Attorney General To Honour Crime Prevention Award Winners

Manitoba Government
May 24, 2007
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First Rev. Harry Lehotsky Award For Community Activism to be Presented Tonight

The 2007 Manitoba Attorney General Safer Communities Awards, the National Crime Prevention Strategy Award and the Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards will be presented to recipients this evening, Attorney General Dave Chomiak has announced.The awards recognize organizations and individuals who make outstanding contributions to crime prevention in Manitoba.

“Every day in every community across this province, citizens play a crucial role in preventing crime and work to make our neighbourhoods better places to live,” said Chomiak. “I’d like to thank all of the nominees as we recognize the extraordinary efforts of individuals and groups whose dedication makes such a positive difference in our society.”

This marks the first year that significant and dedicated community activism, advocacy and leadership will be recognized with the Rev. Harry Lehotsky Award for Community Activism. Connie Newman, a teacher active in the St. James community, will be recognized with this award as an individual whose consistent and sustained activism has resulted in practical and tangible community improvements. Newman is the president of the St. James Assiniboia Senior Centre and has been involved with the Skateboard Coalition of Manitoba and with the Assiniboia Youth Community Resource Centre since its inception.

The 2007 recipients in other categories will be:
· individual (under 18): Jessica Lawrence, Winnipeg;
· individual (18 and over): Diane Steiner, Selkirk;
· community-based initiative:
– rural: École Selkirk Junior High Youth Coalition;
– urban: SafetyAid crime prevention for older Manitobans; and
– honourable mention: Brandon Seniors for Seniors Safe and Sound program;
· community justice: Sam Anderson – Follow Your Dreams Night; and
· Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP): Portage la Prairie COPP.

The Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards honour police officers who have distinguished themselves in the performance of their duties and in their communities. This year, awards will be presented to:
· Const. Randy Antonio, Winnipeg Police Service;
· Det. Sgt. Gene Bowers, Winnipeg Police Service;
· Insp. Harley Bryson, Brandon Police Service;
· Cpl. Gary Hollender, RCMP;
· Const. Christopher Kalansky, Winkler Police Service;
· Det. Sgt. Kevin Kavitch, Winnipeg Police Service;
· Staff Sgt. Kathie King, RCMP; and
· Supt. Corrine Scott, Winnipeg Police Service

RCMP auxiliary constables receiving recognition are:
· David Holman, Headingley detachment;
· Joseph Pilon, Lac du Bonnet detachment; and
· Leonard White, Portage la Prairie detachment.

The Government of Canada’s National Crime Prevention Strategy Award will be presented to the Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services (NEEDS).

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