A number of Belleville Police officers were recognized for their work by the City of Belleville and the Police Services Board on Thursday.
Among them, was the entire investigative team that helped to solve the case of an intentionally set fatal fire on Dundas Street East in July of 2019, which killed a 35-year-old man.
Deputy Police Chief Chris Barry says investigators conducted nearly 50 interviews, executed 20 search warrants and spoke to dozens of witnesses, leading to a woman being charged last year with second degree murder and arson, before she eventually pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, minus time served.
“When you get a plea like that, it tells you that your investigation was done very thoroughly and very well. It’s a big win for us and the person that was responsible for this was held accountable. Hopefully it can provide to the victim’s family, some sense of closure, that at least that person was brought to justice.”
The investigative team included:
- Major Case Manager: Detective Staff Sergeant Geen
- Primary Investigator: Detective Sergeant Kellar
- Fire Coordinator and Family Liaison: Sergeant Abrams
- Affiant: Detective Constable McCambridge
- Forensic Identification Officer: Sergeant Ashley
- Assisting Team Member: Detective Constable McGee
- Data Entry: Val Brady
- K9 Officer: Constable McInroy and Bax
- ACL Trancriber: Tracey McNaught
The board also recognized four officers who helped out a man in medical distress on June 3, 2021.
Sergeant Martin Charbonneau, Constable Matt Sweet, Constable Dan Joy and Constable Jesse McInroy were all involved in conducting a safe traffic stop, after the man had sped away from the scene of the initial call.
It was noted Thursday that a fully-loaded semi-automatic shotgun was found in the vehicle and the officers were credited for bringing the matter to a safe conclusion, while helping the man get the mental health supports he needed.
Belleville Police Constable Dan Joy receives a recognition, during the police services board meeting at Belleville City Hall, on July 15, 2021. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Another group of officers was recognized for dealing with a man having a mental health crisis, at Bridge Street United Church, on July 5, 2021.
The man was found atop a 20′ scaffold making suicidal threats, but the officers were able to talk him down over a 20 minute span and get him to Belleville General Hospital for a mental health assessment.
Staff Sergeant Michael Lockwood, Sergeant Mike Doucette, Sergeant Brad Stitt, Constable Ryan Baker, Constable Jeff Smith, Constable Ron Kanyo, Constable Laura White, Constable Zac DeSousa and Constable Jesse Blanchard were all involved in that incident.
Deputy Chief Chris Barry also thanked members of the Belleville Fire Department and Hastings-Quinte Paramedics for their help at the scene.
Belleville Police Constable Ryan Baker receives a recognition, during the police services board meeting at Belleville City Hall, on July 15, 2021. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Finally, Sergeant Jeremy Ashley was recognized for his work in setting up the CAMSAFE program, which allows local residents and businesses with close circuit cameras to register with the police service, helping investigators quickly determine where they might be able to find evidence in the event of a crime.
Sergeant Ashley says there have been 100 registrants to the program already, including some large businesses with multiple locations, and both local school boards.
There is also interest from some outside police agencies in setting up similar programs in their areas.
Kristin Crowe of Alarm Systems was recognized for her help with the CAMSAFE program as well.
Belleville Police Sergeant Jeremy Ashley receives a recognition, during the police services board meeting at Belleville City Hall, on July 15, 2021. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
