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The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), in partnership with General Motors and OnStar Canada, is proud to recognize the outstanding work of Constable Tyler Callander with the Heroes Beyond the Badge Award. The latest award recipient is being celebrated for his commitment to building relationships with the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and its members.
In 2023, Constable Callander became the Service’s first Aamjiwnaang Community Officer, as selected by the Aamjiwnaang First Nation Council. Originally, the position was designed to focus on non-enforcement and building relationships between First Nations and police. However, with the rapport he has built over the years, members often want to meet with “Officer Tyler” to share concerns or have their outstanding warrants addressed, preferring to interact with an officer whom they trust.
When Cst. Callander first applied to the role, he indicated he had been considering such a position since starting his career and intended on doing everything he could to make it a success. Cst. Callender has since committed much of his professional and personal time to building relationships with the First Nation community and its members, and along with his branded Aamjiwnaang Heritage Cruiser, designed by an AFN member, Cst. Callander is a constant fixture at community events, both on and off the First Nation.
Today, Cst. Callander has also extended his efforts to the urban Indigenous population in Sarnia, working closely with the Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre, developing a trusting relationship with Indigenous peoples living within the City of Sarnia.
Cst. Callander continues to serve as the Aamjiwnaang Community Officer. He also volunteers for the Sarnia Police Peer Support Team and is the Crisis Negotiation Team Leader. He is an active community volunteer, coaching youth sports and serving on the Board of Directors for the Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre.
Cst. Callander grew up in Sarnia, in the tight-knit community of Bright’s Grove. A graduate of the Lambton College police foundations program, he went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Windsor. Cst. Callander initially worked with the Canadian Border Services Agency following his graduation and has been a member of the Sarnia Police Service since 2009. Cst. Callander served as a general patrol officer and a detective constable in the criminal investigation division. He is a second-generation police officer whose father also served with the Sarnia Police Service for 36 years.
The OACP and General Motors and OnStar Canada are proud to honour Constable Callander for making a difference in the lives of so many people in Sarnia and Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
Click HERE for the full media release.