OPP officer, nurse awarded for outstanding social work

Officer Katy Viccary of the Nottawasaga OPP and Cathy Eisener of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) were recognized this week for continued excellence in community service.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique presented them with the awards during a special ceremony at OPP Headquarters on Thursday. The duo was honored for their commitment to building trust, improving community safety and well-being, and making a significant difference in the lives of residents.

“I am very honored to receive this award,” Viccary told CTV News in a telephone interview. “Ultimately, we are trying to shed light on these public awareness campaigns that we have been running for the last five years.”

“It was an honor to be recognized for our work,” Eisener said. “It was a truly unique recognition for a campaign that was out of place to build compassion.”

Eisener is a nurse participating in SMDHU’s Substance Use and Injury Prevention Program. She and Viccary have been collaborating since 2020 on numerous public awareness campaigns aimed at saving lives regarding opioids, drug use, addiction and mental health.

Viccary began serving as a Toronto Police officer in 2009 and joined the OPP in 2017. Associates are known for their commitment to positive community engagement and dedication to public service.

“Officer Viccary’s commitment to the community embodies the true spirit of service,” said Kevin Bucknor, Staff Sergeant and Operations Manager for Nottawasaga OPP. “Her steadfast commitment is evident every day as she goes above and beyond the call of duty to connect with the people she is sworn to serve, ensuring our community feels safe and supported.”

Viccary says that circumstances of the father’s death are what fuels her dedication and commitment to service.

“In 2017, I was the one who located my father who had committed suicide,” Viccary recalled. “I’m not saying it would have changed what happened, but awareness of local service providers and resources will go a long way, not only to the person affected by a mental health crisis, but also to loved ones who are trying to support someone who is going through a mental health challenge. So for me this is a personal project.”

Although Viccary is currently on leave for mental health reasons, he says he plans to continue his campaigns and initiatives when he returns to duty.

“Kindness is free. It doesn’t cost anything.” Viccary added. “If we could just treat each other through a lens of compassion and empathy, I think the world would be a better place.”