Sherri deGroot and Joe Evans are Board Members of the OPP Youth Foundation. They join 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the Pathway of Memories and Milestones.

Each September a large gathering of OPP members, veterans and friends witness the dedication ceremony of the newest donated memory stones for that year.

Each day the Pathway of Memories and Milestones is witness to visitors and members making time to reflect on the messages and names inscribed on the stones.

The inscriptions on the memory and milestone stones donated by members, friends and colleagues, reflect expressions of pride, friendships, love and careers… creating lasting memories.

The funds raised are used to provide funding for our support of youth in need across the province.

The site will accommodate more memory and milestone stones for many years to come and we continue to accept donations until June 30, 2025 for new Memory and Milestone Stones that will be installed on the site in the spring of 2025, and inducted at the ceremony at the ceremony on September 8th, 2025.

For all information and to order online visit oppyouthfoundation.ca.

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for the close to 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario.

Ontario Provincial Police Association Director and former OPPA President Rob Jamieson officially retires on May 30th, 2025 from the OPP and the OPP Association.

Congratulations from all of us at the OPP Association. We wish Rob and his family all the best in retirement. We are grateful to Rob for his dedicated service to the community and to the membership of the OPPA.

Rob joins the 10-5 Podcast to reflect on his 30-year journey in policing. He shares powerful stories of trials and triumphs, opens up about his deep commitment to mental health and wellness, and gives an exclusive sneak peek into his new book that he has authored along with writer Laurie Stephens titled "In Pursuit of Mental Wellness in the First Responder Community".

This episode is an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation that goes beyond the badge.

Copies of the book can be purchased on Amazon.ca. The link is posted on Rob's website: robkjamieson.com

All proceeds from the sales of the book will be donated to Survivors of Law Enforcement Everywhere (S.O.L.E.), Boots on the Ground-Anonymous Peer Support for First Resonders by First Responders, and Canada Beyond the Blue, committed to providing a community of support to police members and their families.

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for the close to 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario.

All are invited to attend the 2nd Annual 2025 Ontario Police Suicide Memorial (OPSM) at 11a.m. ET, Sunday June 22, 2025 on Queen's Park Crescent, Toronto, to show support for all Ontario police members who have died "Because of the Line of Duty".

Our 10-5 Podcast guest is Psychologist Dr Andrew Ekblad.

Dr. Ekblad is a Board Member of Canada Beyond the Blue, the peer led organization leading the Ontario Police Suicide Memorial with support of the Police Association of Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police Association, and the Toronto Police Association.

Dr Ekblad discusses Post Traumatic Growth, and the importance of the Ontario Police Suicide Memorial.

Ontario Police members are invited to attend the OPSM in our out of uniform.

At 10:15 a.m. mustering will begin in the paved parking lot south of the Legislative Assembly Building.

A March to the Ceremony will begin promptly at 10:50 a.m.

The OPSM will be held at Queen's Park Crescent, which is located opposite Queen's Park. The closest intersection is Grosvenor Street & Queen's Park East.

Consider carpooling or taking public transit/GO Train if possible.

Alternatively, there are parking lots within a 10-15 minute walk from the Memorial site.

"Because of the Line of Duty"

Members are deserving of a formal memorial effort that recognizes the positive impact of their lives and legitimizes the grief of those who carry on their memory.

The relentless exposure to on-the-job trauma can significantly impact the mental health of police members.

Establishing a distinct memorial not only dignifies their service but also prompts stakeholders to advocate for comprehensive policies addressing the mental well-being of police members and their families.

Canada Beyond The Blue is committed to ensuring these individuals are never forgotten, and that their names are spoken aloud and meticulously recorded to honour their service and acknowledge their tragic loss.

OPSM pins can be ordered in bulk through the Canada Beyond the Blue website.

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for the close to 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario.