Sirens For Life – Our Heartfelt Thank YOU to our Niagara First Responders

Good morning Everyone,

Now that the Sirens for Life Challenge has concluded, I want to sincerely thank you all, our members our retirees, your families and friends that supported this very meaningful and important campaign.

For our team members that made donations, THANK YOU for your commitment to saving lives. The 583 donations that were collected will touch many families in ways that we may not see and in some cases, we have heard and seen the direct impact on some of our families.

The campaign may have ended but this gift of life continues to be needed.

The below message is from Canadian Blood Services and is shared for your awareness of the impact we have made.

Sincerely

Lou Greco
(Deputy Chief)



Hello Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, donors, and champions,

As we close the Sirens for Life 2026 campaign, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. Over these past months, you have shown extraordinary compassion, unity, and dedication. Because of your leadership and your encouragement, 583 donations were collected, 583 moments of hope for patients who depend on Canada’s Lifeline.

This campaign has always been about more than numbers. It has been about people, your team!. Each team is stepping forward with courage and kindness. Niagara’s first responders have once again shown what it means to serve with heart.
Thank you for every donor you inspired. Thank you for every act of kindness you encouraged. Thank you for every moment you chose to help someone you may never meet. Your compassion has saved lives. Your teamwork has strengthened our community, and your generosity has touched families across the country.

This year’s campaign was one of the closest we have ever seen, and it made the journey even more inspiring.
St. Catharines Fire and Thorold Fire finished neck‑and‑neck, both showing extraordinary participation and heart.
CBSA and Niagara Falls Fire were right behind them, pushing hard until the very last week.

The closeness of these scores reflects something powerful: Niagara’s first responders show up for their community, together.

To every agency, whether you led the standings, surged in the final weeks, or encouraged even one donor, thank you. Your compassion has given patients more time, more hope, and more tomorrows.

If you have any photos of your teams donating, please feel free to send them my way. I would be honoured to share your incredible efforts on LinkedIn, your kindness deserves to be celebrated.

Congratulations – St. Catharines Fire!!!!!!! holds the reign once again. They were last year’s champions, and they have defended their title with extraordinary heart, teamwork, and participation.

Lilet Raffinan
Manager – Business Development
Donor Relations & Field Operations
C 647-220-5855

lilet.raffinan@blood.ca
blood.ca

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Death of Retired NRPS Officer – Jan Verburg

Obituary of Jan Willem Verburg

Passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026 at the age of 84. Jan is now reunited with his beloved late wife of 60 years, Gloria. Cherished father to David Verburg (Lori). He will be lovingly remembered by his granddaughters Shayla Verburg (Calhum) and Emily Verburg (Mathieu) and their mother Catherine. Jan was a cherished brother to Colbi, Toni, Eddie, Ronnie and Peter. He was predeceased by his siblings Kees, Dick, Mary and Ricky. He was a dear uncle to many nieces and nephews. Jan will be especially missed by Billy and Corrie Schoehnals, Bernice Shoehnals, Darlene Ruch, Bob Clarkson, Scott Graham, and many other close friends.

Born in Holland to the late Jan and Maria Verburg, Jan immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of nine. He was a dedicated 30-year veteran of the Niagara Region Police Force, a career he was deeply proud of. Jan was also a lifelong member of the Fort Erie Optimist Club. Before joining the police force, Jan was a skilled carpenter, a talent he continued to enjoy and put to use throughout his life. In his spare time, Jan was a frequent flyer to Casino Niagara, where he enjoyed trying his luck and making the occasional winning trip home. Jan will be remembered for his quick wit, dry sense of humour, and, above all, his love for his family.

Special thanks to neighbours Billy and Corrie for the years of friendship and compassionate support given to Jan.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of his life will be held at the Ridgeway Legion, October 3rd, between 11am-2pm. If desired, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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Protected: NRPS – Support for Robby Berketo & Family

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Sirens For Life 2026 – Blood/Plasma Donation Campaign- appeal for new donors

Click poster to enlarge

The Sirens for life campaign has officially started as of July 1, 2026.

Our current NRPS team has 91 registered team members who have contributed greatly to this important cause.

I am appealing to all members, families and friends to join our team and help save lives.

Blood and blood products are needed for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatments, routine medical treatments for various diseases and disorders, and much more.

 Medication made from plasma saves and improves the lives of thousands of people across Canada. For many patients, these medications are their only available treatment.

Your plasma can become someone’s lifesaving medication.

Please consider Platoon and Unit participation by registering for team NRPS and scheduling group donation days.

Thank you
Lou
(Deputy Chief Luigi Greco)

 

 

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E-Bike Regulations – Do They Need Changing?

The province is proposing to overhaul the definition of an electric bicycle, and it could force some riders to get a motorcycle licence and insurance to operate their bike on the road.

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New Auto Insurance Laws Starting July 1st, 2026

Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario will implement new auto insurance laws that make most accident benefits optional, with only medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits remaining mandatory.

More Information HERE

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Protected: PPAO – AGM (June 1/26) – PowerPoint Presentations (in PDF format)

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Protected: Hamilton Police Retirees Association Golf Tournament – Monday, June 22, 2026 (Cutoff Date June 10)

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Death of Retired NRPS Officer (Sgt) Laurie Leonard

LEONARD, Laurie Guy
Retired Sergeant, Niagara Regional Police

The family of Laurie Leonard is deeply saddened to announce his peaceful passing into the presence of the Lord on May 28, 2026.
He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his devoted wife, Mary; his daughters, Lauren and Emma (Luc); and his stepsons, Gordie Bell (Lori) and Craig Bell (Nicole).
“Papa Sarge” was a proud and devoted grandfather to four beloved grandchildren whom he cherished dearly. Laurie is also survived by his children Jennifer Good (Thomas), Sarah Chandler (Jim), Rebecca West (Matt), and Joel Leonard (Kim), along with 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.
He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Rosemary; his brother, Eric (Pierre); and his extended family, including his in-laws Cathy De Simone (Marcello), Lynn Bowie (Sam), and John Brown (Cyndy).
Laurie proudly served with the Niagara Regional Police for 35 years. Throughout his distinguished career, he was named Officer of the Year on three occasions and was honoured to be seconded to the Office of the Solicitor General of Ontario. He concluded his service overseeing the Community Services Unit, where he played a key role in developing impactful programs such as Crime Stoppers, Victims Services Unit, and Safety Village; leaving a lasting legacy in the community he loved.

In keeping with Laurie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather at Pleasantview Funeral Home on June 15 from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Alexander Church in Fonthill on June 16 at 11 a.m. There will be a luncheon following Mass. Please pack Toronto Blue Jays attire to wear at the luncheon in honor of Laurie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to SickKids Hospital, the Juravinski Cancer Centre, or St. Alexander Church would be appreciated by the family.
May he rest in eternal peace and be forever remembered with love.

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Death of Retired NRPS Officer (Cst) David Nelson

David Henry NELSON

Retired Niagara Regional Police (Welland) Constable David “Knuckles” Nelson is 10-7 (out of service).

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dave at 10:07 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He is now reunited with Rosemarie Bakos (née Walker), his partner for 22 years.

He will be sorely missed by his children, Terry Nelson and Virginia (née Nelson) St-Denis (Normand); stepson, Mike Bakos (Tamara née Mckinley); and step-grandchildren, Justin Wimmer, John Bakos, and Kelly Lang, who called him “Pops.”

Dave enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1961 and served for three years with the Provost Corps. One of the original members of the Niagara Regional Police Service, he served for 31 years before retiring in 1996.

After his retirement, he enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle to the West Coast and then the East Coast. He was a member of the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.

Dave was also a member of the Greater Niagara Model Railroad Engineers, which includes Nelson Heights in their layout. He enjoyed building and working on his own model railway, which featured several family names and businesses.

Cremation has taken place. Burial and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Interim Long-Term Care section of the Extended Care Unit at the Welland Hospital. They took such good care of him during his four years there, especially during his last few weeks.

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