COMMITTED NRP OFFICERS, FIREMAN EARN CITY'S RESPECT

NIAGARA FALLS - Police officers don't get into the business to win awards,
but when the special work they do is recognized, it's certainly
appreciated, said Niagara Regional Police Insp. Brian Eckhardt.

"These men and women make our community a safer place, not only for the
people who live in our city, but also for the millions of tourists," he
said during the annual Respect For Law Awards Night held Tuesday night at
the Niagara Falls Optimist Club.

The district commander of 2 Division in Niagara Falls and
Niagara-on-the-Lake presented nine awards to his officers and one to Fire
Prevention Officer Insp. Jim Jessop, a member of the Niagara Falls Fire
Department.

Jessop has worked closely with police in connection with marijuana grow
operations and fire code regulations.

"He has been a real help to us," said Eckhardt, noting his hard work has
resulted in convictions not only of people known as the gardeners, who look
after the marijuana plants, but also landlords of properties used for grow ops.

One of those was the first such conviction in Canada and resulted in a
$42,000 fine.

Four members of the Fraud Unit, Det. Sgt. Tom Manney, det. constables Mike
Farrell, Tracy McCabe and Pat Theissen were recognized for their work in
combating counterfeit money and for also educating people in business and
students in schools, so they don't lose their hard-earned money.

"It's a small unit and they work very hard. I'm very proud of their
accomplishments," said Eckhardt.

Five members of the Street Crime Unit, Det. Sgt. Craig Coates, and det.
constables Kevin Luciano, Tony Weadick, Jay Howe and Ryan McComber were
recognized for their work in getting drug dealers off the street.

"They've had an immediate impact on the quality of life in the region,"
said Eckhardt.

So far, their zero tolerance on those who possess or sell drugs, has
resulted in 100 arrests in 107 days.

Optimist Jeff Detlor, chairman of the Respect For Law committee, said that
since 1965, the service club has been honouring those people who go beyond
the call of duty to protect citizens.

"It's something we all take for granted, but they should be recognized
because they are important to us," said Detlor. "These guys often put their
lives on the line for citizens in Niagara Falls. It's something we should
be thinking about all year long."