A Chatham-Kent police staffer with a big heart is walking on cloud nine after being honoured as a finalist and runner up in this year's Police Services Hero of the Year award.
Kristine Herfst Jarvis, who works in the Communications Centre, was honoured with the Police Association of Ontario award for her contributions to the community at CK police headquarters Wednesday afternoon.
Jarvis is a board member with Victim Services and volunteers for the Polar Plunge, Shop with a Cop, food drives, the annual Christmas toy drive, First Responders Easter Eggstavaganza's, the Halloween Haunt, and fundraising events for the Chatham-Kent Woman's Centre.
Jarvis is also a longtime coordinator and granter for Make-a-Wish Children's Foundation, which helps terminally ill and disabled children achieve their dreams and said that's the one that motivates her to be at her best.
"Make-a-Wish though as a wish granter, that's a real tug on my heartstrings. To give those kids the best day of their very troubled lives, there's nothing like that," said Jarvis. "My boss is a baseball coach and involved in hockey and things like that. So, a lot of people here give back to the community."
Jarvis said it's easy to give back to the community because she works in a culture that encourages it. Jarvis said she also has a special spot in her heart for the Christmas toy drive.
"No Kid Without a Christmas, Christmas is very near and dear to my heart. It gives so generously here to the toys that we give and we increase it every year which always impresses me, and surprises me, and delights me," Jarvis said.
Officer Gary Oriet was also nominated this year for helping deliver a baby girl last summer.