OPP officer, nurse awarded for outstanding community service

L-R: OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, Cathy Eisener and Const. Katy Viccary at the OPP Central Region Awards Ceremony (Source: Supplied)

Constable Katy Viccary from Nottawasaga OPP and Cathy Eisener from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) were recognized this week for their ongoing excellence in community service.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique presented them with awards during a special ceremony at OPP General Headquarters on Thursday. The duo was honoured for their commitment to building trust, improving community safety and well being, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.

“I’m very humbled to receive this award,” said Viccary in a phone interview with CTV News. “At the end of the day, that's what we're trying to shine the light on, is these public awareness campaigns that we've been running for the last five years.”

“It was an honour to be recognized for the work that we do,” said Eisener. “It was really special to be recognized for a campaign that came out of place for building compassion.”

Eisener is a nurse with the SMDHU’s Substance Use and Injury Prevention Program. She and Viccary have worked together since 2020 on numerous public awareness campaigns to save lives when it comes to opioids, drug use, addictions and mental health.

Viccary began serving as a Toronto Police Officer in 2009 before joining the OPP in 2017. She is known by her fellow officers for her commitment to positive community engagement and dedication to public service.

"Officer Viccary's dedication to the community embodies the true spirit of service,” said Kevin Bucknor, Staff Sergeant and Operations Manager for Nottawasaga OPP. “Her steadfast commitment is evident daily as she goes above and beyond the call of duty to connect with the people she is sworn to serve, ensuring our community feels safe and supported."

Viccary says the circumstances of her father’s death are what drive her dedication and commitment to service.

“In 2017, I was the one who located my father deceased of suicide,” recalled Viccary. “I'm not saying it would have changed what happened, but being aware of local service providers and resources does go a long way, not only for the person that's affected by the mental health crisis, but for loved ones that are trying to support somebody that's going through a mental health challenge. So for me it’s a personal project.”

While Viccary is currently on a mental health leave, she says she plans to continue her campaigns and initiatives when she returns to service.

“Kindness is free. It doesn't cost anything.” added Viccary. “If we could just treat each other through a lens of compassion and empathy, I think the world would be a better place.”