For the second time in two years, a Chatham-Kent Police Service civilian employee was recognized for her selfless efforts within the community.
Kristine Jarvis, who works in the Canadian Police Information Center unit, was one of two finalists for the community role model award from the Police Association of Ontario.
A special ceremony was held Aug. 10 at Chatham-Kent police headquarters.
“This is very overwhelming. I’m very honored and humbled by this,” said Jarvis, who was also recognized by the association in 2020.
She thanked her husband, children and colleagues for their support.
“It is very much a group effort,” she said.
As well as being a founding member of the Shop With A Cop – now Holiday with a Hero – committee, Jarvis is the Salvation Army toy drive chair, a volunteer with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, board president for Chatham-Kent Victim Services , the bursary and donor co-ordinator for the Paul Herfst Memorial Bursary, and a Polar Plunge for Special Olympics participant.
According to the nomination on her behalf, Jarvis also co-ordinates blanket, coat, hat and mitten drives for those in need, plans birthday and retirement celebrations for her colleagues and “continually promotes goodwill and kindness.”
Mark Baxter, the Police Association of Ontario president, said his group is traveling throughout the province to make personal presentations to the award finalists.
He called Jarvis a dedicated individual who is the epitome of a community role model.
“You give your time and energy as if it’s endless and you do so with no expectation in return, other than knowing that you helped people in the community,” he said.
Tori Labadie, vice-president of the Chatham-Kent Police Association, said Jarvis always goes “above and beyond” and doesn’t get involved for the recognition.
Acting Chief Kirk Earley added that Jarvis sets the bar high for the rest of the police department.
“She gives back into everything,” he said. “I’m proud that she’s part of our team and our police family.”
Mayor Darrin Canniff and Chatham-Kent—Leamington MP Dave Epp were also in attendance to offer their congratulations.
For the past seven years, the Police Association of Ontario has run the Police Services Hero of the Year Awards, during which the public is encouraged to submit their nominations for the police personnel they believe have done exceptional work protecting and serving their communities.
An awards committee, comprising members-at-large, the president, board chair and civilian staff, selected the winners and finalists from more than 300 personal nominations.