September 2025
September 8, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service continues its Chat with the Chief community information sessions this fall.
"As your Chief of Police, I believe open dialogue is the foundation of trust,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “These events are your space to ask questions, voice concerns, and help us build a safer, stronger community together. Every comment matters, and every voice is welcome."
Join Chief Darcy Fleury:
- October 15 at 6:00 pm at the Mary JL Black Library
- November 12 at 12:30 pm at Confederation College
Everyone is welcome to submit questions in advance at https://forms.office.com/r/gr91tUJkkv.
A 911 call unfolds
There's been a motor vehicle accident and someone is injured. Several witnesses call 911.
At the Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters, communications operators first confirm the location and nature of the incident. They then enter the information into a dispatch system that prioritizes calls based on urgency.
Coordinating the response:
- Both police and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue (TBFR) are dispatched, since there is an injury, possible extrication may be required and/or hazards around the damaged vehicles.
- Operators connect callers with Superior North EMS to assess the medical needs, dispatch their units, and give first aid instruction to the caller.
- The TBPS and TBFR Dispatcher keep in contact with police and firefighters to share information to aid their response.
- Operators collect contact information of callers/witnesses for possible follow-up.
On the scene:
- Saving lives is the priority for all responders. Once victims are given aid and made safe, the Sergeant on scene will decide if the accident requires an investigation. If so, the road may be closed to preserve the scene and allow the Traffic division to collect evidence, document the accident and interview witnesses. They may also conduct tests to determine whether any drivers are impaired.
Investigation and follow-up:
- Investigating officers dictate their reports, which are transcribed by our records department. Additional interviews and follow-up calls may be performed by the appropriate officers in the days to come. Arrests or charges depend on the outcome of the investigation.
The calm in crisis:
- “Their work is often unseen, but it is essential. From handling complex technology to making life-saving decisions in seconds — communications officers are the silent lifeline connecting the community to safety.”
- Megan Petzel, Manager of the Communications Centre
The accident scenario shows one of many ways the highly trained Communications Centre team works behind the scenes.
At each operator’s workstation are seven active screens supporting critical pieces of the emergency response process. Here’s how they serve you:
- Rapid response begins with a high-tech system that lets us answer all 911, emergency, and non-emergency calls via a headset and screen.
- Computer-Aided Dispatch means we can dispatch officers and firefighters within seconds.
- We use the Records Management System to check past reports, address history, officer safety alerts and more to prepare officers before they even arrive at a call.
- We have specific tools for texting a person who can’t speak during an emergency. When someone is hiding, threatened, or physically unable to talk, this ensures no one is left unheard.
- Advanced mapping and location tools are used to find people who can’t describe where they are. We’ve located missing persons, responded to domestic violence situations, and helped track people in mental health distress who didn’t know their own location.
- Specialized tools and real-time location data are used to track suspects — aiding in everything from robbery cases to locating stolen property.
- When disaster strikes or call volume surges, we rely on real-time data monitoring and trend tracking to adapt quickly, maintain service, and ensure emergency resources are used effectively.
- Operators expertly manage the programs while also listening to multiple police radio channels, dispatching officers, tracking their safety, and passing along critical information in real-time. This is how communications operators answer the call.
Interesting in Answering the Call? We are currently accepting applications for Communication Operator positions and encourage all candidates who are seeking a rewarding career, who value diversity and are committed to providing our community with exceptional service to apply. Visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers/communication-operator
Update from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board
The Board looks forward to a productive and eventful month ahead. The Board’s next meeting is September 16th, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Watch the next meeting LIVE here: https://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html
TB24050228 The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has completed a search for evidence at the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility as part of an ongoing homicide investigation in the city. No new evidence was discovered as a result of this search. “Providing closure for the family has been our priority,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “Conducting this search was both necessary and appropriate, regardless of the outcome.” The TBPS extends its ongoing support to Deborah’s family and community, mindful that this update may be painful and, for some, deeply traumatic. Throughout the course of this investigation, the TBPS investigative team has remained in close partnership with Deborah’s family and expresses sincere appreciation to Nishnawbe Aski Nation for their steadfast support. The TBPS thanks the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Lac Seul Police Service and the City of Thunder Bay for assistance with the search. This includes providing members to conduct searches, coordination support, PPE and a command post. The TBPS anticipates seeking provincial and federal assistance in cost recovery. The search began on Monday, September 22, 2025 and ended on November 21, 2025. This activity is inseparable from the national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), a tragedy in which Indigenous women and girls continue to face disproportionate risks of violence and disappearance compared to non Indigenous women and girls. Anyone who may be affected by this development is encouraged to seek strength and guidance through family, Elders, or community based supports, including the resources listed below. This effort followed previous searches of areas of the south side of the city that were conducted earlier this year and at the end of last year. An investigation into locating missing person Deborah Anishinabie was triggered in December 2024, before becoming a homicide investigation. Through the course of the investigation Levi Michael LAWSON was charged with Indignity to a Human Body and Second Degree Murder in relation to the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . Support resources: • Beendigen: Crisis Line: 807-346-HELP (4357) or 1-888-200-9997 • Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre: 807-345-5840 or 1-855-345-5840 • NAN Hope 1-844-NAN-HOPE (626-4673) • Ontario Native Women’s Association: 1-800-667-0816 • Anishnawbe Mushkiki: Phone: 807-623-0383 • Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services: 807-684-1051
TB25049002, TB25048804, TB25047495, TB25049068 An investigation into multiple break and enters at a local business on the city’s south end has led to charges. On December 16, officers on patrol responded to a report of a break and enter taking place at a business on James Street South around 1:40 a.m. A pedestrian in the area saw two people breaking into a business. Responding officers found that one of the windows of the front door of the business had been broken and merchandise was stolen. The suspects had left prior to police arrival. The Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Further investigation led to two suspects being located and arrested later that same day. The investigation determined that the suspects were involved in a total of four incidents at the same location between December 3, and December 16. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Megan Towedo from Thunder Bay has been charged with: • Break and Enter x4 • Disguise with intent x4 32-year-old Dakota Sagutch from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Break and Enter x4 • Disguise with intent x3 • Breach of Probation x4 The accused remain in custody with future court dates.
As we enter the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes for a safe, healthy, and joyful time with your families. Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives with us this year—at Chat with the Chief events, the Chamber of Commerce Leaders’ Luncheon, through surveys, and other community engagements. Your input continues to help shape the future of policing in Thunder Bay. Another opportunity to share your voice is now available. The Citizen Satisfaction Survey about the Thunder Bay Police Service is now available. It asks for feedback on policing priorities, reasons crimes may go unreported, respect for the public, and overall service quality. If you see an ad on social media, I encourage you to participate. If not, you can still take part here: https://surveys.zencity.io/thunder-bay-ps/CtAdnO/en?s=sd Last month, we were joined by many community members for the Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The initiative began here in 2019, inspired by now retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau and supported by the Thunder Bay Police Association. This year, we were proud to see several police services across Ontario host their own ceremonies for the first time, using the toolkit developed by our team. I also want to recognize the Thunder Bay Police Association members who volunteered to bring the Parade of Lights to our community in support of four important charities. Their dedication reflects the strong commitment our members show on and off duty. Finally, thank you to the City of Thunder Bay for its commitment to improving our headquarters. These upgrades will address long-standing health, safety, space, and technology deficiencies and support modern policing needs. This investment will make a meaningful difference for our members and the community we serve. We have much to look forward to in 2026. I wish you and your families every happiness in the year ahead. Happy holidays, Chief Darcy Fleury
