Waterloo Regional Police Service honored by Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

WRPS members recognized for Traffic Safety and Liquor Enforcement

For Immediate Release:  June 18, 2012

Waterloo Region, ON – The Waterloo Regional Police Service is very proud to announce that the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police is recognizing members of our Service for innovative leadership and outstanding dedication to community safety and the quality of life for the residents of Waterloo Region.  

Staff Sergeant Scott Diefenbaker, head of the Traffic Services Branch, has been selected to receive the 2012 OACP “Lifetime Achievement in Traffic Safety” Award.  Staff Sergeant Diefenbaker has focused on road safety throughout his 37 year career with the Waterloo Regional Police Service.  His notable achievements include the establishment of the Impaired Driving Simulator Program, the opening of the Police Reporting Center and his involvement in the development of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program and intelligence-led road safety initiative. Scott continues to mentor and provide leadership in major collision investigations and traffic enforcement. (See attached appendix for additional details).

The 2011 Oktoberfest Policing Unit, under the direction of Staff Sergeant Tom Berczi, Central Division, has been selected to receive the OACP Outstanding Liquor Enforcement Award – Over 500.  The Oktoberfest Policing Unit is comprised of a team of officers whose focus is to provide enhanced public safety and a proactive police presence at Fest halls, community events, and ceremonies throughout this world famous 10-day festival and cultural celebration.  

“The OACP Awards create an ideal opportunity to bring attention to the remarkable achievements and contributions being made by dedicated police members working to serve their communities,” said Chief Matt Torigian.  “We are very proud that the policing community has chosen to recognize our members for their leadership, and as a Service we are very fortunate that our residents continue to value and participate in our shared vision of remaining among the safest communities in Ontario.”

The awards will be presented at a luncheon on Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm during the OACP Annual Conference being held this year at the London Convention Centre, 300 York Street, London, ON.

-30-

Media Inquiries:
Inspector Kevin Thaler, Executive Officer
(519) 650-8500 ext. 8713

Olaf Heinzel, Public Affairs Coordinator
(519) 650-8500 ext. 8773

2012 OACP “Lifetime Achievement in Traffic Safety” Award
Waterloo Regional Police Staff Sergeant Scott Diefenbaker

cott Diefenbaker joined the Waterloo Regional Police in August, 1975 and quickly developed a keen interest in road safety.   
Transferred to the Traffic Branch in 1981, he was awarded the Police Student of the Year at the Traffic Supervisors Course at OPC and developed the Service’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program.

He moved to the Training Branch in 1985 where he taught safe driving techniques and substantially reduced at-fault departmental collisions.
He returned to traffic as a Sergeant in 1996 and opened the Police Reporting Center where he also provided field supervision for major collision investigations and traffic enforcement.

The officer in charge of traffic since 2001, Staff Sergeant Diefenbaker has developed the Impaired Driving Simulator program and received the “Terry Ryan Memorial Award for Excellence in Police Services” from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.  He centralized breath testing, developed Waterloo’s intelligence-led road safety initiative and provides ongoing traffic safety messaging through local media engagements.

Scott specializes in major event traffic planning, recently focusing on the 2012 plowing match and LPGA classic in Waterloo. After a remarkable 37 years of service, he continues to dedicate his career, and his life, to road safety.