October 2025
Youth Corps building tomorrow’s leaders
Sergeant Sean Shorrock is the Commanding Officer of the TBPS Youth Corps.
“I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this program has on our youth and our community,” said Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Sergeant Sean Shorrock, who is also Commanding Officer of the TBPS Youth Corps.
It’s more than a leadership program — it’s a powerful bridge between young people and law enforcement.
The program gives youth, especially those from diverse backgrounds, opportunity to engage with policing in a positive, supportive environment. They develop leadership skills, discipline, and a sense of responsibility — all while learning about teamwork, public service, and community building.
“One of the most rewarding parts is watching young people gain confidence in themselves and their future. Many of our Youth Corps members go on to pursue careers in law enforcement, social services, and other public-facing roles, and it all starts with giving them a space where they feel seen, heard, and valued,” Shorrock said.
The Thunder Bay Police Youth Corps is a free program – even the uniforms are provided. Do you know a youth between 13-15 who wants to be a future community leader? Learn more at www.tbpoliceyouthcorps.com or check out the Key at https://thekeytbay.ca/fall-2025/city-of-thunder-bay/
Gang prevention – Keeping youth safe
Connecting with young people before negative influences take hold can save lives.
This September, our Operational Support Branch led a series of impactful gang prevention presentations in local and regional schools. Feature speaker Tania Ross, originally from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, grew up in Winnipeg’s north end and in Edmonton. As a teenager, she became involved in the gang lifestyle, which ultimately led to 20 years of incarceration. Today, she has transformed her life and now works as a motivational speaker and manager of a healing lodge for at-risk youth in Manitoba.
Tania encouraged students to embrace their authentic selves and to seek support from trusted people in their lives when facing difficult situations. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of second chances, resilience, and the strength found in asking for help.
This initiative was made possible through funding from the Province of Ontario’s Proceeds of Crime Frontline Policing Grant and is part of our ongoing partnership with the Youth and Family Support Program.
Memorial Service honours fallen police and peace officers
For the first time, the local and national Police and Peace Officers Memorial Services were combined.
TBPS Constable Craig Town was honoured as part of the National Memorial Service in Ottawa, with his name being engraved on the Honour Roll tablet there. It was important to Live-stream the national service as part of our service – and be connected in time and spirit.
Members of the Town family, along with several TBPS members, attended in Ottawa, where Deputy Chief Jeremy Pearson was the Honorary Parade Commander. In Thunder Bay, Acting Chief Ryan Hughes spoke to guests gathered at Lakehead University.
“We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made in the line of duty by John Kusznier, and the contributions and tragic loss of Joe Prevett. We remember Constable Craig Town, who survived a serious gunshot injury sustained in the line of duty in 1991. We gather not only in their memory but in honour of all police and peace officers who have given their lives in service across Canada,” he said.
We remember the fallen. We honour their legacy. And we carry their spirit forward in all we do.
Truth and Reconciliation: a commitment to meaningful action
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the TBPS proudly raised the Survivors’ Flag - an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation extends well beyond this day.
At the heart of our efforts is a deep respect and gratitude for the members of the Indigenous Leadership Collaborative - an advisory body to Chief Darcy Fleury. These dedicated leaders of Indigenous organizations, groups and communities apply their combined wisdom, lived experiences, and cultural knowledge to help advance our Truth & Reconciliation Action Plan. The plan anchors our commitment to meaningful change with five clear goals: Engage, Support, Recruit, Communicate, and Act.
Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board
2025-2028 Strategic Plan
The Thunder Bay Police Service Board is pleased to present its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, in partnership with the Thunder Bay Police Service. The Plan sets the direction for policing in Thunder Bay over the next three years.
The Plan establishes clear priorities for the Police Service Board’s governance role, and informs the operational planning and service delivery led by the Chief of Police and the Service’s leadership team.
Developed through extensive community and stakeholder consultation, the plan emphasizes public safety, accountability, transparency, and fairness, while remaining adaptable to emerging needs.
Progress will be measured, reported, and shared to ensure effective, responsive, and trustworthy policing for the community.
We encourage members of our communities, stakeholders, and media, to review the Plan and the following summaries: 2025-2028 Strategic Plan
Appendix #1: 2024 TBPS Statistics Summary
Thank You, Wayne!
The Thunder Bay Police Service Board extends its appreciation to Wayne Bahlieda for his service and contributions during his most recent term as Board member, which concluded on September 6th.
Mr. Bahlieda has been a valued member of the Board over the past two years, chairing the Labour Relations and Bargaining Committees and serving on the Hiring Committee. Through these roles, he has played a significant part in ensuring the Board’s effective governance and fulfillment of its oversight responsibilities.
This marks Mr. Bahlieda’s second tenure with the Board, having previously served from 2003 to 2010.
As Bahlieda’s role was assigned as a ‘provincial appointment,’ the province is responsible for appointing a new board member.
Executive Director Recruitment
In the spring, the Board embarked on a search for a new Executive Director.
Unfortunately, the Board was unable to secure a contract with an applicant.
As such, the position was reposted, and the Board is seeking additional applicants.
At this time, we anticipate the hiring process will be complete within approximately six weeks following the close of the posting.
Board Meetings
The next Board meeting is October 21st, 2025.
Watch next month’s meeting LIVE:
https://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html
