Must-read for first responders illustrates why OHS matters

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

Volunteers and silent auction items wanted

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.

Scholarships making a difference

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}

Seeking Half Marathon volunteers

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

Stay up to date with us on social media

If you feel like your missing out on the latest happenings with the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF), please consider following us on social media and signing up for our newsletter.

While we do our best to add content to our website, we are more active on social media.

Here’s where you can find us on social media:  {read more}

2017 John Petropoulos Leadership Award Winners

The 2017 John Petropoulos Leadership Award winners have been announced and the recipients have been honoured.

The award – a collaboration between the 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}