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Weekend Weather Thursday
H 4º L -2º
Friday
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Saturday
H -1º L -9º
Sunday
H -1º L -6º
As reported from Environment Canada www.weatheroffice.gc.ca Harrow AAFC
Eldercollege response overwhelming - Page 7
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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Chamber hears OPP strategy for Leamington By Sheila McBrayne The Leamington Chamber of Commerce welcomed Ontario Provincial Police Inspector Richard Derus to its monthly breakfast meeting on Wednesday, February 16 at Colasanti’s to talk about the various programs and intiatives of the OPP. The OPP contract began in the Municipality of Leamington on December 3, 2010. Previously, the Municipality had its own police service. “I honestly believe that the Municipality now has the best of both worlds. They have the same officers on the street, but they are now part of one of the most respected policing agencies in North America with a long tradition of professionalism, accountability, community service, cost effectiveness and investigative excellence,” said Inspector Derus. “I want to emphasize that this is not about ‘we are better than them’ or ‘they are better than us’… The Leamington Municipal Police Force was a well respected force that served the community well over the years,” stated the Inspector. Leamington now has 38 officers patrolling Leaming-
The Leamington and District Chamber of Commerce welcomed OPP Inspector Richard Derus as the guest speaker at the February 16 breakfast meeting. Pictured here, from left to right, are Leamington Councillor Chris Chopchik, Chamber President Dharmesh Patel, Inspector Derus and Chamber Vice President Denise Gaffan. (S. McBrayne Photo)
ton as well as the support of the larger more regional Essex County OPP contingent of 180 OPP officers. He explained how the OPP have applied results driven policing, which means the police take a look at crime statistics in Leamington on a monthly basis to see what crimes are on the rise or falling. “This gives our officers something
to concentrate on… not just driving around aimlessly,” he said. The local OPP also keep a close eye on individuals who are awaiting trial or a court appearance. Statistics show that a large percentage of crimes are committed by individuals who are already charged and are awaiting a court date. “We just
make sure they are abiding by their terms of release. If they’re not we’ll pick them up,” he added. The Leamington OPP have introduced a new foot and bike patrol with officers on the streets, as well as an ATV patrol and marine unit which will be in the waters this summer. The Leamington OPP
have kept all the community services that the Leamington Police Department offered such as the Oldtimers hockey game, Racing Against Drugs, VIP and now through the OPP they can also offer the Cop Camp for Grade 6 classes and the many charities supported by the OPP. continued on page 9
Chopchik retires as Chamber of Commerce General Manager Celebrating hundredth day - Page 21
The top executive of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce has retired. After a long tenure with the Chamber and countless years of devotion as General Manager of the business lobby group, Christine Chopchik is retiring from the Chamber, effectively immediately. She wishes the Chamber much success and notes the difficulty of this decision. While it was a tough decision, with technology and business changing
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at an exponential rate it was felt the time was right for a change, for herself and for the Chamber. The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are welcoming new ideas for the reinvigoration of this long-standing and wellrespected Chamber. Chris will be missed, and the staff and Board of Directors wish her the very best in her future endeavours.
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