Constable Monique Baker

Constable Monique Baker was named today as Ontario Provincial Police (Sault Ste. Marie Detachment) Officer of the Year.

Constable Baker was one of four area officers recognized at a luncheon organized by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.

Other recipients were:

Constable Marc Lesage Constable Christian Thibodeau Constable Jason Rains

Here's what they said today about Constable Rains:

************************** (As prepared by the Ontario Provincial Police, and presented by OPP Staff Sargent Wes Moore)

Constable Monique Baker

It is my pleasure to nominate Constable Monique BAKER for Sault Ste. Marie Detachment Officer of the year.

When you seek a career with the Ontario Provincial Police one of the conditions of employment is that you agree to serve anywhere in the province.

Monique's father was a mining engineer whose career involved many moves.

She has lived in British Columbia, Newfoundland, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba before settling in Elliot Lake.

Monique was not fazed by this requirement.

Monique began her policing career in April of 1990 with a posting to Chapleau.

In March of 1994 Constable Baker transferred from Chapleau to Blind River Detachment.

In September of 1995, Constable Baker transferred to Sault Ste. Marie Detachment.

She has worked as a Breathalyzer Technician, Community Services Officer, and is currently performing General Law Enforcement Duties at our Sault Ste. Marie Detachment.

Monique can speak both French and German.

Monique is supported in her career by her husband Darrell, and their two children.

When considering whom to nominate for this years award, I was struck by the fact that while an officer may complete a very thorough and professional investigation, the impression and impact created by the genuine compassion and caring of the investigator in many cases creates a stronger and more positive impact on the people the officers come into contact with, than the actual outcome of the investigation.

In nominating Constable Baker, I present an officer whose excellent investigative work is always complemented by her ongoing compassion and dedication shown in support of the victims of her investigations.

In April of 2004 Constable Baker was the officer assigned to a report of two brothers who were overdue from ice fishing on Ranger Lake.

She initiated an immediate response and was able to utilize an OPP helicopter that had been working in the District to start a search of Ranger Lake.

One of the two brothers was rescued and tragically Bernard Farrell lost his life.

The recovery effort for Mr. Farrell took 4 days due to very poor ice conditions.

Throughout the rescue and recovery efforts, Constable Baker kept the Farrell family informed as to how and what the OPP were doing.

She ensured support services were offered to the family.

At the end of each day's activities, Monique would update the family as to what had taken place and the plans for the next day.

I would like to quote from a letter of commendation received from the Farrell family for Constable Baker's efforts.

"The assistance, information, and encouragement you offered those first dark days carried us through. Your professionalism, sincerity, and commitment went above and beyond the call of duty"

In May of 2004, Constable Baker investigated a domestic occurrence, which involved harassing phone calls and theft.

On the surface this was a routine type of call that police investigate.

As Constable Baker looked further into the case it became very complex.

Her thorough investigations involved warrants for phone records, and a liaison with police in the GTR; the suspect was arrested and charged, not once but on two occasions.

Throughout this investigation the victim suffered mental stress, fear, and potential financial uncertainties.

Constable Baker kept in constant contact with the victim.

She worked closely with fellow officers and the victim to bring this case to a successful conclusion.

These are just two examples of Constable Baker's continuing professionalism.

In addition to assigned work, Constable Baker participates with other detachment officers in community events such as the Christmas Parade, and School Programs.

The Ontario Victims Bill of Rights sets out the way police officers are to interact with victims of crime.

I present to you today an officer who if I had to hazard a guess would not be able to quote you the specifics of the Bill, but exemplifies in her daily work the principles; it's principles of courtesy, compassion, and respect for the dignity of victims of crime.

Please join with me in recognizing Monique for her ongoing efforts on behalf of the Citizens we serve.

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