(L-R) OPP Commissioner Tom Carrique - Lisa Longworth (recipient) - Rotarian, OPP Detective Inspector Bruce C. Kruger, M.B., (ret) - OPP Deputy Commissioner Chris Harken
On Thursday, September 16th, the presentation of the first annual police award in Ontario that specifically recognizes law enforcement efforts towards mental injuries and illness was made. This award, bringing awareness while removing stigma of psychological matters was donated by the Rotary Club of Bracebridge- Muskoka Lakes. It honours one outstanding OPP member yearly, who has contributed unselfishly to address mental injuries and mental wellness within the Force jurisdiction across Ontario.
The recipient, Lisa Longworth, London Regional OPP Headquarters, was one of twenty-seven nominations from across the Province of Ontario submitted by fellow members. Lisa is the provincial mental health lead and analyst in OPP Community Safety Services, overseeing initiatives including the Crisis Call Diversion Project and Mobile Crisis Response Teams, which provides support to the public, members' and families' mental health and wellness.
The award was presented by OPP Commissioner Tom Carrique, assisted by Deputy Commissioner Chris Harkens at OPP General Headquarters, Orillia. Also present for the ceremony was Dr. Vivien Lee, OPP Chief Psychologist & Commander of the Healthy Workplace Team, whose unit addresses operational stress injuries for members, including PTSD, other mental health issues plus family assistance.
Submitted by Bruce Kruger, Rotary Club of Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes.