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.
Recognizing Leadership
Wednesday, January 16th, 2019
The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF) and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) recently recognized a pair of law enforcement leaders.
The John Petropoulos Leadership Award – given on an annual basis to a CPS member from District 6, where Const. John Petropoulos worked as a constable, as well as an officer from District 1 – rewards Calgary constables who display those attributes that John himself demonstrated. Those include integrity, dedication to police work, commitment to excellence, courage and honour.
The award includes a cash prize and a stay at a hotel or gift certificates. The prize offers an opportunity for the award recipients to enjoy a getaway with family or friends, and hopefully leave the stresses of police work behind for a brief time. {read more}
Research Paper Sheds Light on Workplace Incident Investigations
Monday, December 17th, 2018
Dangerous workplace incidents may be the result of criminal negligence and are not just due to “unfortunate circumstances,” according to a recent research paper.
The report, entitled The Criminal Law Response to Workplace Safety Incidents, was authored by former Calgary Crown Prosecutor Jonathan W. Hak and occupational psychologist Robert B. Stewart.
The paper reflects on the implementation of workplace safety legislation in the wake of the Westray Mine disaster and determines that lack of enforcement has resulted in a “near zero deterrent effect” with the Criminal Code. {read more}
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‘Tis the Season … to Talk Safety
Tuesday, December 4th, 2018
‘Tis the season to think safety. Fa la la la la.
OK, now that we’ve got that Christmas carol in your head, let’s get to the safety part!
The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF) is reminding business owners to keep their workplaces safe over the holiday season. At this time of year, many businesses add decorations and undergo work site changes in an effort to get into the spirit of the season. {read more}
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Seeking hotel partners for John Petropoulos Leadership Award
Wednesday, October 17th, 2018
We are currently seeking sponsors for the John Petropoulos Leadership Award.
The award – a collaboration between the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF) and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) – is given on an annual basis to a member from District 6, where Const. John Petropoulos worked as a police officer, as well as an officer from District 1.
It recognizes constables who display those attributes that John himself demonstrated – integrity, dedication to police work, commitment to excellence, courage and honour. The award includes a cash prize and a stay at a luxury hotel. The prize offers an opportunity for the award recipients to enjoy a getaway with loved ones and hopefully leave the stresses of police work behind for a few days. {read more}
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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.
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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
