Celebrating Excellence
in Policing
Your participation in the 21st Annual Durham Regional Police Appreciation and Awards Dinner helps us invest in the place we live, work and play.
About Us
The Police Appreciation Dinner and Awards Night (PADAN) in Durham Region began in 2002 when two business leaders approached Chief Kevin McAlpine with an idea to celebrate excellence in policing. Moe Pringle and Blair McArthur wanted a chance for citizens to say “thank you” to the women and men who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe.
From its humble beginnings at Trafalgar Castle in Whitby to the present-day event, this gala evening has sold out every year. It’s the highlight of the social calendar.
The secret to this success? Real stories about heroism, compassion and public service, not normally reported in the media. Touching videos that bring a tear to your eye and a lump in your throat. Bring your tissues.
You get to see behind the scenes and learn about how real crimes in your community are resolved. And you also hear an inspirational speech by a local Grade 5 student who becomes Police Chief For A Day.
The proceeds raised are funnelled back into local programs and services that help vulnerable populations; at-risk youth, older adults, victims of crime, and other non-profit agencies. Over $1.5 million has been raised and re-invested into these worthwhile community needs.
Learn MoreSponsors
2023 Gold Braid Sponsor
Building on several decades of experience developing beautiful, high quality and sustainable communities for families to live, work and play in, TACC Developments continues to apply their passionate and innovative leadership in the development sector as trusted and reliable business partners.
They will also further their strong reputation of consistently delivering above expectation and to approach each project, whether as a partner or as part of their team, with emphasis on their loyalty and integrity that make TACC Developments, very simply, a pleasure to do business with.
To learn more about TACC Developments visit their website.
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Police Chief For A Day
Each fall, the PADAN committee offers an essay-writing contest for Grade 5 students in Durham Region. The topic is “What Would You Do if You Were Chief of Police?”
The school boards pick their finalists, who come to DRPS Headquarters and deliver their essays in front of a community panel. The overall winner becomes Chief For A Day and receives a custom-tailored Chief of Police uniform!
The lucky ten-year-old then gets to meet the real chief, police officers and civilian staff while travelling to various DRPS facilities. Highlights include some time with the K-9 Unit, Forensics and, of course, a flight in the DRPS helicopter, Air1.
This special event occurs about one week before the PADAN gala dinner, where the mini-chief returns to read their winning essay to a sold-out crowd at Deer Creek. Every year, they always steal the show!
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