Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence

Shane joined the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) in August 2015, fulfilling a lifelong desire to serve in law enforcement. His path to policing was unique. Hailing from Ireland, Shane grew up playing and coaching rugby, where he honed his skills in teamwork and leadership. He has always been dedicated to his academic pursuits and professional development. Prior to joining the force, Shane earned two bachelor's degrees and a master's in Management and Organizational Studies, and he enjoyed a successful career in the private sector. His commitment and dedication continued through police training, where he was honored as Cadet of the Year for his graduating class.

Upon joining the RNC, Shane committed himself to high performance and holds himself to a high standard of accountability as a proactive police officer. This dedication has been recognized with the Chief's Award of Merit and acknowledgment from MADD Canada for his persistence in apprehending impaired drivers. Shane currently serves as an officer in Operational Patrol Services and has experience in Strategic Planning and Research, as well as with the Weapons and Drugs Enforcement Unit. Additionally, he is a Drug Recognition Expert, Breath Technician, and a member of the Public Order Unit—all of which reflect his versatile skill set and dedication to public safety.

Shane continues his dedication to learning, professional development, and leadership by pursuing additional courses, serving as a coach officer, and sitting on the RNC Association Executive Board.

Shane is deeply appreciative of being named the recipient of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award.

Constable Scott McClure has been a police officer in British Columbia since 2016, having worked nearly five years with the Delta Police Department before joining the Abbotsford Police Department in 2021. Constable McClure has worked in Patrol for most of his career as well as with the Tsawwassen First Nation Service Team, as a Bagpiper with the Abbotsford Police Department’s Ceremonial Unit and as a Media Relations Officer with the Abbotsford Police Media Team.

Constable McClure is a Drug Recognition Expert and avid impaired driving investigator, having been named to British Columbia’s Alexa’s Team as an All-Star for each year since 2019 for removing impaired drivers from British Columbia’s roadways. Constable McClure holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Criminology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and completed the Certificate in Police Leadership & Supervisory Skills from Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development in 2022.

Constable McClure would like to thank his family, the staff with the Abbotsford Police Department and the Delta Police Department for their continued support throughout his career and continued pursuit of life-long learning. Constable McClure would also like to thank all the staff and instructors with Dalhousie University for their commitment to this program and the continued education and professional development of police officers of all ranks across Canada.

Constable McClure is honoured to be a recipient of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award and would like to extend his sincerest thanks to the MacPhail Family for the recognition.

Ken commenced his policing career in 2007 with the Durham Regional Police Service, completing eleven years on patrol in Oshawa, followed by four years in property crime as a member of the Criminal Investigation Branch.  He was promoted in 2021 to the rank of Detective and has recently commenced his role in the Special Victims Unit.   Ken has spent the last three years building a strong relationship with the Durham Region Migrant Worker Ministry, assisting the seasonal migrant workers in the Region by leading food and clothing drives.

Ken completed the Dalhousie University Leadership program in 2020/21 with a concentration in Administration; he is now working towards completing Dalhousie University’s Supervisory program by 2024.  He attributes his success in the leadership program to the Durham Regional Police Service’s commitment to continuous learning, allowing members to grow personally and professionally through their strong education plan.  A quote that resonates with Ken, from John F. Kennedy’s final speech that unfortunately went undelivered is that “leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”   

Before policing, Ken graduated with honors from electrical engineering at the University of Ottawa.  When he wasn’t at the library, Ken was on the ice as a member of the men’s varsity hockey team.  After graduation, Ken spent several months backpacking in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.   

Ken is grateful for his supportive wife of 15 years, Lori, who moved from Ottawa to Durham with him so that he could begin his policing career.  They now have two beautiful girls, ages 8 and 11, and they enjoy spending their time watching them grow!

Ken would like to thank his family as well as the Durham Regional Police Service for their support throughout his career. He would also like to thank all of the excellent educators at the University of Dalhousie who have continuously challenged him to expand his knowledge, skills and views over the last several years. Finally, Ken extends his sincere thanks to the MacPhail family.

Sergeant Mike Ashcroft was hired as a Patrol Constable by the West Vancouver Police   Department in 2005, and has served in the Patrol Division, Investigation and Intelligence Division as the Intelligence Officer and Confidential Informant Coordinator, and currently as the NCO in charge of the Major Investigations Team.

Mike has had the opportunity to work in RCMP-Municipal Police integrated units: the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Taskforce, the Integrated Gang Taskforce, and as the NCO in charge of the Integrated First Nations Police Unit in North Vancouver.

Mike was promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2013 and then to his current rank of Sergeant in 2016.  In 2019, Mike was awarded the E-Division Indigenous Policing Services Officer in Charge Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding work, and was also awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his leadership and work at the Integrated First Nations Police Unit.Mike is married to Natalie and they have two boys, Rory and Logan, who provide him with the support and encouragement to accomplish his personal and professional goals.  Mike is actively involved in coaching minor hockey for both of his boys.  Mike also enjoys being a shooter tutor in net for the West Vancouver Police hockey team.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of British Columbia, majoring in Geography.  Mike completed the Dalhousie Police Leadership Certificate with a concentration in Administration by completing Police Leadership and Management Development, Strategic HR Management for Police Organizations, Budgeting and Financial Management for Police Services and Communication Skills for Police Personnel.  Mike is committed to life-long learning and believes that the courses taken at Dalhousie University have been a major part of his professional development.

S/Sgt. Dan MacLean of the Peterborough Police Service is the 2019 recipient of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in Dalhousie University’s Police Leadership Program.

Dan joined the Peterborough Police Service in August of 1989 and was assigned to the Uniform Branch. For three years from 1995 through to 1997, Dan was assigned to the Training Unit. During his tenure Dan was responsible for starting the Police Services Auxiliary Unit. This Unit has grown to over 30 members with four supervisors.

For fourteen years Dan was a member of the Emergency Response Team, Use of Force Instructor, Coach Officer and a trained Crisis Negotiator.

From 2002 to 2006 Dan spent time in the Criminal Investigations Unit as a Detective Constable in Major Crime. In 2009 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a Sergeant Dan has spent time in Uniform and the Criminal Investigations Unit as the Sergeant in charge of Major Crime.

In 2016 Dan was promoted to Staff Sergeant, where he has supervised officers both in Uniform and the Criminal Investigations Unit. In October of 2018 he completed the Incident Commanders Course and is now a qualified Incident Commander.

In his spare time Dan enjoys golfing, travelling to warm destinations and spending time with his partner Kelly and his two son’s Brandon and Jordan.

Dan is a graduate of the Law and Security Administration Program at Sir Sandford Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario. He completed the Police Leadership Certificate with a concentration in Administration by successfully completing the Police Leadership and Management Development, Budgeting and Financial Management for Police Services and Strategic Human Resource Management for Police Organizations online courses.

Dan is honoured to be the recipient of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail award and would like to thank the MacPhail family and Dalhousie University for this privilege.

Dawn Rose, of the Toronto Police Service, began her policing career in 1989 and has performed uniform duties in Primary Response and Community Response, and in plainclothes as an investigator in the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Youth Services, Investigative Support, and the Youth and Family Violence Unit. She was promoted to Sergeant in 2006, and returned to investigative positions as a Detective in the Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Detective in charge of the Family Violence Unit, and as the Quality Control Manager.

Dawn transferred to the Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Unit in 2013, where, among other things, her duties included providing support and guidance to members on issues related to the Ontario Human Rights Code, diversity and inclusion, delivering Human Rights/D&I training, and creating the Toronto Police Service Human Rights Strategy.

In 2014, Dawn was selected to be one of the Fair and Impartial Policing^® (FIP^®) trainers for the Toronto Police Service and delivered FIP^® training to over 500 front-line officers and supervisors. 

In 2015, Dawn was seconded to the Police and Community Engagement Review (PACER) as a member of the implementation team for the PACER Report’s 31 recommendations, and over the next three years engaged internal and external stakeholders (partner agencies, oversight agencies, and community members) to implement the PACER recommendations. During this time, Dawn also represented the Toronto Police Service in delivering presentations to international delegates.

Dawn has represented the Toronto Police Service on the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Sub-committee since 2013. As a member of this committee, she assists in developing D&I workshops on current/emerging D&I issues for policing agencies and partners across the province.

Dawn holds the professional designation of Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional^TM (CCIP^TM). She has Undergraduate Degrees in Justice Studies and Adult Education, and has recently completed her Master of Education in Digital Technologies. In addition to her Certificate in Police Leadership, she has a Certificate in Teaching Effectiveness and a Certificate in Inclusive Leadership. Dawn is committed to life-long learning and plans to continue with professional development and furthering her education.

Constable Amit Parasram is the 2017 recipient of the Sergeant Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in Dalhousie University’s Police Leadership Program. Prior to becoming a police officer Constable Parasram attended Dalhousie University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Constable Parasram graduated Valedictorian from Halifax Regional Police’s Police Science Program in 2010 and was also awarded the Sergeant Bruce MacPhail Award for Excellence in Policing when he graduated.   

Constable Parasram immigrated to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago as a child and has lived in Nova Scotia for most of his life. He has worked as a Patrol Officer, a Coach Officer, and was assigned to Halifax Regional Police’s Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team. He currently assigned to the Chief’s Office.

Amit thanks his wife Heather, daughter Aurora, and his brothers and sisters for their support and encouragement of his continuing education. His parents, Jai and Sero, have always instilled in him the value of education and lifelong learning and Amit believes that the courses taken at Dalhousie have greatly contributed to his professional development. Having had the opportunity to meet Phyllis MacPhail in 2010, Amit is honoured to be the first officer to bring the award home to HRP and Nova Scotia in memory of Sergeant Bruce MacPhail.

Prior to becoming a police officer, Constable Mark Arbour attended Guelph University where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree with a concentration in Criminal Justice and Public Policy.  During university he was a member of the Varsity men’s hockey team. 

Constable Arbour began his career with York Regional Police in December 2004 where he began working at 2 District on C Platoon in the town of Richmond Hill.  Upon turning 1^st Class, he joined the Canine Unit.  Mark spent 6 years working with his Canine partner Falko.  Falko was trained as a General Purpose and Narcotic Detection Service Dog.  After Falko was retired, Constable Arbour returned to 2 District.  He took on new roles as Coach Officer and Acting Supervisor.  Mark also obtained training for a 6 month period in the Criminal Investigation Bureau.  During this time, Mark completed his Certificate in Police Leadership in the Concentration of Law and Justice by completing Police Leadership and Management Development, Legal Issues in Policing, and Policing and the Law of human Rights. 

The course format and flexibility provided a good balance between work and being a father to his twin 3 year old daughters.  These courses proved very beneficial as Mark applied the knowledge to his role as a coach officer and as an investigator. 

Mark is thankful to York Regional Police for their support of continuing education.  He is especially thankful to his wife Melissa who was extremely supportive and would debate some of the current issues raised in the course material.

Constable Joe Serra is the 2015 recipient of the Sergeant Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic excellence in Dalhousie University’s Police Leadership Program.

Joe joined the Peel Regional Police Service in 1999. During his 16 years of service he has enjoyed working in Uniform Patrol, the Neighbourhood Policing Unit, the Criminal Investigations Bureau, the Public Order Unit, and the Tactical and Rescue Unit. He is currently assigned to the Training Bureau as a Use of Force Instructor.

Joe received his certificate in Police Leadership with a concentration in Supervisory Skills by completing Police Leadership and Management Development, Communication Skills for Police Personnel and the Managing Police Performance: Coaching Skills for Supervisors courses. He is recognized as a Certified Police Coach.

Joe is dedicated to personal and professional development through lifelong learning. The courses offered through Dalhousie University have been instrumental in achieving his goals.

Constable Tim Chen-Sizeland is the 2014 winner of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in the Police Leadership Program.

Tim joined the York Regional Police service in the spring of 2008. Since that time he has served in the uniform patrol capacity at the 2 District station in Richmond Hill, on B Platoon. Tim immigrated to Canada from the UK in the year 2000, following his marriage to a Canadian whom he met while teaching English in Japan. Prior to joining the police service Tim worked in the private sphere as a legal editor and purchaser.

Tim received his Certificate in Police Leadership in the Law and Justice Concentration by completing the Police Leadership and Management Development, Legal Issues in Policing, and Policing and the Law of Human Rights courses, and has found great insight and increased knowledge of the legal issues and leadership challenges within policing. The course format and delivery were found to be a perfect fit with the shift schedule of policing, and the detailed feedback from course instructors were invaluable. Tim is a believer in the value of continuing education, and is thankful that Phyllis MacPhail established the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award in memory of her son. Tim would also like to thank his wife Maria for her unflagging support and encouragement during the process of studying. 

Tim’s immediate career development aspirations are to receive CIB training and apply for a position within a divisional CIB investigating persons crime.

Constable Robert Warren of the Saanich Police in Victoria, British Columbia, is the 2013 recipient of the Sergeant Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in Dalhousie University’s Police Leadership Program.

Rob joined the Saanich Police in 2001.  During his police service, Rob has spent nine years as a Patrol and Traffic Safety Officer in the Uniform Division and three years in the Detective Division’s Family Protection Unit conducting child abuse and internet child exploitation investigations.  Rob has worked as a Legal Update and Response Options Instructor for the Saanich Police and teaches on occasion for the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s Police and Public Safety Academies.  Rob has been a Hostage/Crisis Negotiator since 2009 and serves as the Crisis Negotiation Team Leader with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team.

Rob received his Certificate in Police Leadership in the Law and Justice Concentration by completing the Police Leadership and Management Development, Legal Issues in Policing, and Policing and the Law of Human Rights courses.  Rob has also completed the Managing Police Performance: Coaching Skills for Police Supervisors course and practicum, earning his designation as a Dalhousie University Certified Police Coach. 

Prior to joining the Saanich Police, Rob served as an Artillery Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces and worked as a Secondary School Teacher in the Saanich School District.  Rob earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Military and Strategic Studies from Royal Roads Military College in 1994 and his Secondary School Teaching Certificate from the University of Victoria in 1997.

Rob’s wife Rachel and their three children provide him with ongoing encouragement and support in his personal and professional endeavours.  Rob would like to thank both the Saanich Police and his course instructors for their assistance with his studies at Dalhousie University.

Detective Gil Hughes of Durham Regional Police Service is a 26 year policing veteran. Gil commenced his policing career in 1986 and has performed duties in uniform patrol, plain clothes, Drug Enforcement Unit, Youth Bureau, Criminal Investigation Bureau and Major Crimes Units. Gil was promoted to the rank of detective in 1997, and has performed Detective Sergeant duties over the last ten years.

Gil was the supervisor of the original Oshawa Community Response Unit. The success of the unit created the implementation of similar programs within all six of the organization’s policing divisions. Gil has also been an investigator in the DRPS Hold-Up/ Robbery Unit, Homicide Unit, Professional Standards Unit and is currently a member of the Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Unit.

Gil holds a Criminology degree from Carleton University and has furthered his education at the University of Toronto. In 2002, he was the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS) recipient for robbery investigations. In 2004, Gil received a commendation from the Durham Crown Attorney’s office for investigative excellence. In 2007, Gil received the House of Commons award for bravery after saving a man from a burning vehicle. Gil is a part-time professor in the Durham College Police Foundations program. His experience and investigative knowledge provides potential recruits with insight on interviewing, interrogation, investigations, criminology and ethics. He currently is a volunteer with the Durham Children’s Wish Foundation and has coached hockey and baseball in the Durham Region.

Gil attributes his professional accomplishments to his strong and supportive family. Gil enrolled in the Dalhousie University Leadership program in order to develop new skills while supporting the DRPS’ commitment to continuous learning. Gil finished the Police Leadership Certificate with a concentration in Administration and plans to complete the Advanced Leadership Certificate in the near future.Sergeant Mike Ashcroft was hired as a Patrol Constable by the West Vancouver Police   Department in 2005, and has served in the Patrol Division, Investigation and Intelligence Division as the Intelligence Officer and Confidential Informant Coordinator, and currently as the NCO in charge of the Major Investigations Team.

Mike has had the opportunity to work in RCMP-Municipal Police integrated units: the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Taskforce, the Integrated Gang Taskforce, and as the NCO in charge of the Integrated First Nations Police Unit in North Vancouver.

Mike was promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2013 and then to his current rank of Sergeant in 2016.  In 2019, Mike was awarded the E-Division Indigenous Policing Services Officer in Charge Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding work, and was also awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his leadership and work at the Integrated First Nations Police Unit.Mike is married to Natalie and they have two boys, Rory and Logan, who provide him with the support and encouragement to accomplish his personal and professional goals.  Mike is actively involved in coaching minor hockey for both of his boys.  Mike also enjoys being a shooter tutor in net for the West Vancouver Police hockey team.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of British Columbia, majoring in Geography.  Mike completed the Dalhousie Police Leadership Certificate with a concentration in Administration by completing Police Leadership and Management Development, Strategic HR Management for Police Organizations, Budgeting and Financial Management for Police Services and Communication Skills for Police Personnel.  Mike is committed to life-long learning and believes that the courses taken at Dalhousie University have been a major part of his professional development.

Deputy Chief Constable Del Manak of the Victoria Police Department is the 2011 recipient of the Sergeant Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in Dalhousie University’s Police Leadership Program. This award represents the attributes, ethics and self-confidence Sgt. Bruce MacPhail demonstrated in his own personal life to attain personal and professional success. The award was established in 2001 by Phyllis MacPhail in memory of her son, and commemorates his dedication to life-long learning in the field of law enforcement. Sgt. MacPhail worked with the Halifax Regional Police Service and completed the Certificate in Police Leadership, Supervisory Skills in 2000 and was the first Certified Police Coach in the program.

Del started his policing career with the Vancouver Police Department before joining the Victoria Police Department in April 1993. In his twenty-one years of policing, Del has worked in the Patrol Division, Traffic Division, Community Policing Division and Human Resources Division. He has also been a part of several specialty squads and task forces related to plainclothes assignments, property crime and youth crime details.

In 2001, Del was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and worked as a patrol supervisor. In 2004, Del was promoted to an A/Staff Sergeant when he was selected to set-up a regional integrated traffic enforcement unit. The creation of this unit was a provincial initiative and the Greater Victoria region was selected to pilot the program. In 2006, Del was promoted to the rank of Inspector. His Inspector assignments included managing the Human Resources Division and Patrol Division. In 2010, Del was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable and is currently assigned as the Deputy Chief i/c Operations.

Del is married to Nicky and they have two children, Rajan and Kamryn, who provide him with the support and encouragement to accomplish his personal and professional goals. Del is actively involved in minor sports, spending up to ten months each year coaching both his children’s soccer and baseball teams.

Del received his Certificate in Police Leadership in the concentration of Supervisory Skills by completing the Police Leadership and Management Development, Managing Police Performance: Coaching Skills for Police Supervisors and Communication Skills for Police Personnel courses. Del is committed to life-long learning and believes the courses taken at Dalhousie University have been a major part of his professional development. Del’s goal is to graduate from Dalhousie University with an Advanced Police Leadership Certificate.

Congratulations to Deputy Chief Constable Manak!

ConstablS/Sgt. Katherine Alchorn of the Fredericton Police Force is this year's recipient of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in Dalhousie University's Police Leadership Program.

Kathy graduated from St. Thomas University in Fredericton NB in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in French and Psychology. With a desire to become bilingual, Kathy was accepted into the French squad at the Atlantic Police Academy where she graduated as the Top Academic Cadet in 1985. Prior to being hired by the Fredericton Police Force, Kathy served in Nova Scotia with the Bridgewater Police Force between 1985 and 1989.

In Fredericton, Kathy served in the Patrol Response Division, Crime Prevention Unit and the inaugural Mobile Community Police Section before being promoted to Corporal in 1999 and then Sergeant in 2004 during which time she served as NCO in the Patrol Response Division. In 2005, Kathy transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division as Sergeant in Major Crime and then in 2007 was promoted to S/Sgt where she currently serves as the 2I/C of the Criminal Investigation Division.

In 2005, Kathy was chair of the "Going Home Run" raising money for the New Brunswick Peace Officers Memorial. In 2007, Kathy received approval to host a "Honey I'm Home" one day workshop designed for members and their spouses on understanding and communicating with a police spouse, and was subsequently awarded the Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement "Leadership Award". Kathy is one of eight trained Incident Commanders for the Fredericton Force and also serves as an Aide de Camp for the Lt. Governor for the Province of New Brunswick, His Honour Graydon Nicholas.

Kathy enjoys her time off with her 13 year old son Sidney Phillips thus is an avid football, volleyball and basketball Mom who assisted coaching his grade 8 basketball team in 2010. Kathy enjoys an active lifestyle involving athletics and was inducted into the Oromocto and Area Sports Wall of Fame in 2005 for her contribution as an athlete, coach and official in the sport of Track and Field while growing up in the Town of Oromocto.

Kathy received her Certificate in Police Leadership in the concentration of Law & Justice by completing the Police Leadership and Management Development, Legal Issues in Policing, and Policing and the Law of Human Rights courses. Kathy has also taken Communication Skills for Police Personnel with the goal of one day completing the Advanced Police Leadership Course. Kathy is thankful for these learning opportunities from the Dalhousie Police Leadership program that inspire growth and development in one’s career and personal character.

Sgt. Paul Hallett of the Durham Regional Police Service is the 2009 recipient of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in Dalhousie University’s Police Leadership Program.

Before joining the Durham Regional Police in 1999, Paul worked for ten years as a mechanical engineer with General Motors Corporation in Oshawa, Ontario and Rochester, New York. Paul began his policing career with the Uniform Branch in Oshawa, and subsequently held positions in the Criminal Investigation Branch, Intelligence, Major Crime, and General Occurrence Audit. While assigned to the Major Fraud Unit, he regularly spoke at public information sessions to educate citizens about protecting themselves against debit card skimming, identity theft, and mortgage fraud. Paul was also a member of the Major Incident Response Team and had the opportunity to work with the Homicide Unit on several investigations.

In 2007, Paul was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Professional Standards Unit as an investigator.

Paul's wife Erin and their two sons, Ethan and Benjamin, support and encourage him in his career and in all aspects of his life. Paul volunteers with Scouts Canada and has served over the years as an assistant leader, leader and group committee chairperson in two local Scout groups. He serves as a counselor on the leadership team of his church’s youth program, and was also recently recognized by The Kidney Foundation of Canada for his volunteer efforts. In his spare time he enjoys running, reading, listening to music, and traveling with his family.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. He undertook the Dalhousie University Police Leadership Program as a way to develop new skills and further his education within a policing-oriented curriculum. Paul completed the Police Leadership Certificate with a concentration in Supervisory Skills and plans to continue in the program, with a goal of completing the Advanced Police Leadership Certificate.

S/Sgt. John Van Dyke of the South Simcoe Police Service is this year’s winner of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in Dalhousie University’s Police Leadership Program.

John joined the Bradford Police Force in October 1989 and was assigned to the Uniform Branch. In 1992 it became the Bradford West Gwillimbury Police Service and in 1997 amalgamated with the Innisfil Police Service to become the South Simcoe Police Service. In his nineteen years of policing, John has worked in many areas of the service including Courts, Uniform Patrol, and the Criminal Investigation Branch.

In 2001 he was promoted to sergeant and worked as a patrol supervisor. In 2006 he was promoted to staff sergeant and is currently assigned to the Uniform Branch as a platoon commander.

John is married to Janis and they have two children, Connor & Paige, who provide him with the support and encouragement to accomplish his personal and professional goals. John is actively involved in the greater community and has recently completed a three year term on the board of directors of a local Christian high school. He has also served in a leadership role on his church council. In 2006 and 2008 he joined a H.A.N.D.S (Helping Another Nation Develop Schools) team and traveled to the Dominican Republic where he worked to build new schools for Dominican children.

Since 2001 John has been taking courses in Dalhousie University’s Police Leadership Program and has completed certificates in Service Delivery, Supervisory Skills, and Administration. He is also a graduate of the Ontario Management Development Program at Georgian College in Barrie Ontario.

In his spare time John enjoys reading, sports, traveling and spending time with his family. An avid camper and canoeist, John enjoys spending his summer holidays in the Northern Ontario wilderness.

John is committed to life-long learning and believes the courses taken at Dalhousie have been a major part of his professional development. John has plans to complete his Advanced Police Leadership Certificate at some point in the future.

Sgt. Jason Walker of the Calgary Police Service is the sixth annual recipient of the Sergeant Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in Dalhousie University's Police Leadership Program.

Prior to being hired by the Calgary Police Service in 1997, Jason had been studying in the Fraser Valley while working as a Correctional Officer at Matsqui Institution. Following the completion of recruit training he started his career in the downtown core. In subsequent years Jason was fortunate to have the chance to work with the Mountain Bike Team, the General Investigative Unit, and the Drug Unit. He later served as an officer coach and eventually had the unique opportunity to work undercover in the Priority Crimes Unit before returning to operational duties.

Upon promotion to Sergeant in 2005, Jason was assigned to the Calgary Police Service recruit training section known as the Chief Crowfoot Learning Centre. He is still working at the CCLC and responsible for the supervision of recruit classes and Traffic Law instruction.

Over the last five years Jason has served the community as a supported independent living counselor with non-profit groups such as Closer to Home Community Services and Advocate Resources. Through these organizations Jason has worked as what could be best described as a foster big brother, by providing shelter and guidance to youth that have been removed from their homes by social services. Since starting a family of his own with his wife Candice giving birth to their daughter, Asia, he no longer takes youth into his own home, however he continues to maintain ties and assist those that he has worked with, while seeking new opportunities to serve his community.

As he began teaching recruits he recognized the need to take greater responsibility in furthering his own education. After completing the Police Leadership and Management Development course through Dalhousie, he carried on with courses in coaching, communications, human resources and budgeting. He has since completed two of Dalhousie’s Police Leadership certificates with concentrations in Administration and Supervisory Skills. As a result of these and other internal courses, he has been granted credit for the Senior Police Administration Certificate. As he continues with various educational pursuits it is his intent to carry on with Dalhousie’s program, with the eventual goal of completing the Advanced Police Leadership Certificate.

Acting Detective Doug Crippen of the Calgary Police Service is the fifth annual recipient of the Sergeant Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in the Dalhousie University's Police Leadership Program with a Supervisory Skills focus.

Doug joined the Calgary Police Service in September 2000 after three and a half years with the R.C.M.P. working in communications. Prior to being hired by the Calgary Police Service, Doug was an Auxiliary Constable with the R.C.M.P. for five years.

During his six years with the Calgary Police Service, Doug has worked in Uniform Patrol, Break and Enter Detail and is presently assigned to the General Investigation Unit as an Acting Detective.

Doug believes strongly about bettering the community and volunteers with the Calgary Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program as a "big brother" and is a volunteer bike patroller at Canada Olympic Park.

Doug is a graduate of the University of Calgary and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (minor in psychology), Bachelor of Arts in Geography and holds a certificate in Deviance and Social Control. Recently, Doug returned to the University of Calgary and attained a certificate in General Management.
Doug completed Dalhousie University's Police Leadership Certificate with a concentration in Supervisory Skills by successfully completing Police Leadership and Management Development, Communication Skills for Police Personnel, and Managing Police Performance: Coaching Skills for Police. Presently, Doug is completing Policing the Modern Community and plans to continue in the Dalhousie University Program to attain the Advanced Police Leadership Certificate.

Doug feels that Dalhousie Police Leadership courses are an excellent way to challenge oneself academically and permits police officers an avenue for improvement that focuses on the operational side of policing.

The monetary award will be donated to the United Way of Calgary.

S/Sgt. Chris Newton of the London Police Service is the fourth annual winner of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in Dalhousie University's Police Leadership Program.

Chris joined the London Police Service in June 1986 and was assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Branch. During his 19 years with the London Police Service, he has worked in the Criminal Investigation Division, Community Oriented Response Unit, and the Emergency Response Section. He has also completed temporary transfers to the Recruiting and Training Section as a Use of Force/Firearms Instructor, and the Planning and Research Unit to assist in the development of training and procedural manuals.

In 2000 Chris, along with other members of the Emergency Response Section, was awarded the London Police Services Board Citation for Valour and the National Tactical Officers Association Unit Citation for Valour, recognizing their actions during a barricaded gunman/shooting incident that year. Chris is currently assigned to the Emergency Response Section as the section commander.

Chris is married to Susan and they have two children, Curtis and Jenna, who provide him with the support and encouragement to accomplish his personal and professional goals. Chris is actively involved in minor sports, acting as trainer and assistant coach for both hockey and lacrosse teams.

Chris is a graduate of the Law and Security Administration Program at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario. He completed the Police Leadership Certificate with a concentration in Supervisory Skills by successfully completing Police Leadership & Management Development, Communication Skills for Police Personnel, and Managing Police Performance: Coaching Skills for Police. He has found these courses to be valuable to his professional development and would recommend this program to others for inclusion in their development plans.

Cpl. Jean Hamm of the RCMP in Richmond, BC is this year's winner of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence in Dalhousie University's Police Leadership Program.

Jean joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1989 and was first posted to Jasper, Alberta. During his tenure he completed rotations in both general duty and highway patrol. He served as a volunteer member of Jasper's Family and Community Support Services Board. As a board member, he was instrumental in doubling the local funding available for the nationally recognized Community Outreach Services program. In 2002 Jean was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Commemorative medal for his efforts & leadership in a variety of Jasper's community initiatives.

In 2000 Jean was transferred to White Rock, British Columbia where he was promoted to Corporal. For the next 3 years he remained in general duty as a watch commander. He is presently posted to Richmond Detachment as the NCO i/c of the South Arm Community Police Station. Jean is heavily involved with Richmond's Auxiliary Constable program.

Jean is married to Julie and they have two daughters, Gabrielle and Jillian, who provide him with the support and encouragement needed to achieve his academic and professional success. Jean enjoys spending his spare time scuba diving.

Jean holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario. He has earned a Police Leadership Certificate with a concentration in Supervisory Skills from the College of Continuing Education at Dalhousie University. Jean has also completed the Strategic Human Resource Management for Police Organizations course in the same program. He has found these courses to be instrumental in his professional development and would recommend them to others for inclusion in their personal development plans.

S/Sgt. Jill Skinner of the Ottawa Police Service is the second annual recipient of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence. Jill attended recruit training at the Ontario Police College in 1981-1982 and has worked in most areas of the Ottawa Police organization including 12 years as a member of Patrol. She received a Board of Commissioners of Police commendation for her actions in arresting a bank robber in 1984. She was promoted to Sergeant in June 1993 and Staff Sergeant in June 2000. She is presently the Staff Sergeant in charge of Sexual Assaults & Child Abuse. She is a trained Hostage Negotiator who coordinates the Crisis Management Negotiation Unit for OPS.

Jill is also the Research & Development representative on the Board of the Canadian Critical Incident Association and has written articles for the Command Post newsletter. She is also a volunteer member of the Critical Incident Stress Management team and is a Workplace & Harassment advisor. She responded to the Swissair tragedy, along with 5 other members of the Ottawa Police CISM team, as a result of which she received a commendation from the RCMP ‘H” Division’s Commander.

She is married to Tony and has 2 children, Meghan & Sean, who provide her with the support and encouragement to accomplish her many goals, both personally and professionally. In her spare time she enjoys golfing with her husband or relaxing with a book.

Jill has completed the Police Leadership Certificate with a concentration in Supervisory Skills by successfully completing Police Leadership & Management Development, Communication Skills for Police and the Managing Police Performance: Coaching Skills for Police Courses. She can attest to the value of these courses and would recommend them to anyone as a means of personal development. Jill is now enrolled in Psychology courses at Carleton University.

Sgt. John Burchill graduated in May 2002 with a Certificate in Police Leadership with a concentration in Law and Justice and is the first winner of the Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence.

Sgt. John Burchill is currently assigned to the Legal Counsel Unit of the Winnipeg Police Service. Sgt. Burchill began his policing career in 1987. After working uniform patrol he spent a total of 7 years as a detective in Commercial Crimes and another 10 years in the Major Crimes division.

After completing his studies at Dalhousie University he transferred his credits to Athabasca University where he graduated with distinction in 2005 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Sgt. Burchill was subsequently accepted into the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba. Balancing work, school and the birth of twins in 2007, he graduated from law school in 2010.

Sgt. Burchill is proud of his accomplishments at Dalhousie University where he found the course work challenging but very rewarding as it was specifically designed to meet the needs of today's serving police officer. In addition he found that the quality materials, assignments and feedback given to him by the staff at Dalhousie prepared him well for the rigors of law school.