Look who's turning 100!

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* Minister Bartolucci helps OPP Commissioner Fantino launch OPP's 100th anniversary year

ORILLIA, ON - (January 8) - Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino was joined by the Honourable Rick Bartolucci, minister of community safety and correctional services today, to officially launch the OPP's 100th anniversary. Today's official kick-off marks the first of a number of events and celebrations that are planned across the province in 2009, as a lead-up to October 13, 2009, the date that officially marks 100 years of service by the OPP to the citizens of Ontario.

"I can think of no other occasion in my almost 40 years in policing that has given me the same sense of pride, privilege and honour that I feel today, in being a part of celebrating 100 years of policing by one of the most professional, progressive and diverse policing services in North America," said Commissioner Fantino. "I encourage everyone to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the OPP's rich history in serving present and past generations, and how you, the citizens of Ontario, have helped the OPP become the fine organization it is today", he added. "I salute the men and women of the Ontario Provincial Police upon reaching this significant milestone," said Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci. "I commend the OPP for 100 years of bravery, sacrifice, commitment and dedicated service to the people of Ontario". A number of Orillia-area officials were also present to take part in today's event, where the OPP showcased special edition 100th anniversary vehicles, and provided a glimpse of some of the signature events and initiatives that are in store over the coming year. The first of these signature events is a commemorative patrol of Northern Ontario on February 1, 2009, which serves to pay tribute to OPP officers who, since the early years of the last century and for the past 100 years, have served the communities of Ontario's North. As part of this rare and unique event, two OPP officers will embark on a three-week expedition by dog sled, snowshoe and rail, wearing reproduction period uniforms, and using traditional equipment and wilderness survival skills while travelling in the bush of northern Ontario.

The expedition reflects some of the many hardships and challenges of early police patrol work during northern Ontario's frigid winter months.

Among other signature events and initiatives is an OPP anniversary "tattoo" on September 12.

The tattoo is a spectacular, live pageantry of military/police pipes and drums and brass bands, with other significant performances intended to inspire great pride in members of the policing community, a Black and White Gala Ball on May 9, 2009, and the launch of a special commemorative book, to name a few. The OPP's very own museum will be launching Arresting Images - a unique, bilingual travelling exhibition that features 100 mug shots (1886 - 1908) from the museum's collection.

The exhibition will be hosted by museums and galleries throughout Ontario and across Canada in 2009, and beyond. The OPP Museum will also unveil a new exhibit this spring entitled "Frontiers: a century of policing", which will feature a special selection of significant artifacts, compelling images, reminiscences of earlier times and thoughts about the future.

The OPP Museum is located at OPP general headquarters, 777 Memorial Avenue, Orillia, Ontario. Admission is free and the museum is open year-round from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. For more information about planned OPP events during its anniversary year, the public and media are encouraged to visit our special 100th anniversary website at: www.opp100.ca

This website will be updated regularly throughout the year and everyone is encouraged to visit the site regularly to get updates.

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