TPS Officers Honoured with Heroes Beyond the Badge Award for Empowering Young Women

TPS Officers Honoured with Heroes Beyond the Badge Award for Empowering Young Women Through Innovative Workshop Series

For Immediate Release: July 16, 2025

From Left to Right: Charlene Poranganel, General Motors Public Safety Engagement Lead; Paul Pedersen, OACP Executive Director, TPS Constables Jessie Oldfield, Melinda Mantle and Claudia Bednarczyk; Chief Myron Demkiw. Not pictured: Constable Kathleen Petersen.

(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 a team of police officers from Toronto Police Service with the Heroes Beyond the Badge Award. Four honourees — Constables Jessie Oldfield, Kathleen Petersen, Melinda Mantle, and Claudia Bednarczyk — are being celebrated for their leadership in organizing and expanding the Young Women Empowerment Workshop, a vital initiative aimed at educating and inspiring female youth in the Malvern and greater Scarborough communities.

The Heroes Beyond the Badge program honours an individual or team in a police service whose contributions to policing excellence deserve 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.

Originally launched before the COVID-19 pandemic in response to concerns about the trafficking of young women in the Malvern area, the Young Women Empowerment Workshop was developed collaboratively by officers, the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP), and local partners. After a temporary hiatus, the program resumed post-pandemic with an expanded format — and has continued to grow in both scope and impact.

In May 2025, the workshop expanded to three days. This year’s event welcomed a total of 109 youth participants: two days were dedicated to high school students, and a third day to grades 7–8. For the first time, the organizing team also welcomed a parent volunteer to assist with the younger age group, strengthening community involvement.

The 2025 workshop featured impactful presentations on topics such as Human Trafficking, Healthy Relationships, and social media. Victim Services of Toronto partnered in the event to share vital information about available supports, and their trauma dog Penny attended to provide comfort to youth following the human trafficking session — a topic that can be triggering and emotionally heavy.

Feedback from attendees and community partners has been overwhelmingly positive. Organizers attribute much of the program’s continued success to positive word-of-mouth from past participants. The serene setting of the Toronto Zoo, where the workshop is held, offers a warm and welcoming environment for youth to feel safe, supported, and empowered.

Constables Claudia Bednarczyk and Jessie Oldfield of 42 Division joined the organizing team this year, working alongside committed community stakeholders to ensure the workshop remains inclusive, engaging, and meaningful.

While organizers continue to reflect and improve the program each year, the steady growth in participation speaks volumes. Planning is already underway for next year’s event: the 2026 Young Women Empowerment Workshop will be held on May 26, 27, and 28 at the Toronto Zoo.

The compassion, dedication, inclusivity, professionalism, and collaboration demonstrated by these four Toronto Police Service Constables exemplify policing excellence and an unwavering commitment to community safety and well-being. The OACP and General Motors OnStar Canada are proud to honour these latest award recipients as true heroes beyond the badge.

Quotes:

"The Young Women Empowerment Workshop is a shining example of what community-focused policing looks like. Constables Oldfield, Petersen, Mantle, and Bednarczyk have shown exceptional leadership and compassion in creating a safe, supportive space where young women can learn, grow, and feel empowered. Their dedication goes beyond the badge — it builds trust, fosters resilience, and uplifts the very communities we are sworn to serve. The OACP is proud to honour them with this well-deserved recognition."

- Chief Mark Campbell

President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

“This recognition highlights not only the incredible work our officers are doing beyond their regular duties, but also the commitment each and every member has to community-focused policing in Toronto. The success of the Young Women Empowerment Workshop, with over 100 youth attending this year, is the result of strong partnerships with CCRP and local partners who all share a genuine commitment to community and investing in the wellbeing of our young people.”

- Chief Myron Demkiw

Toronto Police Service

“At General Motors, OnStar, our commitment to community and public safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are incredibly proud to recognize the powerful leadership of Constables Oldfield, Petersen, Mantle, and Bednarczyk for coming together to organize a transformative workshop dedicated to empowering young women and addressing the challenges they face in today’s world. Their dedication to education, advocacy, and positive change is not only inspiring – it is foundational to building stronger, safer communities. Their work exemplifies what it means to turn concern into action, and action into lasting impact. This is a true example of Heroes Beyond the Badge.”

OnStar has worked with First Responders for almost 30 years to help keep communities safe. Whether it’s a crash, a vehicle theft, or in crisis situations, 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

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