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

Missing Person: Ivory PANACHEESE, 24

August 29, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Ivory PANACHEESE. PANACHEESE is described as an Indigenous female standing approximately 5’10” weighing roughly 140 lbs, with shoulder-length blonde hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of the letter R near her left eye.  If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Fraud Friday: AI generated scam videos

August 28, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents to be cautious when viewing online videos and advertisements that promote investment opportunities, cryptocurrency purchases, or quick‑profit schemes. TBPS has received reports regarding this type of scam before. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. Fraudsters are increasingly using AI‑generated videos to make their scams appear legitimate. These videos may feature fabricated spokespeople, altered public figures, or realistic‑looking presenters encouraging viewers to invest or send money. AI‑generated content can be difficult to spot, but there are common red flags. Protect yourself: • Inconsistencies with speech and mouth movements, or a speaker who appears unnaturally still. • Inconsistencies in lighting. • Eyes that lack vibrancy or appear unnatural. • Blurred edges, angles, or facial features, including “face wobble.” • Unnatural eye direction or blinking. • Missing facial features or missing details in glasses, hair, or teeth. • Overly smooth skin. • Misalignment in facial symmetry or features that do not match (for example, ears that differ noticeably). Verify any offers by contacting the company directly using a trusted source of information. If a video or advertisement seems suspicious, do not engage with it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service.  If you have lost money or disclosed personal or financial information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm ).

Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to charges

August 27, 2026
TB26004555 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in February 2026, in response to a report of an individual possessing and attempting to access Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) through the Bing search engine. In July a home was searched on Thunder Bay’s south end leading to the seizure of 10 electronic devices. On August 26, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in to the Thunder Bay Police Service Station. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Blair O’CONNOR from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Access 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.