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RECOGNITION OF SERGEANT VALERIE GATES, BARRIE POLICE SERVICE, RECIPIENT OF THE 2015 PARKS AND RECREATION ONTARIO (PRO) AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR HIGH FIVE INNOVATION
Mayor Lehman recognized Sergeant Valerie Gates of the Barrie Police Service as the recipient of the 2015 Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) Award of Excellence for HIGH FIVE Innovation. He advised that the award recognizes organizations, programs or individuals, which implement HIGH FIVE and the Principles of Healthy Child Development in a unique and innovative way. Mayor Lehman congratulated the City's Recreation Services Department and Barrie Police Service for incorporating the programme into the Junior Constable camp.
Mr. Larry Kecheson, CEO of Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) thanked Mayor Lehman, members of Council and Police Chief Kimberly Greenwood for the opportunity to present the award. Mr. Kecheson noted that the HIGH FIVE Innovation Award recognizes organizations, programmes or individuals that use standards to enhance original ideas and initiatives with the intention of providing quality and positive experiences for children aged 9 to 12. He advised that the programme was launched in 2006 and is now delivered in a total of 11 provinces and territories with over 100,000 leaders trained in healthy child development.
In closing, Mr. Kecheson observed that many people contributed to this initiative lead by Sergeant Gates. He noted that it was a pleasure to present the HIGH FIVE Innovation award on behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and team of Parks Recreation Ontario to Chief Greenwood, Sergeant Gates and their team.
Mayor Lehman and Mr. Kecheson presented the Award and Certificate of Recognition to Sergeant Gates and the members of the Barrie Police Service Team. The team members are as follows:
Chief Kimberley Greenwood
Staff Sergeant Robert Allan
Sergeant Valerie Gates
Constable Colin Hopper
Constable Janet Schefter