London police officer recognized for community activism

From left to right: PAO President Mark Baxter, Community Role Model Award Winner: Detective Gary Bezaire of the London Police Service, and Gareth Harris, London Police Association President, taken May 29, 2025 at the Police Association of Ontario President's Banquet & Awards Ceremony in Ottawa. (Source: Courtesy of Police Association of Ontario/Dave Chan) (Dave Chan/Dave Chan)

The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) has honoured a London Police Services officer with the Community Role Model award in recognition for his extensive community involvement and volunteer work.

London Police Services’ Dectective Gary Bezaire was recognized and honoured at the Police Association of Ontario’s 93rd Annual Meeting and Convention, which took place in Ottawa from May 27 to 30.

Detective Bezaire was recognized for volunteer work with the Dad Club of London and the London and Middlesex Community Housing Corporation, having raised over $200,000 for local initiatives.

His work in homicide and human trafficking investigations in the London area have also contributed to his continuing commitment to his community.

Other honourees included two officers from Hamilton police, as well as an OPP officer from Russel County.