TBPS Announces Recipients of New Internal Awards and Recognition Program

April 2, 2026

The Thunder Bay Police Service is proud to announce the first recipients of its new Internal Awards and Recognition Program. This initiative highlights the exceptional professionalism, courage, and innovation demonstrated by members of the Service in the course of their duties.
 
Constable Ken Ogima and Constable Josh Pugh are being recognized for their actions during a high risk incident on December 26, 2024.
 
Officers responded to reports of an armed individual near Highway 11/17 and Pebblestone Drive.
 
Upon arrival, they located the male, who refused to comply with police commands.
 
The situation escalated when the individual fired at Constable Pugh, narrowly missing him.
 
Constable Ogima acted decisively, returning fire and incapacitating the suspect, preventing further risk to the public and to responding officers. Immediately following the exchange,
 
Constable Pugh began administering first aid to the injured suspect—the same individual who had just attempted to harm him.
 
His actions demonstrated professionalism, composure, and compassion under extreme pressure.
 
Bravery Award & Chief’s Commendation – Constable Ken Ogima
 
Lifesaving Award – Constable Josh Pugh
 
The Service is also recognizing Aaron Dowswell for outstanding contributions that significantly improved operational efficiency between May and December 2024.
 
Through self directed analysis and process redesign, Aaron achieved more than $200,000 in cost savings. A substantial portion of these savings resulted from transitioning numerous 
repair services from external vendors to in house delivery, improving both efficiency and cost effectiveness.
 
Aaron’s initiative, creativity, and willingness to challenge established practices reflect the intent of the Award for Innovation and Problem Solving. His work has had a measurable and lasting impact on the Service.
 
Innovation and Problem-Solving Award – Aaron Dowswell
 
An officer with the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit is being recognized for his actions while responding to a fatal collision on Highway 11/17 near Dorion.
 
Upon arrival, the officer and an off duty paramedic attempted to rescue a driver from a burning vehicle. Despite their efforts, the individual could not be removed. As the fire intensified and the vehicle began to explode, the officer acted quickly to pull the paramedic to safety, preventing further injury or loss of life.
 
Their actions demonstrated courage, clear judgment, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others in life threatening circumstances.
 
Bravery Award – Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Officer
 
These recipients exemplify the dedication, professionalism, and service to community that define the Thunder Bay Police Service. We congratulate each of them on their well deserved recognition.
 
Quotes:
 
“On behalf of the Thunder Bay Police Association (TBPA), I want to commend each of the award recipients for their professionalism, courage, and dedication to public safety,” explained TBPA President Colin Woods.
 
“Their actions reflect the highest standards of policing and demonstrate the commitment our members bring to the community every day. We are proud to see their efforts recognized through this new awards program.”
 
“These individuals exemplify the values and integrity of the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS),” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury.
 
“Their actions—whether in moments of extreme danger or through innovative work that strengthens our operations—demonstrate the professionalism and commitment that define our organization. I congratulate each of the recipients and thank them for their service to our community.”
 

Update - Missing Person - Daniela NEKULIAK, 62

April 2, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to request the public's assistance in locating missing person, Daniela NEKULIAK, 62. Today marks three-weeks since she was last seen. Investigators issued a Northwestern Ontario Region bulletin to all police services in Ontario on March 19, 2026, and continue to follow up on any leads from the community. The investigation remains ongoing. Daniela was last seen on Algoma Street North walking towards Boulevard Lake around 9:30 AM on the morning of March 12, 2026. She is described as a female, that stands roughly 5'4'’ tall with a medium build. She has medium-length grey hair, and brown eyes. If a member of the public spots Daniela, they are asked to call 911. To report any other information regarding the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200.

Charges laid following investigation on Thunder Bay's north end

March 31, 2026
TB26011496 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has led to multiple arrests and charges. On March 28, 2026, officers were sent to a home on Huron Avenue in response to a call regarding an injured individual. When officers arrived, they located an injured man who was transported to a local hospital for treatment. As a result of the investigation, 28-year-old Margaret DIABO from Thunder Bay, and 25-year-old Jayden LACHINETTE are facing the following charges: • Assault with a weapon (two counts) • Forcible confinement (two counts) LACHINETTE has also been charged with failure to comply with an undertaking and failure to comply with a release order. Both of the accused were remanded into custody after their first court appearance.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

March 30, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) investigation has resulted in multiple arrests and charges. On March 27, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to a home on Ogden Street in response to a call for service. The TBPS Intelligence Unit became involved in the investigation. As part of the investigation, officers searched a home in the area. During the search of the home officers located and seized a handgun, suspected cocaine, cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation, 35-year-old Lindberg BAXTER of Thunder Bay and 35-year-old Jordan BEAUDOIN of Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: • Assault (two counts) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, or prohibited device (two counts) • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (two counts) • Forcible confinement BEAUDOIN has also been charged with fail to comply with a probation order. Natasha MENEANO-CHEESEQUAY, a 34-year-old of Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Fail to comply with probation order All three of the accused were remanded into custody after their first court appearance.