SALT OF THE EARTH
By Lisa Etherington-Runions
three brothers. Even frère Andre! Whenwe were young we’d listen to Cardinal Paul- Emile Leger on the radio while kneeling at 7:00 pm.to 7:15. Those were special times, and it created an everlasting bond inour lives.” Lacroix’s parents were hard working people and had the greatest influence on his life. In addition to this his aunt, Sister Agathe Morin, who was a missionary in Haiti for 52 years truly inspired him with her devotion. Others he has worked and prayed with including Father Kevin Maloney and Mgr. Rejean Lebrun inspire him. For Lacroix, being a city bus driver may top his list, but he is quick to point out that this isnot his greatest achievement. Among his many accolades, Lacroix credits his wife, Pamela, and their marriage of 34 years as being the success story of his life. Lacroix is a devoutmanwhose favourite book to read is the Bible. He has been a minister of the Eucharist at his church, St. Peter’s, since November 2000, and was recognized as Knight of the Year with the Knights of Columbus in 2011. He is also Secretary - K of C, Diocesan Association/ Association diocésaine Alexandria-Cor- nwall.
Paul-Emile Alcide Lacroix is known by many as a philanthropist and dedicatedcitizen in theCityofCornwall. Lacroix, a native of Cornwall, and a local transit driver, is one of the few who can honestly say they followed in their father’s footsteps. One of his most inspirational moments as a child was sitting on his dad’s lap driving The Street- Railway city bus. This had an affect on his adult life, and following a 14-year span as a dream weaver for Dominion Textiles, Lacroix changed vocations and became a city bus driver in 1987. This is something I always wanted to do” explains Lacroix, “and I love it. I love helping people, greeting them with a warm smile, and ensuring they have a safe, comfortable ride. This makes a difference in their lives each and every day.” He is often knowing by his familial saying, “No too big, not too small. It’s Beautiful downtown Cornwall.” Lacroix, born into a large family, has many memories growing up in Cornwall. “Therewere eight inour family. Mom, dad with six of us. Two sisters and
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For Paul-Emile Lacroix, being a city bus driver may top his list, but he is quick to point out that this is not his greatest achievement.
tions of William Shatner. One in Ottawa and the other inMontreal in 1995. I would simply love tomeet thisman. I love reading the Star Trek books byGene Rodenberry.” His favourite motto is “Live long and prosper.” Singing, walking, snorkeling, biking, tennis, horse shoe playing, travel- ling, and metal detecting are also things he enjoys, or aspires to do. Among Lacroix’s hobbies is his love for making wine with grapes that he grows in his back yard. If he had a day, week, or year to go anywhere he wanted, Lacroix would love togettoknowCanada.“Wehaveabeautiful country, and there is so much I would like to see and learn about Canada, there is so much to explore.” When asked where he sees himself in the future, Lacroix states, “by the side of a priest as a deacon would be awesome.” For the city bus driver, with the big heart, he would like to be remembered as a good and faithful servant. When asked what he would like said about him he simply says, “Salt of the Earth.” “Chief Parkinson has earned wide res- pect and deep admiration from his fellow police leaders, government officials, and members of his community for his professionalism, dedication to duty, and unwavering commitment tomodeling lea- dership,” said Chief Torigian (Waterloo Regional Police Service). Chief Parkinson is a past President of the OACP. He continues to serve Ontario’s police leaders and our communities as the OACP’s representative on the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Justice on Target Expert Advisors Panel and on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.
His faith, and his marriage have become for Lacroix his personal strengths. Lacroix’s willingness to help others when needed is his most likable quality. Lacroix has also been recognized as a volunteer with Glen Stor Dun Lodge for his many years of service, and is a volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross as a driver, taking clients out of town for medical appointments. He has also been seen over the last few years as an ambassador of the environment, making the world a better place with garbage bag in hand, picking up litter on his way to work. He has inspired others to do the same. One of Lacroix’s most enjoyable experiences is being there for thepassengers as a bus driver, while the least enjoyable would be to deliver papers in harsh cold weather. As a bus driver he sees how the winter weather can have a bearing on those with outside jobs. Not many people may know that the transit driver with the kind disposition is also a Star Trek fan. William Shatner is his favorite actor. “I have been to two conven- Ontario’s police leaders have awarded the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police’s (OACP) highest honour to Chief Daniel Parkinson of Cornwall Community Police Service for his outstanding contributions to the OACP and policing in the Province of Ontario. The award is conferred upon an OACP member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to and support of the advancement of the Ontario Associa- tion of Chiefs of Police. The President’s Award of Merit was presented yesterday to Chief Parkinson by out-going OACP President Chief Matt Torigian at the OACP’s Annual Meeting in London.
Award for Chief Daniel Parkinson
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