Celebrating Excellence
in Policing
Your participation in the 23rd Annual Durham Regional Police Appreciation and Awards Dinner on Oct. 22, 2026 will help us invest in local community police outreach programs.
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
2026 Silver Braid Sponsor
With a robust fleet of 1200 collection vehicles and more than 2000 employees across Canada, Miller offers sustainable waste management solutions to municipalities, businesses, industries, and institutions. They specialize in waste collection, dumpster bin rentals, and the separation and treatment of recycables and organic waste.
They care about the health, wellbeing, and safety of their employees. They care that they work in a supportive culture that fosters growth and development.
To learn more about Miller Waste Systems visit their website.
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2026 Silver Braid Sponsor
Versaterm is a global public safety solutions company helping agencies transform their organizations by providing innovative solutions, expertise and an unwavering dedication to customer service.
Formed in 1977, they are on a journey to build an ecosystem that will enhance community safety by creating purposeful integrations across the public safety spectrum. They deliver intuitive tools developed for public safety agencies, forensic labs, court systems, schools and other institutions.
Their selective growth strategy focuses on improving customer and user workflows for more efficient and effective operations, leading to better service and more just outcomes.
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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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