On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Toronto Police Service members were recognized at the 56th Annual Police Excellence Awards, held at Hotel X int Toronto. The Police Excellence Awards recognize and pay tribute to devoted, brave and compassionate members of the Toronto Police Service who are committed to making Toronto one of the safest and most livable cities in the world.

For the Police Excellence Awards, each officer or group of officers are selected based on the criteria of bravery, humanitarianism, superior investigative work and outstanding police skills. The Police Officer of the Year is selected from this group. The criteria for the Civilian Excellence Awards includes demonstrated diligence, dedication, initiative and / or leadership, which has improved the administration or operation of the Service and / or positively impacted the community.

This year’s winner of the 56th Annual Police Officer of the Year Award is Police Constable Igor Zdrazhko. Just after midnight on September 10, 2022, PC Zdrazhko, who was off-duty, stopped at a plaza near Morningside Avenue and Staines Road to get some food after his shift. He saw two men walking around the plaza, looking into cars, and heading towards a nearby gas station. When he heard yelling and saw the two men run away, PC Zdrazhko pursued them on foot, jumping a fence and chasing them into a dark open field. Despite being shot at, PC Zdranzhko caught up to one of the men, tackled him to the ground, and arrested him using the only police equipment he had with him – a pair of handcuffs. PC Zdrankhko was recognized for his keen observational kills, his unrelenting commitment to duty, and his brave and selfless efforts to keep the city safe.

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