COPS, KIDS TAKE FLIGHT

A School Resource Officer (SRO) helped students put classroom theories into action, making their dreams take flight through an aviation program that piqued their interest in flying.

On May 15, Community Response Unit (CRU) officers joined a group of kids from Northern Secondary School and the Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood for Junior Aviators Day at the Buttonville Airport.

The all-expense paid trip came courtesy of the Buttonville Flying Club (BFC), the largest North American Chapter of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). The mission of the “COPA for Kids” aviation program is to get kids interested in a career in the air or, on the ground, in aeronautics.

CRU Sgt. Matthew Mungal said the kids took away an interest in aviation after the 20-minute flights with their newfound police friends.

“They can look back on a very positive experience, learning about aviation, talking about being an engineer, designing airplanes, pilots, flight-control tower and mechanics,” Mungal said, of learning the fundamentals of flight, from 2,000 feet above the city.

“There is no doubt in my mind, talking to the kids afterwards, that a few will get involved in aviation.”

Northern School Resource Officer Const. Ali Moosvi said the outing allowed the officers and kids to get to know each other a little better.

“Allowing kids to get out of the school environment and, be a part of something exciting, lends credibility to seeing police officers, not just as an authoritarian figure, but a community member with a stake in the community.”

Hannah Clifford received the Ontario government award “Leading Girls Building Communities” for her exceptional community leadership to improve the lives of others in her school and community. She is shown with Dr. Eric Hoskins (MPP St. Paul’s) and Laurel Broten (Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues). Congratulations Hannah on your outstanding work!