On Saturday, December 5, 2009, Chief La Barge accepted the award at the annual Professional Excellence Tribute Award Gala held at the Premiere Ballroom in Richmond Hill. York Regional Police was nominated by Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino and is one of eight recipients of this year’s award.

York Regional Police was specifically honoured for building and maintaining strong partnerships with residents, businesses and community organizations as well as growing along with the many culturally diverse communities in York Region.  With the leadership of Chief La Barge, York Regional Police has created an innovative approach to reaching youth through the Chief’s Youth Council, Youth Opportunities and Leadership Camps, Guns and Gangs Initiatives and the Community Safety Village. Other notable strengths that contributed to the nomination of the award include the Chiefs Advisory Council, Hate Crime Workshops and a variety of celebrations and ceremonies of cultural groups year round.

Each year, nominees who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in contributions to their community are considered for the honour. Nominees must show a positive professional image, display honest and courteous values, be approachable and accessible and maintain a good relationship and partnership with the community. They must also exemplify leadership and lead by example. The award presentation has been held for the last six years by The Advance Business Club and this year, in partnership with the Cross Cultural Community Services Association.

“No matter what benchmark you use as a measurement, York Region has the proud distinction of being one of Canada’s safest communities,” said Chief La Barge.   “This award speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication of members of York Regional Police, our crime prevention programmes and the partnerships we have established with the community.”
Previous and current recipients for the award have included medical, media, police and fire services, the Canadian Armed Forces, business and sports professionals.