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Sarnia Police Service Officer Honoured with Heroes Beyond the Badge Award for Building Relationships with the Aamjiwnaang First Nation
For Immediate Release: September 28, 2026
(Toronto, ON) – 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.
The Heroes Beyond the Badge Program honours an individual or team in a police service whose contributions to policing excellence deserves to be known and appreciated. Individuals and/or teams are recognized for the things beyond “operational” duties that police officers and personnel do to support their colleagues and communities.
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.
To learn more about Constable Tyler Callander and his work with the Aamjiwnaang First Nation, please click on the following articles:
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Quotes:
“Police members play a significantly role in building safe, strong, and healthy communities across Ontario.
The responsibilities they carry are significant and often come with inherent risks that officers willingly accept in service to others. When an officer like Constable Callander goes above-and-beyond the call of duty to make a lasting and positive impact on the communities they serve, it is important that we recognize and celebrate their contributions. I am so proud to join his colleagues, friends, and community in Aamjiwnaang First Nation to thank Cst. Callander for his outstanding and dedicated work.”
Chief Peter Moreira
President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police
“Constable Callander's contributions and commitment to Aamjiwnaang have helped make sure the Sarnia Police Service remains sensitive to the importance of Indigenous perspectives in our approach to our mandate. Tyler has helped the Service establish itself as a credible and influential partner in Indigenous community safety. He has helped the Sarnia Police Service promote Indigenous values of humility, courage, respect, love, honesty, truth, wisdom, and actionable accountability - I have learned much from Officer Callander.”
Interim Chief Mike Frederico
Sarnia Police Service
“GM OnStar Canada is proud to join the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) in recognizing Sarnia Police Service Constable Tyler Callander with the Heroes Beyond the Badge Award for his commitment to building trust and strengthening relationships with the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Indigenous communities in Sarnia.
Constable Callander exemplifies the spirit of Heroes Beyond the Badge. His dedication and humility have made a meaningful difference in the community. We are honoured to join the OACP in recognizing his outstanding service and positive impact.
OnStar has worked with First Responders for more than 25 years to help keep our communities safe, whether it’s a crash, a vehicle theft, or a crisis situation, OnStar is proud to work with public safety professionals. Together, we help save lives and make a difference in the communities they protect and serve. We celebrate all their efforts, and what they sacrifice to keep us safe every day.”
Charlene Poranganel
General Motors Public Safety Engagement Lead
For more information, contact:
Dr. José Luís (Joe) Couto
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Research, and Corporate Communications
T. (416) 926-0424 ext. 22
C. (416) 919-9798
E. media@oacp.ca
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police is the Voice of Ontario’s Police Leaders
Members of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police serve their communities as the senior police leaders in municipal, regional, provincial, National, and First Nations police services across Ontario
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