Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, Toronto Police Services Board members Hamlin Grange and Judi Cohen present Partnership Citation to U.S. Coast Guard Air Wing front: Bob Bialkowski, Bob Fratangelo, Bob (Goose) Hampton rear: Paul Leuchner, Jim Mazel (Photo Courtesy of Toronto Police Service)

October 29, 2006 United States Coast Guard Air Station Detroit was given recognition for its on going Homeland Security Missions that support several Law Enforcement Teams along our international border.

The Toronto Police Services Board honored 6 of Air Station Detroit’s crews during its annual awards ceremonies at police headquarters for their selfless devotion to duty while participating in these missions. LT Jim Mazel, Auxiliarist Bob Bialkowski, Auxiliarist Paul Leuchner, Auxiliarist Bob (Goose) Hampton, Auxiliarist Dave Cidale, and Auxiliarist Bob Fratangelo were awarded the Toronto Police Service “Partnership Citation”.

“In recognition of your invaluable assistance to the Toronto Police Service. We commend your spirit of dedication, cooperation, and support which have positively impacted on the operations of the Service.”

“Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of success”

Signed: William Blair Chief of Police; Dr. Alok Mukherjee Chair

Presented by Police Chief William Blair, Mr. Hamlin Grange, Ms. Judi Cohen of the Toronto Police Services Board, and Master of Ceremonies Inspector Glen Holt.

This group of volunteer aviators was specifically recognized for their selfless service, dedication and support of the many homeland security missions that are carried out along the international border between Canada and the United States. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit routinely engages its AUXAIR crews in its Homeland Security missions in a support role; especially since September 11 2001. Air Station Detroit’s AUXAIR crews reestablished a national precedent when they flew during the 6 day “national no fly period” for Search and Rescue off Cleveland Crib. They have flown during every increase in maritime security level since then.

Established by Congress in 1939 the 30,000 members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary are always ready to assist the Coast Guard with its varied mission responsibilities. Each year these members perform more than two million hours of volunteer service that directly benefits the public. Although not allowed to perform direct law enforcement, Auxiliarist’s can perform law enforcement “support”. The Auxiliary has been actively involved providing Law Enforcement support to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Homeland Security Missions since 1939. To learn more about the US Coast Guard Auxiliary visit their website at http://nws.cgaux.org/index.html