An Ottawa Police officer is being recognized for his community involvement and commitment to youth. Acting Staff Sergeant Devon Archer has won a 2026 Ontario Police Association “Hero of the Year Award.” Archer has built programs that “reach far beyond traditional policing,” according to an Ottawa Police Service news release. He tells CTV news his advice for youth is to keep pushing. “Never, never stop. Always aim to be the best version of yourself,” he says. “We just want them to know that, hey, listen, you can keep pushing for it, right? And I think that the sky’s the limit.” According to the Police Association of Ontario, the Police Services Hero of the Year Awards invites members of the public to nominate police for the work they do on behalf of Ontarians. “Whether it’s an act of extraordinary bravery, a moment of kindness, or a long-standing commitment to community,” the association says. Archer founded soccer programs like the Ottawa Blues FC, which has expanded into the Ottawa Emergency Services League, which brings together police, firefighters, paramedics, and other public safety partners, as well as the Junior Blues—where youth combine physical activity, skill development and mentorship. He also created the “Grow a Writer” program during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to stay connected with youth during a time of isolation. “He is the best leader,” says Firooz Khan Auobi, a former participant in one of Archer’s soccer programs. “When I came to Canada, I was, like, so scared of the police,” he says. “But when I met Devon, I feel like a friend. And right now, like, whenever I saw police, I feel like they’re all friendly.” Acher is the founder and president of National Capital Blues Foundation, an “Ottawa-based nonprofit supporting at-risk youth from diverse backgrounds through access to sports, caring mentorship, and resilience-building programs.” Those efforts are now being recognized by winning the award. “I was surprised to get it because I don’t do it for that purpose,” says Archer. “I do appreciate the award because it does reinforce all of the work that, you know, all of my friends, all of my colleagues kind of worked with me to kind of get the stuff done.” He insists, it’s not just him, but also an entire team helping to build connections, “It takes a village to do the work.” So, what’s next for him? “We started out with one soccer program. Now we have a foundation. So, the sky’s the limit,” he says.
