2011 Winners - Annual Brampton Safe City Awards

Gael Miles Youth Award for Safety

Angelina Zhu has had a profound impact on her peers in Brampton through her volunteer participation in the Mayor's Youth Team and Brampton Safe City's Youth Education & Safety Program (YES). A student at Turner Fenton Secondary School, Angelina has contributed hundreds of hours to make our city a better place for young people. As a community volunteer, she has assisted at neighbourhood barbecues, the Santa Claus Parade and many other local events.

Angelina has taken the lead in developing initiatives for youth, including violence prevention, environmental learning workshops and community clean-ups. Most notably, her leadership in the Alliance Against Violence Campaign was instrumental in rallying school mates to unite in the promotion of a safe start to the school year via audio and visual announcements to students. Angelina has also helped to build positive relationships between seniors and youth by her role in the annual Intergenerational Conference hosted by Elder Help Peel. Congratulations Angelina and thank you for everything you are doing to make our city safer.

Lifetime Achievement Award for Safety

Bob Pesant is without a doubt Brampton's busiest volunteer. Currently, he serves on Sheridan College's Board of Governors (since 2008), the City of Brampton's Accessibility Advisory Committee (since 2003) and Council Compensation Committee (since 2002), Brampton Safe City's Board of Directors (since 2003) and Rotary Club of Brampton Heart Lake (since 1997). Each year, Bob also takes part in major charity events, including the CN Tower Stair Climb and Classics Against Cancer.

Bob has been volunteering in community projects for more than a quarter-century, and his resume of volunteer activities and community achievements is several pages long. Anyone who knows Bob, knows he is usually the first to show up for an event or meeting, and the last to leave. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does.

Over the years, Bob has received numerous awards, including a Paul Harris Award (Rotary), Long-term Service Award and 2007 Inspiration Award (City of Brampton), Sir Adam Beck Award (Hydro One) and others. In 2006, Bob was chosen as Brampton's Citizen of the Year by the Brampton Guardian. He has contributed greatly to the safety and quality of life in our city. Congratulations and thank you Bob.

Community Crime Prevention Award

Ellen Kean is the Community Liaison Officer for 22 Division, Peel Regional Police, and a very busy police officer. In addition to coordinating police participation in Neighbourhood Watch throughout 22 Division, Ellen does home security audits, tracks community complaints, and organizes police response and proactive strategies to address neighbourhood crime concerns.

Constable Kean also takes an active role in the Integrated Municipal Enforcement Team (IMET), Brampton Safe City Partnership, Queen-Kennedy Neighbourhood Project and Brampton Northwest Connects. She has done a fantastic job organizing the police service's community support events including Cram-A-Cruiser, Toys for Tots, McHappy Days, Tim Hortons Summer Camp and local coat drives. For Ellen, the job doesn't stop at the end of her shift - she contributes many hours volunteering for these and other events. She is an inspiration to her police colleagues and to members of the public. Congratulations Ellen, and thank you for your outstanding commitment to community safety.

Fire Safety Award

Jason Blackmere is a passionate advocate for fire safety. His enthusiasm started many years ago when he was a high school cooperative education student on placement with Brampton Fire & Emergency Services.

Jason, now a Fire Safety Coordinator for the Region of Peel, has recently renewed his commitment to fire safety by developing a wonderful partnership with the Fire Service. With his experience and knowledge, he goes beyond the call to bring fire safety knowledge to residents of Peel Living buildings, and engage them in safety activities.

Working with the Fire/Life Safety Education Division, Jason has initiated fire training for all of his building superintendents. He has also hosted many safety seminars for seniors and families. This has allowed the Fire Service to reach out to our citizens about fire safety, as well breaking down citizen inhibitions about calling for help. Congratulations Jason and thank you for the outstanding work you do to keep people safe.

Neighbourhood Safety Award

They started two years ago as a group of residents concerned about safety in their neighbourhood. Since then, the Snelgrove Residents Group has taken on a bigger goal, "To create a safe and happy community for all residents."

In 2009, following an increase in house break-ins and youth violence, the Snelgrove group started a Neighbourhood Watch Program. They set up an email communications network to keep area residents informed about crimes and upcoming events. Together, they addressed their concerns with Peel Police, Brampton Safe City and their City Councillors. They've worked diligently to change the things they don't like happening in their neighbourhood.

Along the way, the Snelgrove Residents Group has also learned to have fun. Each year, they organize two major neighbourhood events. In summer it's an awesome barbecue at the Lions Water Tower Park with free food, games and music for everyone attending.Their winter event, held at the Snelgrove Community Centre, is also a great day of fun for families. These events are a fantastic way for neighbours to connect with one another, and to get involved in safety. Congratulations and thank you.

Road Safety Award

St. John Ambulance is an integral part of the Brampton community offering such unique and innovative programs as: medical first response, disaster response, health & safety related youth programs, therapy dog services, car seat safety and search & rescue.

In support of road safety, St. John Ambulance provides workshops and clinics to allow parents to have their car seats inspected. Trained volunteers educate and coach parents/guardians in the use of child restraint systems, with a goal to help children travel safely at all times by ensuring the restraint is properly installed and used correctly.

St. John Ambulance is also the proud host for Operation Red Nose in Brampton - a unique program dedicated against drinking and driving. Now in its 3rd year, the program is a volunteer driving service provided during the Holiday Season to any driver who has been drinking or who does not feel fit to drive their own vehicle. The programs and services offered by St. John Ambulance have made an outstanding contribution to road safety in our community. Congratulations and thank you for everything you do.

Volunteer of the Year Award for Safety

Ask anyone and they'll tell you, "Winston Mapp is a great guy". He is never too busy to help, and he loves doing it... that's the hallmark of a great volunteer.

Winston's first priority in volunteering is helping youth. From 1993 to his retirement from the Toronto Fire Service in 2007, he counselled young offenders who'd been incarcerated in prison, or youth involved in gangs or violence. For the past several years, he has also provided leadership for youth programs with Brampton Safe City, Cuthbert House, Breaking-The-Cycle Program and the Free-for-All Youth Foundation. He has mentored many young people, and taught others CPR and first aid skills. In 1997 and 1998, Winston received the Ontario Solicitor General's Award in recognition of his commendable work with youth.

In 2007, Winston founded the Walnut Foundation, a men's help support group. In his positive and persuasive way, he encourages other men to take responsibility for their health. We are proud and honoured to recognize Winston for his outstanding volunteer service to our community.

Children's Safety Award

Violet Skirten is the Crossing Guard Supervisor for the City of Brampton, with 182 crossing guards under her charge. As big a responsibility as this is, Violet goes above and beyond her job duties with her remarkable commitment to the safety of children.

Violet is constantly looking for new ideas to strengthen the work of her Crossing Guard team. She challenges them in a positive way to be ever vigilant for hazards that could harm children while walking to and from school. Her caring and commitment is reflected in the work they do each day.

Violet is an inspiration to the other members of the Brampton Safety Council, and to the many community partners involved in children's pedestrian safety. Her dedication also builds confidence in parents that their children will be safe and well-looked-after when walking on Brampton streets. Congratulations Violet and thank you for the fantastic work you do.

Community Crime Prevention Award

Dr. David Green has been a strong advocate for crime prevention and youth safety for several years. With his background in law enforcement and security administration, David brings tremendous skills and knowledge about violence prevention techniques to his community service work.

An elected trustee with the Peel District School Board, David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Peel Youth Violence Prevention Network and Brampton Safe City Association. As well, he is the Bishop and Executive Director of the Free-For-All Youth Foundation, a non- profit organization that offers scholarships and life-skills training to young people.

As a youth councillor and regular guest speaker on CHRY Radio, a local station that focuses on social issues, David inspires people of all ages to help youth in our community. Congratulations David, and thank you for keeping our city and our young people safe.