April 2026

April 9, 2026

Police Services Hero of the Year Award Nominees

 

Three Thunder Bay Police Service members have been nominated for provincial Police Service Hero Awards. The Police Association of Ontario program invites members of the public to nominate their heroes for their bravery, dedication, and community contributions. Winners will be announced and celebrated on May 28. Congratulations to these TBPS nominees:

 

Ken Ogima – On-Duty Difference Maker (Uniform)


On December 26, 2024, Cst. Ken Ogima responded to a call involving an armed male on Hwy 11/17. When the suspect pointed a firearm at Cst. Josh Pugh and discharged a round into a police cruiser, Cst. Ogima made a split-second decision. Firing one round, he stopped the threat and prevented serious harm or death to his colleague. Officers then provided first aid. Cst. Ogima’s decisive, courageous actions reflect exceptional bravery and a steadfast commitment to protecting life under extreme risk.


Sergeant Sean Shorrock – Community Role Model


Sgt. Sean Shorrock has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication through his long-standing involvement with the Thunder Bay Police Youth Corps. Since 1998, he has mentored youth, helping build confidence, leadership, and community engagement. As Commanding Officer, he has guided the program’s growth, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to develop life skills and positive relationships with police. His influence extends beyond the program, inspiring youth to pursue education, service, and leadership. Sgt. Shorrock’s commitment has strengthened community connections and made a lasting impact on countless young people

Olivia Gater – On-Duty Difference Maker (Civilian)


Olivia Gater, Social Navigation Coordinator, plays a vital role connecting vulnerable individuals with critical supports. Working across multiple investigative units, she provides advocacy and case management to address underlying social issues. Since 2023, she has significantly expanded program reach, increasing referrals dramatically and developing initiatives like ReconnectU and InReach. Olivia’s work has directly improved outcomes for high-risk individuals, including victims of trafficking and those facing homelessness. Through strong partnerships and innovative programming, she enhances both individual well-being and community safety, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.

Officers reduce risk posed by potential threat

 


Small, easily concealed firearms—such as “switch guns” like the one pictured here, or weapons designed to look like everyday items like cell phones—are changing how police respond to calls in our community. When officers cannot easily identify a weapon, they must prepare for the possibility that one is present. For incidents like disturbances or suspicious person calls, or even when a call appears routine, police may need to respond with more officers and take additional time to assess the situation. These steps reduce risk and ensure everyone’s safety when a potential threat may not be immediately visible. This reality can also affect officer well-being. Constantly operating with the awareness that an increased serious threat could be concealed in something as ordinary as a phone adds to the already demanding nature of policing. Our service continues to invest in training and mental health supports to help officers manage these challenges. 

Police Service Gala will return after raising $68,502.50 for local charities

 

“I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported this vision—from early contributors to attendees and organizers,” said Thunder Bay Police Chief Darcy Fleury.


The Gala raised $68,502.50 for two incredible local organizations - Special Olympics Thunder Bay and the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay and highlights the strength of community and partnership.

Funds were raised through generous sponsors including RBC, Motorola, Firedog Communications, and Acadia Broadcasting/yourthunderbay.ca, along with donated artwork from the Estate of Norval Morrisseau and auction items from local businesses. 


Leaders from both organizations thanked the community for its generosity and shared the impact of the funds.

Albert Aiello, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay (pictured here with TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury), said the funds will empower local youth by building confidence and creating opportunities.


Cody Jansma, President & CEO of Special Olympics Ontario, noted the funds are vital in supporting local athletes across 19 sports, helping offset rising travel costs and ensuring continued access to inclusive, high-quality competition.

Planning for the 2027 event will begin shortly.

A World of Choices


For high school students, choosing a career path can be a challenge. That’s why JA Northern and Eastern Ontario hosts “World of Choices”, an opportunity for local students to spend time with career mentors in areas of interest. TBPS is pleased to both sponsor and take part in this event on April 30. Our members will be on hand to give students a chance to learn about cyber crime, communications operations and other career opportunities with our service.

 

To learn more about career opportunities and how you can make a difference in your community, visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers

 

Submit your question anytime to news@thunderbaypolice.ca.

Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board

 

 March was a busy month at the Board. At the March Board meeting, Inspector Grieve presented three Service reports:

 

Missing Persons Report 


From January 1to December 31, 2025, the Thunder Bay Police Service received a total of 810 reports of missing persons. The gender identity of the total number of missing persons was: Females - 499, Males – 309, Gender X – 2. The number of missing persons investigations where foul play was suspected is reported to be zero.

 

Sudden Unexplained Death Report


The Thunder Bay Police Service Board was also presented with the annual report on sudden death investigations for 2025. The Thunder Bay Police Service reported a total number of Sudden Death Investigations to have been 327. Of this, seven were determined to be Homicides, five deemed accidental, 18 suicidal deaths, 194 natural deaths and the total number of undetermined deaths is eight. The remaining number of reported deaths would include those that remain in the open classification status, fatal motor vehicle collisions, and overdose/apparent overdose.

 

Firearms Data Submission Report


The purpose of this report is to disclose to the Ministry of the Solicitor General a listing of firearms that came into the possession of the Thunder Bay Police Service during the 2025 calendar year.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The report noted 190 firearms seized in the 2025 calendar year. 2025 saw a 29% decrease in firearms seized.

 

Other News


A budget update will be presented at the next Board meeting, on April 21. Executive Director Mark Figliomeni will be departing and a search for a new Executive Director is underway. The Board has also released its quarterly report for the period reflecting September, October, November, and December 2025. The report may be viewed here. 

 

Board Meetings


The Board welcomes members of the public and media to attend each meeting in -person, at Board Headquarters at 1111 Victoria Ave E, Unit #102. Alternatively, members of the public and media may view Board meetings ‘live’ via the Board’s livestream: http://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html

 

Board Meetings are also broadcast ‘live’ locally on Rogers TV Thunder Bay (Channel 10 and 105 for Rogers Cable subscribers.)

 

The next Board meeting is Tuesday April 21, 2026.

Thunder Bay Police Service brings professional development training closer to home

June 12, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) hosted the Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) at the TBPS Station from June 8 to 12, 2026, bringing the training program closer to home. SLI is an FBI-LEEDA program — they’re the gold standard for law enforcement leadership training in North America. FBI-LEEDA — the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association — is a private, non-profit organization that grew out of the FBI’s executive training programs. The program operates independently and is not part of the FBI. The course runs for five days and is open to front-line supervisors and any police leaders, sworn or civilian. The Ontario Provincial Police, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, and the University of North Dakota Police Service participated in the course alongside TBPS. There was a total of 24 participants, 16 of which were members of TBPS. The instructor is Chief David Boggs, a retired Chief of Police out of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, FBI National Academy grad, and an FBI Executive Teaching Fellow. The course covers leadership principles, building credibility, discipline and supervisor liability, and participants do a personal DISC leadership style assessment. The DISC leadership assessment is a behavioral profiling tool that categorizes individuals into four primary personality styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. “Supervisors who complete the SLI return with practical, immediately applicable leadership skills — better equipped to manage their teams, handle discipline consistently and defensibly, and build credibility with the people they lead,” explained TBPS Inspector of Operational Support Jason Rybak. “It strengthens the overall quality of supervision across the organization and contributes to a more professional, accountable police service.” Today it is recognized as the leading provider of law enforcement leadership education in North America, having trained tens of thousands of officers and leaders across hundreds of courses annually. “Strong supervision produces better policing,” added Rybak. “When front-line supervisors lead with credibility, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions, it translates directly into how officers interact with the public. Communities benefit from a police service where leadership at every level is intentional, accountable, and committed to continuous improvement.” Their core program is the Leadership Trilogy — three progressive courses targeting every level of police leadership: • The Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) • Command Leadership Institute (CLI) • Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) Graduates who have completed all three programs also earn transferable college credit upon completion.

Cyber crime investigation leads to charges

June 10, 2026
TB26015221 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. On April 23, 2026, officers received a report from another police agency regarding potential child sexual abuse and exploitation in Thunder Bay. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified. On April 29, 2026, officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s south side and seized multiple electronic devices. On June 10, 2026, a suspect surrendered themself at the Thunder Bay Police Service Station at 1200 Balmoral Street. As a result of the investigation, 50-year-old Michael SCORGIE of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Luring a person under 16-years of age by means of telecommunications (two counts) • Arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 16-years of age (two counts) • Arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 18-years of age • Make prints, publishes or possesses for the purpose of publication of any child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.

Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges

June 9, 2026
TB26021214 Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On June 5, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located a driver asleep behind their steering wheel with the vehicle running in the Picton Avenue and Blucher Crescent area. Further investigation led to a search of the vehicle. During the search officers located and seized over 115 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 587 grams of suspected crack cocaine, cash, and items associated with drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $150,000. As a result of the investigation, 49-year-old Jermaine WILSON, of Brampton, Ontario is facing the following charges: · Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine · Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid · Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.