Belleville Police Services Logo / Submitted.
The following two statements have been released this week.
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd
On behalf of the members of the Belleville Police Service, I want to thank the public for the outpouring of support shown since the events of September 20 that impacted our members and seriously injured Constable Jeff Smith.
Every message, letter, card, and well wish received from across Ontario and beyond has been deeply appreciated.
Today, I am pleased to share that Constable Smith continues to make steady progress and is improving each day. His treatment has included multiple surgeries, and he continues to receive ongoing medical care. Considering the extent of his injuries, he is doing remarkably well, and we remain encouraged by his resilience and recovery.
In the weeks since the incident, the Service has met with municipal, provincial, federal, and diplomatic leaders, as well as community and public safety leaders. Through those conversations, we have reaffirmed our commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder in protecting our communities and opposing hate and violence in all its forms.
On behalf of Constable Smith, his family, and the members of the Belleville Police Service, thank you for your continued support and encouragement. It has meant a great deal during this difficult time.
Heather Smith, Chair of the Belleville Police Service Board
As the Belleville Police Service Board reflects on the hate crime that took place in our community on the evening of September 20th against our Jewish friends and neighbours, our Board feels we have a responsibility to speak out against hate. Hate is, simply put, wrong.
Since that evening the Belleville Police Service is now investigating the distribution of antisemitic flyers in Belleville. Another act of hate.
Our Jewish community deserves the respect that a democracy offers to all citizens. This generosity should be applied to all, no matter our faith, country of origin, colour of skin or sexual orientation.
The mission of our Belleville Police Service is to protect and serve with integrity and to work with our community to build a safer, stronger future. To build that our service and board will count on each and every citizen to do the right thing. Thwart hate, thwart offensive jokes, thwart public behaviour that is not respectful to others. Hate is wrong and has no place in our city, or any other.
Constable Jeff Smith and Constable Mike McCurdy changed the trajectory of the events of September 20th. Our Board is in awe of what they accomplished that evening. Both men are heroes.
Thank you to all who have demonstrated support for Constables Smith and McCurdy, and the men and women, sworn, and civilian who were part of this tragic event.
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