TRIBUTE DINNER SUPPORTS CRIME STOPPERS

Peel Regional Police Chief Mike Metcalf is a firm believer in Peel
Crime Stoppers.

At the eighth annual Chief of Police Dinner, held yesterday at the
Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton, Metcalf said Crime Stoppers is
an important ally to his officers in keeping the community safe.

"Some programs get tired and wear out, but Crime Stoppers doesn't
seem to," Metcalf told The News. "We expand it at every opportunity we get."

About 400 people attended last night's dinner. Now in its eighth
year, the event raises money to support Crime Stoppers programs and
also honours Peel's chief of police for his loyal support.

Peel Crime Stoppers Program Co-ordinator Sgt. Peter Brandwood said
Metcalf and his officers have helped steer the organization in the
right direction.

Since 1986, Crime Stoppers has helped law enforcement agencies clear
almost 4,000 cases, arrest almost 1,900 criminals, seize more than
$122 million in narcotics and recover more than $14.5 million in
stolen property.

"We're most proud (to have taken) drugs and illicit drug
paraphernalia off the streets of Peel," said Brandwood, adding that
the success of Crime Stoppers can be attributed to community members
who provide financial support to the cause.

"Crime Stoppers is not funded by any government agency, so any funds
we need to run the program and all operating costs (come from)
fundraising events," said Brandwood.

Addressing the crowd after dinner, keynote speaker Ron Foxcroft --
the inventor of the pea-less Fox 40 whistle -- said each individual
person in the audience is a Peel Crime Stopper shareholder. He
encouraged them to continue investing in the program to keep the
community safe.

"I think any intiative that involves the community in helping to keep
a community safe is worth supporting," said Foxcroft, who also works
as an NCAA basketball referee.

Foxcroft, who shared with guests his success story of inventing a
more reliable whistle, told the gathering why he supports the organization.

"We both count on whistle blowers and we both use innovation to be
successful," he said.

Foxcroft said Crime Stoppers benefits from tremendous leadership and
he lauded Chief Metcalf for his support of the program.