A pioneering Chatham-Kent police officer has won the prestigious Police Association of Ontario 'Hero of the Year Award'.
Constable Amy Finn began her policing career in 1988 when she was the first female officer hired by Chatham-Kent police. Finn retired on Apr. 25 after 30 years of service.
She says she just wanted to help people and make a difference and adds the award feels very gratifying.
"It's the perfect way to end a career knowing that I did exactly what I set out to do when I started 30 years ago," says Finn.
Finn says the award is one of the top highlights of her career.
"There's those calls that you remember in life and those throughout your career that you always remember and this one is one that brings happy tears. It's a good feeling," she says.
Finn says her success comes from keeping it real and just being herself.
"It wasn't anything special that I did, it was just me [being me]. You be yourself and don't try to be somebody you're not," Finn says.
Finn received several nominations from people praising her efforts to make the town a better place to live and is a tireless volunteer for soup kitchens, the Goodfellows ‘No Child without a Christmas’, Cops for Cancer, Cop Camp and Shop with a Cop.
The public can nominate an officer for the work they do and going above and beyond the call of duty or for their ongoing support and involvement in their community.
“We are very proud of Amy and all that she has accomplished during her 30 years as a police officer," says Police Chief Gary Conn. "Her continued dedication to duty and the community she served was truly personified by her commitment to community policing and collaboration in developing and maintaining local professional partners throughout her entire career."
"Having had the opportunity to personally work with Amy both on the streets and at headquarters, I know that I speak on behalf of our entire Service when I say that Amy’s pleasant disposition and professional experience will truly be missed by our department. We wish her all the best, in a well-deserved retirement,” Conn says.