Nadeau named officer of year at 8 District
Scott Rosts
Published on
May 09, 2008
Det. Const. Dan Nadeau always knew he wanted to be a police officer. Now 19 years into his career as an officer he is still having the time of his life.
Nadeau was recently named the Officer of the Year for 8 District and will be honoured at an awards banquet by the Niagara Regional Police on May 28. He just joined the division, which is based out of Grimsby, last March, but has already proved to be a shining example according to his peers.
"He's been a wealth of knowlege for our office since he joined us last March from Port Colborne," said Staff Sgt. Randy Bleich, divisional commander of 8 District.
Bleich said Nadeau has taken a leading role as a detective in the Criminal Investigation Branch office and continues to upgrade his skills, most recently taking an arson investigation course.
"He mentors a lot of our young officers and takes time to talk to them and listen to any of their concerns," said Bleich.
Nadeau was one of those young officers 19 years ago. He joined the Peel Police Service, where he spent time doing a little bit of everything, from uniform to detective work to homicide work and more. After 14 years, though, he joined the Niagara Regional Police.
The lifelong Niagara native worked in Welland for six months and then moved to Port Colborne, where he spent three years as a detective before moving on to 8 District in Grimsby last spring.
Nadeau said he has really enjoyed working in 8 District.
"I love it here. To me this has everything as far as an investigator," he said. "The people living here should know it's a safe community and we are working our best to keep it that way."
He particularly enjoys his job as a detective.
"I get the best satisfaction in getting information and developing it for a case," he said. "I love problem solving."
It's a true team at 8 District, said Nadeau, from the detectives to the uniform officers to the support units not only in Niagara, but also in Hamilton.
The team aspect, he said, ultimately plays a role when it comes to the award. He said he is humbled by it and as much as it's an honour, it's something that should be shared.
"I wish it could be a team award," said Nadeau. "We achieve everything as a team here and everyone should get some credit."
Det. Sgt. Richard Frayne, head of the 8 District Criminal Investigation Branch, gives Nadeau much credit, though.
"He brings much enthusiasm and excitement to the job. He's an example to pretty much everyone in our office."