1. That the contents of this report be received by the Board for its information.

York Regional Police is recognizing Mr. Robert Whitman, with the Volunteer of the Year Award, for his many years of commitment and ongoing dedication to the York Regional Police Pipes and Drums.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND:

As the Board is aware, the week of April 15 to April 21, 2007, has been declared National Volunteer Week by the Government of Canada. National Volunteer Week was first proclaimed in 1943 and it is set aside each year to honour and recognize Canadians who donate time and energy to their fellow citizens. National Volunteer Week also raises awareness of the vital contributions volunteers make to our communities and our country.

York Regional Police are fortunate to have a large group of dedicated volunteers that participate in our Pipes & Drums, Male Chorus, Auxiliary, Rovers and Venturers programs. Comprised of over 250 volunteers, these groups are make up of individuals who act as our ambassadors and dedicate themselves to helping their fellow citizens.

In 2006, volunteers in these groups contributed 67,871 hours in community service. As a token of appreciation, York Regional Police recognize the contributions that volunteers make with an appreciation dinner every year. The dinner includes an award ceremony which acknowledges an individual within each Volunteer Group who has gone above and beyond their role as a volunteer.

In recognition of the contribution that volunteers make to our service and our community, a Volunteer of the Year award was also introduced in 2005. This prestigious award is presented at the public session of the April Police Services Board meeting each year. One individual in particular will be honoured as Volunteer of the Year in 2007. This very special award will be presented to a Volunteer who has contributed many hours to the York Regional Police Volunteer Programme, as well as within the York Region Community. The beneficiary of this award is Mr. Robert Whitman of the York Regional Police Pipes and Drums.

Mr. Whitman is a retired Staff Sergeant from York Regional Police and he became the York Regional Police Pipes and Drums Band Manager and Drum Major in 1993. As band manager, his responsibilities include day to day administration, maintaining and issuing uniforms and equipment as well as the dress, deportment and discipline of band members. For over 14 years, he has travelled with the Band to Ottawa to take part in the annual Canadian Police Memorial weekend and has attended the 911 Memorial service in New York City.

Bob has been instrumental in arranging and fundraising for many international good-will tours for the band which include Beijing China, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In November 2006, the band performed in Monaco at the palace of Prince Albert on the second anniversary of his coronation. Bob's excellent planning abilities and attention to detail consistently result in band trips running smoothly. Drum Major Robert Whitman's talents include playing the bass drum, the Highland bagpipe as well as the military bugle.

Bob's volunteer work extends to the Scottish Heavy events where he is a competitor, a judge and an executive advisor. Bob also volunteers his time managing, arranging, judging and is a colour commentator at the Highland Games throughout Ontario as well as internationally. Bob presently holds the position of Executive advisor to the Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation.

Among all of his busy volunteer life, Bob still finds time to dedicate to his wife of 40 years Laurie, his daughters Kellie-Sue and Karen, son-in-law Kevin and his granddaughter Emily. Bob also holds down a fulltime job with Insurance Bureau of Canada as their National Director.

Without Bob's dedication to York Regional Police through the Pipes and Drums, and his knowledge which he has shared with the band members since 1993 as a Drum Major, the York Regional Police Pipes and Drums could not have gained the reputation of being one of the best bands in North America and the United Kingdom.