Heroes of Service Awards honour Algoma District’s first responders, youth workers

Sault Crime Stoppers' 40th awards expanded to honor firefighters, paramedics & youth workers, raising $10,000 for the organization.

Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma Crime Stoppers celebrated its 40th annual awards ceremony by expanding its recognition beyond law enforcement, honouring a broader range of local heroes at the 2025 Heroes of Service Awards.

Held on May 14 at Grand Gardens on Great Northern Road, the event – rebranded from the Peace Officer of the Year – recognized first responders, correctional officers, paramedics, firefighters, and youth services workers for their dedication to public safety.

“This year, we wanted to acknowledge that heroism extends beyond policing,” said Kendra Addison, the Sault program director for Crime Stoppers.

“A lot of the agencies here work directly with us, but it’s more encompassing now – because it’s not just police doing heroic things for our community.”

The honourees included:

• Correctional Officer Wendy Brisson (Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre)
• Constable Alan Nolan (Anishinabek Police Service)
• Staff Sergeant Keith Nicolle (Ontario Provincial Police)
• Constable Wayne Taylor (Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)
• Paramedic Gregor Thimmig (Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Services)
• Captain Peter Fewchuk, Firefighters Karl Christensen, Brandon Hayes, and Nolan Makkonen (Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services)
• Youth Services Officer Adam Hayward (Donald Doucet Youth Centre)

Each received a Certificate of Appreciation for their contributions to community well-being.

At the gala, guest speakers from Algoma Family Services’ R.I.S.E. Program also addressed anti-human trafficking efforts and survivor support options as part of the evening’s theme of community resilience.

The event doubled as Crime Stoppers’ premier fundraiser, generating about $10,000.

Recipients proud, humbled and honoured

The fire service team was recognized for their lifesaving response to a September 2024 downtown blaze.

“We don’t always have saves – this one is unique,” said Captain Fewchuk.

“We trained for this scenario, and somebody lived. It’s good.”

Deputy Fire Chief Mark Morganstern added, “It makes me incredibly proud of all who serve in our service. This win belongs to everyone, not just that crew.”

Constable Alan Nolan of the Anishinabek Police Service emphasized the camaraderie among first responders.

“It’s a challenging job, but seeing the commitment from other services is humbling. We often only meet in crises – this night is different.”

“These recipients are everyday heroes who serve with strength and humility,” said Michael Goodship, the local Crime Stoppers chair, in a news release following the event.

“They uplift our communities not for recognition, but because it’s who they are.”