Meet the Pitch to the Chief™ Judges and Finalists
Pitch to the Chief™ is set to take place on September 25, 2024 at Venture13. Sponsored by Tactical Distributors Canada and in collaboration with the Cobourg Police Service, this unique event provides early-stage companies with an incredible opportunity to develop crime prevention and community innovation strategies.
Based on competitive assessment of exceptional submissions, six companies were selected to compete for a $30,000 Grand Prize Package, with the winning pitch being chosen by a panel of Ontario Police Chiefs.
To be a part of this exciting event, click here.
Meet the Chiefs
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Paul VandeGraaf began his policing career in 1991 as a member of the Belleville Police Service, working as a front-line Constable. Throughout his career, Paul has held several progressively responsible positions, including Community Policing Officer, Bike Patrol, Traffic Services, Criminal Investigations focusing on sexual assault and child abuse investigations, Uniform Staff Sergeant, Inspector, and Deputy Chief. In August 2019, Paul was sworn in as Chief of the Cobourg Police Service.
In September 2016, Paul was invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by his Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston.
Chief VandeGraaf is an active member of the Canadian and Ontario Associations of Chiefs of Police. He actively works to move the dial on important topics such as WSIB and the new special constable regulations. Paul serves as Chair for the Ontario Police Technology Information Cooperative (OPTIC).
Paul has always been and continues to be a strong believer in community volunteerism. Paul’s previous volunteer efforts have been with minor hockey roles and the YMCA Northumberland Board of Directors. Paul currently serves on the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre Board of Directors.
Chief VandeGraaf is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of operational policing services through collaborative partnerships, innovative approaches, and the implementation of new technologies.
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Born and raised in the Ottawa Valley and Pikwakanagan before relocating and entering the police profession as a member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service in 2005.
With 19+ years of progressive policing experience within the community of Akwesasne, she has worked in various areas, including uniformed patrol, criminal investigations branch and in-service training.
In 2015, she was promoted to Patrol Sergeant. During the last seven years, she has worked at the Executive level in various roles, including Inspector of Field Operations and Acting Chief of Police.
In 2018, she was promoted to her current role as Deputy Chief of Police. A graduate of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, she has demonstrated a consistent leadership role. She has recently (2024) successfully completed her four-year bachelor’s degree in Policing at Wilfred Laurier University.
In addition, Deputy Chief O’Brien is actively involved with a variety of organizations, boards and committees.
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Chief Shawna Spowart brings 30 years of progressive experience with the Cornwall Police Service (CPS), becoming the first female police chief in its history in October of 2021.
Throughout her career, Chief Spowart worked in a variety of policing roles including front line patrol, criminal investigations, major crime and sexual assault and child abuse. Her passion for leadership began as a frontline patrol sergeant in 2007, eventually taking her next step, assuming the role of Staff Sergeant of Community Patrol Division in 2013.
Over the last ten years, Chief Spowart has worked at the Executive Level in various positions including the Inspector of Field Operations, Deputy Chief and currently, Chief of Police. Through these assignments, she has been instrumental in meeting the challenges that have come with modernization of the Cornwall Police Service’s service delivery model to better meet the needs of the community. In recognition of a changing community, Chief Spowart continues to transform the Cornwall Police Service into one that upholds the core values of equity, diversity, inclusivity and anti-oppression, to ensure equitable service and opportunity for everyone.
Chief Spowart has always prioritized working in collaboration with community partners. In addition to her policing career, she has also volunteered to serve on many Boards of Directors. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for both the Cornwall Community Hospital and Children’s Aid Society of SDG. She served formerly as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Koala Place, a local child and youth advocacy center. She also served on the Board of Directors for Maison Baldwin House, a local women’s shelter, Counselling and Support Services of SD&G and Cornwall District Immigration Services.
Chief Spowart currently serves as a Vice President on the Executive Board of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Throughout her 29-year career, Shawna has received various awards including: Police Exemplary Medal – 20 Years (Governor General of Canada) and the Meritorious Service Award from the Canadian Police Association.
Chief Spowart and her wife Anita are the proud parents of a beautiful daughter named Addison
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Chief Tim Farquharson began his policing career in 1986 with Peterborough Police Service. He became Chief of Police with the Port Hope Police Service in 2023. He has extensive experience in Operations and Criminal Investigations, including a lengthy tour of duty in the Intelligence and Drug Investigation Units.
He is a graduate of the Rotman Police Leadership Course through the University of Toronto, and he attended the FBI Police Leadership Program in the United States.
Chief Farquharson is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Advisory Committee and is also a current Co-Chair of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Substance Advisory Committee. He is a Vice President of the OACP and pillar lead for the Police Operations Committees. He is an active member of many other agencies and committees dealing with the challenges of mental health and addictions.
He has made presentations as an expert on building relationships with youth and supporting the four-pillar approach to the drug crisis in our Province. He also presented as a guest of the Canadian Consulate in Montana and Utah on the topic of policing and drug issues. He recently presented at the North American Drug Dialogue regarding addiction challenges and policing as well as the Association of the Municipalities of Ontario AGM.
Over the course of his successful career, Chief Farquharson has received many accolades, including the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal of Bravery and he has been invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
When off-duty, Chief Farquharson spends time on his farm with 31 animals, 4 children and grandchildren. He sits on Community Boards such as Cornerstone Family Violence, Rebound Child and Youth Services and Edmison House (Federal Parolees). He is actively involved in fund and awareness raising events with the aim of supporting our marginalized and vulnerable population.
Meet the Finalists
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Spectra Plasmonics (‘Spectra’) develops technology to help government and first responders detect and mitigate the most dangerous chemical threats in the world. The company has launched Amplifi ID, a portable analyzer that can accurately determine the composition of illicit drug mixtures in minutes, with no scientific background required. The product is also linked with a user-friendly intelligence software to help track trends and share data on emerging threats. Amplifi ID is in use across both Canada and the US to help combat the opioid and toxic drug crisis.
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Eye3 is developing a breakthrough roadside oral fluid drug testing solution that will deliver quantitative, accurate results from a handheld device in minutes. Purpose designed to meet the needs of law enforcement officers, eye3 will offer unparalleled accurate results, efficiency and reliability to support officers in improving safety on our roads.
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Hover is a leading drone technology company specializing in autonomous systems and advanced image recognition. Hover pioneered Canada’s first commercially available drone delivery system and have worked with major clients like CBRE, Tridel, and the RCMP. The company’s newest offering, the Drone in the Box solution, is designed for police services to provide real-time aerial surveillance, enhancing security with an automated “eye in the sky” for faster, smarter responses in critical situations. With advanced AI and a focus on defense applications, Hover continues to push the boundaries of drone capabilities in both civilian and security sectors.
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Rubicon is a public safety technology startup based in the Toronto-Waterloo corridor. The company is building the Next-Generation software platform for public safety and community well-being initiatives. The platform includes various tools, such as a Non-Emergency Online Reporting System, Bulletin Management System, Community Registry System, and a Canvassing System. Rubicon’s current work includes projects with the Federal Department of National Defence, Ontario Provincial Police, Peel Regional Police, and several other municipal police services to help improve service quality, streamline operations, and engage the community.
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IFTech Inventing Future Technology Inc. specializes in wearable sensory simulation technology designed for training and simulation, navigation, telerobotics, and telepresence. The company’s mission is to save lives by providing the most realistic training experiences possible, enhancing preparedness for operational settings. IFTech aims to be the world’s leading supplier of life-saving sensory simulation technologies for high-risk environments. IFTech is committed to advancing the future of training and simulation, ensuring safety, efficiency, and excellence.
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Pegasus was started by a team of University of Waterloo engineers to address the largest challenge in the UAV industry: endurance. With extensive experience in power electronics, mechanical design, and engine management, Pegasus is intent on being the industry leader in the technology necessary to make UAVs a truly viable solution for all commercial and industrial applications. Pegasus prides itself in developing cutting-edge technology intended to revolutionize the UAV industry, and provide industry-leading powertrain solutions and support to its customers.
