Hello again everyone; I hope you have been keeping warm and dry during this recent cold and snowy weather. I am reliably informed that spring is just around the corner, so fingers crossed that this snow will have melted by the time I next speak to you.
This month I want to share some exciting news with you. Not only is it exciting for the Calgary Police Service and I, but it is exciting for you too. I want to tell you that we as a Service have just recruited Tad Milmine to our ranks of sworn officers.
Tad who?
Tad Milmine is a former RCMP officer, an anti-bullying advocate, and a very good friend of mine. Tad is also openly gay. Why is this important? I have always told you that the Calgary Police Service was your ally, and that we care deeply about the safety and welfare of members from our city’s diverse communities. Tad did his own due diligence prior to joining us, and was extremely impressed by the professionalism and friendliness of everyone in the organization that he came into contact with. He would not have come to Calgary if he suspected that his sexuality would be an issue for his employer.
Please find out more about Tad by looking up his website, Bullying Ends Here. You will be able to read about his own upbringing: from growing up with an alcoholic father and an emotionally abusive stepmother, to being bullied at school, and subsequently running away from home. You can learn how he came to accept his sexuality, the circumstances behind him fulfilling his dream to become a police officer, and the tragic event that inspired him to start his Bullying Ends Here project.
In the last 18 months Tad has given over 330 presentations across the country to more than 61,000 youth, received over 9,500 emails (to which he personally answers every one), has received numerous awards and recognition for his charitable work, and has made countless media appearances. In addition, he has received 27 emails that directly attest to the fact that his presentation and information have saved a life. As you know, the most prevalent forms of bullying in schools are homophobic and transphobic.
Tad Milmine is an incredible man. He is saving lives, and we are all extremely fortunate to have him working in Calgary. I am proud to call him my friend and my colleague.
You can be assured that Tad will be visible throughout the community at events such as Camp fYrefly and the Pride Parade. If you have any questions or messages for Tad, please send them to me in the usual manner and I will be certain to pass them on.
Perhaps you want some information about recruiting so that you too can join the Calgary Police Service just like Tad? In any case please stay safe, take care of each other, and I look forward to connecting with you again next month.
