Algoma Crime Stoppers honours frontline heroes at 2026 awards gala

Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District hosted the 2026 Heroes of Service Awards at Grand Gardens North on May 13, 2026. (Supplied/Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District)

More than 100 guests gathered at Grand Gardens North on May 13, as Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District hosted the 2026 Heroes of Service Awards, celebrating individuals and organizations dedicated to public safety across the Algoma District.

The annual event recognized honourees from policing, fire services, emergency response, corrections, youth services, community organizations, and municipal leadership.

History of the awards

The Heroes of Service Awards traces its origins to 1997, when the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce originally hosted the event as the Officer of the Year Awards. Crime Stoppers became involved in carrying the tradition forward in 2016 before assuming full responsibility in 2017, later evolving the event into its current name.

While the name and scope have evolved, the purpose has remained the same: recognizing individuals who dedicate themselves to the safety and wellbeing of others throughout the Algoma District.

2026 honourees

Recipients were selected by their respective participating agencies in recognition of outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and commitment to the communities they serve.

This year’s honourees are:

• Rosa Coccimiglio – Algoma Remand and Treatment Centre
• Const. Barry Desmoulin – Anishinabek Police Service
• Samantha Reidt – Donald Doucet Youth Centre
• Det. Sgt. Mark Kates – Ontario Provincial Police
• Platoon Chief Richard Bishop, Captain Brian Turpin, Derrek Coccimiglio, Mark McLean, Noah Grigg – Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services
• Mitch Boyle – Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Services
• Det. Sgt. Mark Kates – Sault Ste. Marie Police Service
• Fire Chief Blair Ramsay and Lisa Hobbs – Spanish Volunteer Fire Department

Milestone for volunteer department

Crime Stoppers highlighted the inclusion of the Spanish Volunteer Fire Department as a significant step for the event.

“Crime Stoppers was especially proud to welcome the Spanish Volunteer Fire Department as the first volunteer fire department to participate in the Heroes of Service Awards,” said Crime Stoppers in a news release.

“Their inclusion represents an important milestone for the event and recognizes the critical role volunteer emergency responders play in protecting and supporting rural and northern communities.”

Recipients were selected by their respective participating agencies in recognition of outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and commitment to the communities they serve.

Organizers say event honours unseen work

Michael Goodship, chair and treasurer of Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District, said the awards serve as a public acknowledgment of difficult work that often happens out of sight.

“Whether it’s policing, corrections, emergency services, youth services, or volunteer response, these individuals do difficult work that often goes unseen. This event is our way of saying thank you and reminding them that their service matters,” said Goodship.

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