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Two Orillia OPP Constables Nominated For Police Hero Award

Laura Hampshire
Mar 16, 2021 | 7:54 PM
Last Updated: Mar 17, 2021 | 7:41 AM

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Two Orillia OPP Constables Nominated For Police Hero Award


PC Kent Taylor and PC Michael Kitchen of Orillia OPP have both been nominated for a Police Hero Award.

Taylor for initiating a program to support and mentor young men in the community and Kitchen for his work as the Orillia OPP Mental Health officer. 

PC Taylor’s nomination states:

In 2016, Court Officer Kent Taylor was invited to initiate and facilitate a community outreach program to support and mentor young men in challenging parental and life circumstances. Orillia and the surrounding community had many supports for young mothers, but none for the fathers. Many of the young men were experiencing challenges in their parental relationships, often involving in the criminal and/or family court systems. This led to Kent’s implementing a one-to-one, twelve week mentoring program… 

Now in its fifth year, the Nurturing Fathers Program has developed a respected relationship with Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions (formerly CAS) and Orillia Probation and Parole. The program has also been positively recognized and recommended by the Family Court in Orillia. Referrals are received from all three organizations as well as other local community support organizations.

Although the mentoring program is only twelve weeks in duration, Kent has found that most of the relationships he has developed with participants continue long after course completion. Orillia Family Connexions reports that those who complete the program afford rave reviews of its positive impact on their lives and parenting relationships. The program has grown at such a rate that more volunteers are being identified and trained to assist with the program.

The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) is proud to facilitate the annual Police Services Hero of the Year Awards program, which provides the public with an opportunity to nominate and recognize their hero for the work they do on behalf of Ontarians. This nomination can be related to a specific event whereby a Police Officer or a Civilian Police Services Employee went above and beyond the call of duty, or it can be in recognition for their ongoing support and involvement within their respective community.

PC Kitchen’s nomination states:

Constable Michael Kitchen began work as the Orillia OPP Mental Health officer in 2018. He has been a constant in the Orillia OPP’s partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the collaboration with them for the Orillia Crisis Outreach and Support Team. Over the years, Constable Kitchen and his COAST partners have managed to conduct approximately 1,000 interventions per year. These interventions are conducted pre-incident and post incident with a goal of guiding individuals into supports or to help them maintain the supports offered to them. This proactive approach has minimized police interactions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many community and government supports shut down. Many community members in crisis had nowhere to turn. Constable Kitchen singlehandedly worked tirelessly to ensure individuals received support. Constable Kitchen engaged hospitals as well as shelters to ensure individuals received access to support. Constable Kitchen was instrumental in getting the COAST program operating again when it had been paused due to COVID. Meeting with CMHA staff as well as engaging Orillia City Council to help urge community and government supports to open in a safe manner.

During the pandemic, the Orillia Detachment has seen mental health calls for service rise 23% with Constable Kitchen and the COAST members working tirelessly to support individuals in crisis and the frontline officers responding to the calls. Due their efforts and success, CMHA has provided a second COAST member to enhance the program.

With his kindness, compassion and work ethic, Constable Kitchen has broken down barriers, built trust and earned the respect and admiration of the Community.

For more details on the nominees and award, please click here.

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