friend who gave him leeway for years, despite her own financial suffering – all because she was under the false impression he had brain cancer.
Good Samaritan killed in tragic accident while helping stranded Calgary driver
Calgary police say a Good Samaritan who stopped to help another motorist was killed in an accident on Wednesday night.
Man jumps out of moving roller-coaster after safety belt fails
Terrifying video shows a man jumping out of a moving roller-coaster in Arizona after he says his safety belt failed.
Canadian woman shares methanol poisoning story in wake of death investigation in Laos hostel
Cuddling on the couch with her dog, Ducky, no one would notice that anything is different about Ashley King. Even when she walks across the living room, she doesn’t miss a step. But the 32-year-old has gotten used to functioning with only two per cent vision.
W5 Investigates 'Let me rot in Canada,' pleads Canadian ISIS suspect from secret Syrian prison
W5's Avery Haines tells the story of Jack Letts, a Canadian Muslim convert in a Syrian jail, accused of being a member of ISIS. In part two of a three-part investigation, Haines speaks with Letts, who issues a plea to return to Canada to face justice.
Carrot recall for E. coli risks updated with additional product, correction: CFIA
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has published an update to a recent national recall on organic carrot brands over E. coli contamination risks.
Toronto woman injured after falling out of wheelchair provided by Air Canada, husband says
What could have possibly been Sheila Rizzuto’s last vacation ever was ruined after she fell out of an Air Canada-provided wheelchair and badly injured herself, according to her husband.