Oxford OPP officer wins prestigious award
By Lee Griffi
Oxford provincial police Const. Randi Crawford is this year's recipient of OPP West Region's Laurie Hawkins Community Services Memorial Award.
The award is given to community engagement or media relations officers for exemplary service.
“From school and community presentations to high-pressure media demands, Const. Crawford does it all and does it well.”
That was a comment from the OPP on its West Region social media channels this week as the announcement was made. Const. Laurie Hawkins was an OPP officer who died in 2008, along with her husband, Richard Gignac, and their two children, Cassandra and Jordan, from carbon monoxide poisoning in their home in Woodstock.
“I am so honoured to receive such a meaningful award. The fact that Laurie Hawkins was a community officer in Oxford makes this award even more special to me,” said Crawford, who added while she did not have the privilege of meeting Hawkins, she feels like she knows her and has been inspired by her through the stories that have been shared by her peers and community members.
“This award comes at time where the world feels very challenging. For those who don’t know, this past year, I have been faced with numerous health challenges that resulted in surgeries and impaired mobility. Although I am heartbroken to not currently be able to physically be in the community, I am doing everything else I can to spread positivity and safety messaging throughout Oxford County,” Crawford said.
“My desire to try to do at least something to help, along with the wonderful support from the Ontario Provincial Police, enabled me to come back in some capacity. To have my good intentions, hopes, wishes and efforts for this community recognized feels incredible.”
Crawford added she is fortunate to have the opportunity to represent her peers and superiors from OPP and work with so many community partners such as other first responders, schools, media partners, social services and other organizations.
“Those are relationships I don’t take for granted and am grateful for every day. I sincerely care about the safety and wellness of everyone in and around Oxford County and I will continue to work hard to help keep everyone safe and secure.”
The tragedy that killed Hawkins and her family led to the introduction of the Hawkins-Gignac Act in Ontario in 2013. The legislation requires carbon monoxide alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
The award honours her memory and commitment to community service and recognizes OPP officers whose work goes beyond traditional policing, particularly building relationships with schools and community organizations, delivering public education and crime-prevention presentations, and promoting public safety.
It also takes into consideration maintaining positive relationships with local media and communicating effectively with the public during emergencies and major investigations.
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