October 2025

October 23, 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

Appendix #2: TBPS Employee Survey Summary

Appendix #3: Community Consultation 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


Thunder Bay Police Service investigating criminal harassment

February 7, 2026
TB26003763, TB26003756, TB26004039 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing an investigation into criminal harassment. Officers began an investigation into a suspicious vehicle on January 28, 2026, following multiple reports about the vehicle – a silver older model of Dodge Ram pickup truck. A person in the same truck has been seen attempting to pick up females in Thunder Bay’s downtown cores. The driver is described as an Indigenous male, roughly 40-50 years-old, with a heavy build and a shaved head. The Major Crime Unit, Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit (CORE), and the Break and Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Officers with the BEAR Unit located and arrested a suspect in the case on January 30, 2026. The Thunder Bay Police Service is looking for other victims that may have been impacted. A tip line (807) - 701 - 5417 has been established. Those providing information to the tip line must include their name and phone number so investigators can follow up. If you wish to provide information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

February 6, 2026
TB26004504 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges. Officers with the Intelligence Unit searched a home on Margaret Street on February, 03, 2026, as part of the investigation. During the search suspected cocaine, fentanyl, cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking were seized. Two people in the home were also arrested. As a result of the investigation, 55-year-old Lynda MCCALLUM from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Failure to comply with release order MCCALLUM remains in custody with a future court date. The second suspect has been released with a future court date and is not being named until their charges are read before the court.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to charges

February 6, 2026
TB26004395 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into a shooting incident has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to the Vale Crescent area on February 02, 2026, around 10:45 p.m. Officers located an injured victim who was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the investigation and identified a suspect. Officers with the Major Crime, Break and Enter and Robbery, Emergency Task, and Intelligence Units arrested a youth offender on February 05, 2026 in the Dawson Road area. As a result, a 17-year-old is facing the following charges: • Attempt to commit murder using firearm • Robbery with intent (two counts) • Reckless discharge of a firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Unauthorized possession of a firearm • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order The accused also has additional outstanding warrants with the Thunder Bay Police Service. They remain in custody with a future court date.