On Tuesday, March 10, 2009, York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge, Deputy Chiefs Bruce Herridge and Eric Joliffe and a panel of members from the Police Appreciation Night Committee will judge the annual Chief-for-a-Day essay contest for York Catholic District School Board elementary school children.

This year, the contest is open to all Grade 5 students from the York Catholic District School Board. Children from 83 schools were asked to prepare an essay on a specific topic related to policing. This year’s topic is How can we assist Police Officers in keeping York Region safe. As a result of the contest, five finalists will be chosen by the school board. These five students will then be judged by the panel on the quality of content in their essay and their public speaking ability. After hearing all of the finalists, an overall winner will be selected as Chief for the Day.

The winner will be outfitted in a specially made Chief of Police uniform, will be sworn in as Chief for a Day and will be escorted on a tour of various districts and units throughout the region prior to the Police Appreciation Dinner.

The contest is sponsored by the York Regional Police Appreciation Dinner Committee and the winner will also be asked to present their paper at the 17th Annual Police Appreciation Dinner which will be held on April 23, 2009. This event is a fundraising benefit for policing programs in the community. To date, approximately $ 2.5 million has been raised each year for such worthwhile police projects such as the purchase of Police Service Dogs, the Mobile Police Station and the York Regional Police bus.

“Today’s children are our future leaders and it humbles me to know that our country’s future is in very capable hands.” said Chief Armand La Barge. “I am privileged every year to be a judge for the presentations made by these remarkable young students. This contest creates a strong bond between the police and the young people in all our communities, and each year as I listen to the presentations made by these Grade 5 students, it is quite clear these children have the attitude and the knowledge to make a difference in this community.”

The five finalists along with their parents, teachers and the media are invited to attend for the final competition.

The event will take place Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at York Regional Police Headquarters, 17250 Yonge Street, in Newmarket at 2 p.m.

For more information, contact Sergeant Sarah Riddell of the Community Services Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6706.