Honoring Our 911 Communications Operators – National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

April 11, 2025

April 13 – 19 marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) recognizes this as a time to celebrate dedicated 911 Communications Operators. These professionals are the critical link between those in need and the help they require during moments of crisis. Their ability to remain calm under pressure, gather vital information, and dispatch emergency responders is a testament to their unique skills and unwavering commitment.

 

“Our 911 Operators play a crucial role in keeping our community safe, working behind the scenes to ensure that police officers and firefighters can respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. Their efforts are invaluable, and they deserve to be recognized for the sacrifices they make every day,” noted TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury.

 

Everyone is encouraged to take a moment to celebrate the incredible team of 911 Communications Operators serving our community. Their work often goes unnoticed, but it is essential to the safety and well-being of us all.

 

The following profiles demonstrate the extraordinary commitment of TBPS 911 Communications Operators.

 

Balancing High-Stakes Calls with Heartfelt Teamwork

 

Chantel Randell was looking for a career change where she could have a real impact. Today, as a TBPS 911 Communications Operator, Chantel makes a difference every single shift.

 

Emergency calls are unpredictable and managing them takes skill. “The ever-changing nature of the work is one of the aspects I truly enjoy,” Chantel says.

 

Communication and team trust are essential to ensuring callers get the help they need, and first responders receive accurate information. “This is where the strength of our teamwork truly shines,” Chantel says.

 

“There was one call that took everything we had—our focus, our energy, and our teamwork,” Chantel recalls. After the crisis, the team took time to check in with each other and share a moment of self-care, even sharing ice cream to decompress. “We have each other’s backs. This is what sets us apart.”

 

Skilled 911 Operators make the difference in emergency responses

 

Sarah Stanley is one of the talented Communications Operators at TBPS. Her past experience as a Park Warden sparked an interest in enforcement, and a friend encouraged her to explore the role of a 911 communications operator. That’s where Sarah found a fulfilling and dynamic career.

 

Each day brings different responsibilities for Sarah, as she rotates between dispatching for both police and fire services. Her tasks can range from taking 911 calls to dispatching emergency responders for situations involving fire, alarms, or ambulance assists. Getting people the help they need sometimes means asking a lot of questions. Sarah especially appreciates when callers are patient and cooperative. “The faster we get accurate information, the faster we can assess what kind of help to get you,” she notes.

 

While Sarah’s training in-class and hands-on training was extensive, it is the strong teamwork in the Communications Centre that results in smooth responses. “The multi-tasking and efficient communication with co-workers are key to handling emergencies,” says Sarah. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys sports, crafting, and spending time with her husband and dog.

 

As a way to honour 911 Operators, members of the community can follow these tips for using 911:

 

Call with real emergencies:

•             Serious medical problems

•             Life-threatening situations

•             Fires

•             Crimes in progress

 

For police non-emergencies, call 807-684-1200:

•             Crimes where the suspect is already gone and not in progress

•             Accidents that only involve property damage

 

Be patient. Even after sending help your way, the 911 Operator may need a lot of details. The questions they ask may not seem important to you – but they are.   

 

Teach your children to use 911 properly. Use realistic examples of when to call. Make sure they know to get to safe spot, have a fire plan, and know to call 911 as soon as possible. 

 

Don’t hang up if you call by accident. Stay on the line and let the 911 Operator know you called by mistake. This avoids call-backs to make sure you’re ok. 

 

 

Megan Petzel, Supervisor – Communications Centre

Thunder Bay Police Service

807-630-3294

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation leads to charges

April 29, 2026
TB26015704 An investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Break, Enter, and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges. The investigation led to a home and vehicle being searched in the Limbrick Street area on April 28, 2026. During the searches suspected crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl, morphine capsules, items associated with drug trafficking and over $8,000 Canadian cash was seized. The approximate total value of the suspected controlled substances is $81,600.00. As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old Justine BEELEY of Thunder Bay and 43-year-old Jeffery MCCARTHY of Thunder Bay are 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 Both of the accused were released from custody following their first court appearance, with a future court date.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to numerous charges

April 29, 2026
TB26007663, TB26008444, TB26015656 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On February 28, 2026, officers with the Traffic Unit were on patrol in the Simpson Street area. A bright blue Dodge pickup truck was seen exiting a business parking lot with invalid plates. Officers determined that the driver of the vehicle was using a plate not authorized for the vehicle, and initiated a traffic stop on Walsh Street East. While an officer was approaching the vehicle, the driver put the car in reverse and drove towards the officer at a high rate of speed hitting a police cruiser, before leaving the scene. No officers sustained injuries during the interaction. The pickup truck was located a short while later at the intersection of Arthur Street East and Syndicate Avenue south in a snowbank. The driver had fled the scene. On March 6, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were on patrol in the Windsor Street South area when they located a sleeping driver behind the wheel of a running vehicle with incorrect plates. When officers tried to speak to the driver, they fled the scene. On April 28, 2026, officers located the suspect in both incidents. Officers with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit arrested the suspect in the Pearl Street area while on patrol as part of Project Support an initiative aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The arrest occurred following a brief foot pursuit. As a result of multiple investigations, 40-year-old Randall NAULT from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice (identity fraud) • Operation while prohibited under the criminal code (three counts) • Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance • Dangerous operation (two counts) • Flight from peace officer (two counts) • Failure to comply with release order (five counts) • Aggravated assault of peace officer (Assault Level 3) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Failure to stop after accident (two counts) • Theft under $5,000 • Resist peace officer The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance. Thank you to members of the public for their assistance with identifying the accused following a Thunder Bay Police Service public appeal for information.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigating collision involving pedestrian and train

April 27, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a sudden death following a collision involving a train and a pedestrian. The incident occurred on the evening of April 25, 2026, near Fort William Road. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to the scene where a deceased individual was located. The Forensic Identification Unit and Traffic Unit are involved in the investigation. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as appropriate.