Devoting nearly four decades of his life to policing, longtime Vaughan resident Joe Tomei can now brag he is a civic hero, too.

Not that he would, because that would be out of character.

“It was truly overwhelming to be called in front of the mayor and all of council. It was humbling,” the 20-year resident of Vaughan said.

“I’ve seen what happens if there’s no positive role models and it’s a road that leads to a life of crime.”

Vaughan council presented the Orangeville police chief with the annual honour at a meeting earlier this month. It recognizes residents who demonstrate exceptional instances of civil responsibility.

Prior to accepting his position as police chief in December, Mr. Tomei had been an active member in the community, spending four years as a scout and cub leader with the 2nd Woodbridge Scouts, and he served as a member of the safe city committee along with Ward 3 Councillor Bernie DiVona.

“It was similar to a vandalism committee and how to prevent it around the city,” Mr. Tomei said. “We wanted to stop public property from being destroyed and so I helped with the creation of a hotline number that we encouraged people to call and report any wrongdoing they saw.”

Finding time to volunteer is something he believes everyone should try to do.

“I know time is very precious for everyone, but every community driven person should and ought to do it. Volunteering is truly rewarding and it’s great to try and be a positive role model for kids because we need role models in any walk of life. It’s very important,” Mr. Tomei said.

After spending more than 35 years with the Toronto Police Service in areas including Staff Inspector and Biker Enforcement and Unit Commander of the Organized Crime Unit, as well as being a FBI Academy graduate, he said he understands the importance of positive influences and the slippery slope many young people face when confronted with crime.

“We wanted to stop public property from being destroyed...”

“I’ve seen what happens if there’s no positive role models and it’s a road that leads to a life of crime,” Mr Tomei said. “The youth are the future generations and I would encourage anyone to get involved, whether a library, community centre or anything else.”

During his career Mr. Tomei has also been the recipient of the Canada Police Exemplary Service medal and 30-year Bar for meritorious service to policing.