The Howling Wolf
Just as our wolf logo symbolizes the leadership, loyalty, strength of character and sense of family that is displayed by emergency responders, The Howling Wolf serves as the voice of the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund. A wolf’s howl attracts other members of the pack, invites communication and creates a strong bond between pack members. We hope this blog will have the same impact on emergency responders, workplace safety professionals and traffic safety advocates, bringing us all together in the same pack and providing valuable information about workplace safety issues affecting first responders.
Check in frequently for updates on JPMF events and initiatives, interesting research and to add your own howl to our pack.
Pub Night Fundraiser: Sept. 29th
Wednesday, September 12th, 2018
Join us for a casual evening as we raise funds for the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF), a charity committed to creating a safer world for first responders.
The fundraiser coincides with the anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Calgary Police Service Const. John Petropoulos, who passed away on Sept. 29, 2000. John died after falling through a false ceiling at an unsafe workplace during a break-and-enter call. A safety railing – one that was required by law to be in place – would have saved his life.
Following his death, the JPMF was created with the purpose of raising awareness about workplace safety issues affecting first responders, including police, firefighters, EMS personnel and tow truck operators.
- WHERE: Cuff ‘n’ Billy, 3730 Westwinds Dr NE, Calgary
- WHEN: 7-11 pm, Saturday, Sept. 29th
- TICKETS: $20 each, includes admission and a beverage
- WHAT: Silent auction and fundraiser. Signed copies of the novel A Widow’s Awakening by Maryanne Pope will also be available for purchase.
About the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund
After his death, several of John’s recruit classmates set up the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF) and raised monies through the sale of memorial pins to fellow officers. Subsequent pin sales, grants, fundraisers and ongoing donations continue to sustain the Fund. Our safety initiatives offer people tangible tips they can implement in their workplaces and on the roads to help ensure emergency responders make it home safely to their families after every shift.
The JPMF was incorporated as a non-profit society in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Dec. 29, 2005. It was officially registered as a charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency as of March 14, 2011.
Proceeds of Book by Police Widow to Benefit JPMF
Wednesday, September 12th, 2018
With a new look and a few editorial revisions, the book A Widow’s Awakening is being released as a novel by BHC Press on Thursday, Sept 13.
All proceeds from sales of the first 1,000 copies sold will go to the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF), the Calgary charity that was started after the on-duty death of the author’s husband, Const. John Petropoulos of the Calgary Police Service.
The book provides a gripping account of a young woman’s struggle to find peace with one of the most difficult losses imaginable. It is based on author Maryanne Pope’s story of coming to terms with John’s death. In Sept 2000, John died of brain injuries sustained after falling through an unmarked false ceiling while investigating a break-and-enter complaint. The story is a candid exploration of the immense difficulty of learning how to accept the unacceptable, while transforming loss into positive change.
“A Widow’s Awakening is a powerful testament to why workplace safety matters,” said Pope, who is also chair of the JPMF, an organization dedicated to keeping first responders safe on the job.
“My experience reflects the immense and far-reaching personal impacts of a workplace fatality. I’m not alone. Since John’s death, thousands of Canadians have died on the job or as the result of an occupational illness. Thousands more have been seriously injured at work.”
The book was originally self-published in 2008 and sold 2,000 copies. In 2017, A Widow’s Awakening was picked up for publication by BHC Press, an award‐winning independent publisher. The book can be ordered through BHC Press, as well as the JPMF website.
For more information:
Media Contact
Joni Firestone
248‐982‐9068
Author & JPMF Chair
Maryanne Pope
778-678-4496
maryanne@jpmf.ca
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Must-read for first responders illustrates why OHS matters
Wednesday, June 27th, 2018
Engaging, heart-wrenching, and at times humorous, Maryanne Pope’s powerful debut novel – A Widow’s Awakening – centres on a fierce young woman’s struggle to find peace with one of the most difficult losses imaginable.
The novel is a fictional account, based on the author’s own personal story of how she came to terms with the death of her police officer husband, who died while investigating a break-and-enter complaint. This honest look at the first year of a widow’s grief captures the immense difficulty of learning how to accept the unacceptable, while transforming loss into positive change.
“It is an imperative read for all police officers and other emergency responders, as it speaks to the important work police officers do and the far-reaching impacts the ultimate sacrifice has,” said Maryanne Pope, who chairs the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF), a charity named for her husband that is dedicated to keeping first responders safe on the job.
“A Widow’s Awakening is a powerful testament to WHY workplace safety matters. John’s death was the result of a preventable fall at an unsafe workplace. As such, this book is a must-read for OH&S professionals and anyone who is committed to ensuring their workplace is safe for everyone, including first responders. It captures the horrific personal impacts of a workplace fatality while offering hope for a safer future for all through the efforts of the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund.”
BHC Press, an award-winning independent publisher, will release the novel (which was previously self-published) on September 13, 2018. Advance review copies are available upon request. Proceeds from book sales will support the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund.
For more information:
Media Contact
Joni Firestone
248-982-9068
books@bhcpress.com
www.bhcpress.com
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Volunteers and silent auction items wanted
Tuesday, June 26th, 2018
We are currently seeking volunteers for a charity golf tournament, taking place on Thursday, Aug. 16th in Calgary.
Help is needed to sell raffle & 50/50 tickets, and keep an eye out for hole-in-one winning shots.
There are morning and afternoon shifts for this event and volunteers should be prepared for any kind of weather.
No experience is necessary, as training will take place on site. Volunteers will also receive complimentary snacks, meals and beverages.
SEEKING SILENT AUCTION PRIZES
Meanwhile, we are also on the look out for silent auction prizes. We are planning a fundraiser for September (we’ll announce more details soon!) and the event will include a silent auction.
If you think you can help out, please let us know!
Proceeds from both the golf tournament and the fundraiser will go directly to the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund, a charity dedicated to creating a safer world for first responders.
For more information on both events, please contact our Volunteer & Events Coordinator Harleigh Atkinson at harleighatkinson@gmail.com.
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Scholarships making a difference
Wednesday, April 4th, 2018
We recently received an update from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) regarding the John Petropoulos Endowment Scholarship and the difference it’s making to students there.
“Awards help our students achieve their academic and personal goals,” said UFV Director of Advancement Sherri Magson in a letter to the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund.
“The endowment fund … provides an enduring legacy.”
The School of Criminology & Criminal Justice at UFV – which John Petropoulos attended in 1995 – now has approximately 500 students and it offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, a diploma in Criminal Justice and an Honour’s program. {read more}
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Seeking Half Marathon volunteers
Monday, March 19th, 2018
The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund is once again pleased to be helping out at the Calgary Police Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday, April 29th.
We will be hosting a water station for the runners in South Glenmore Park and we’re looking for volunteers to help mix Gatorade, fill cups with water and hand out beverages to race participants. Help is also needed with water station setup and keeping the site clean. No previous experience is required and volunteers are needed from 7:45 am until 11 am.
Parking is available near the water station and helpers are asked to dress appropriately. No matter what the forecast calls for, volunteers should bring gloves, hats, toques and coats.
If you’re interested in helping out, please contact JPMF Managing Director Ian Wilson at ian@jpmf.ca
