A retired police officer was recognized for his contributions to downtown Belleville by being given the Heart of the City award in an appreciation event at The Belleville Club on Monday.
Harry Burley is a retired Auxiliary and Special Constable who now volunteers at the Downtown Community Policing Office.
Burley was praised for improving safety and the reputation of Downtown Belleville by calmly de-escalating conflicts through conversation and respect.
“That guy Harry could walk up to somebody that was causing all kinds of discriminatory, obscene language, interrupting everything, and he’d say, ‘You know, can we talk? Can we just sort of settle things down?’ And within a few seconds, Harry had him settled down. That’s the type of guy that we need downtown,” Councillor Garnet Thompson said in a speech.
Councillor Thompson as well as Councillor Barbara Enright-Miller presented Burley with the Heart of the City award on behalf of the City of Belleville.
Councillor Enright-Miller also praised Burley.
“You are the man who makes peace wherever you go,” Enright-Miller told Burley.
“And like what I said to you earlier, there will be wallpaper in your room in heaven with all your good works. So thank you for everything you do, and God bless you.”
The letter for the Heart of the City award signed by Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis that contains a piece of timber from the renovation of Belleville City Hall. July 13, 2026. (Photo: Zach McGIbbon/Quinte News)
“It means the world to me, and downtown is my passion,” Burley said.
“I grew up in this city a long time ago, and I’ve always loved downtown, and I want to make it grow. I want to make it happy again. I want to make the businesses work. I want everything positive for all of you in this room tonight.”
The event was put together by the Downtown Belleville BIA, Belleville police, and concerned citizen Ray Reilly, who wanted to recognize Burley after seeing him deescalate a situation on Front Street.
“So Harry went up to him, me not knowing him, and he goes up to the fella out of control, in my opinion, he goes, How you doing, son? Guy says, Oh, I’m okay. I got a little problem. I’m so sorry to hear that, he said. But can I ask you a favour? We got a report. You know, the people are not coming into the retail and could I ask you just to move up a little bit or over a street or two, or what? The guy goes, Okay, sir. All of a sudden, this was deescalated,” Reilly said speaking to the crowd at The Belleville Club.
Concerned citizen Ray Reilly presenting a framed picture of Harry Burley for his work in downtown Belleville. July 13, 2026. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd spoke to the gatherers at the event about Burley’s contributions to policing.
“Harry is an ambassador in the truest sense of the word. He represents Belleville police with professionalism and care, and he represents the DBIA with pride and commitment,” Rodd said.
“Merchants trust him, shoppers appreciate him, and the community benefits from the stability and kindness he brings to the heart of the city. Harry, you show us what community looks like when someone chooses to invest. You’ve invested wholeheartedly. You’re a treasure to Belleville, and today you are the recipient of a proud honour for a remarkable contribution.”
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd delivering a speech recognizing the contributions of retired officer Harry Burley to downtown Belleville. July 13, 2026. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Finally, representatives from the Downtown Belleville BIA presented Burley with a signed card listing the names of residents and business owners in the downtown area who commended him for his work.
Members of the Downtown Belleville BIA presenting a signed card with signatures from residents and business owners thanking Harry Burley for his work in downtown Belleville. July 13, 2026. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
