FRANK KREISZ OPPA "BILL ELLIOTT' MEMBER OF THE YEAR - 2006

Branch 18 would like to nominate Brother Frank Kreisz for the OPPA Member of the Year. We believe that frank meets the Member of the Year selection criteria in the following manner:

He contributes to the Branch by being a faithful and regular attendee at Branch meetings. When at meetings, he actively takes part in the discussions and business of the meetings and it is noted that he often moves and seconds motions. He often volunteers to be our Sergeant at Arms and keeps a close eye on the consumption of wings at the social following our meetings.

He is the main organizer of the Orillia Perch Festival “Kids Day” and has held that position since 1997. The Perch Festival “Kids Day” is co-sponsored by the OPP and involves numerous No. 18 Branch members and their families as well as the general public. The “Kids Day” receives position media attention and has enhanced the image of the Ontario Provincial Police and the OPPA. Frank devotes numerous hours of his own time to ensure the day is a success.

For the past 9 years, Frank has been a member of the Orillia Literacy Council and has been teaching a local adult to read. He has also assisted a student to navigate his way through the Workplace Safety Insurance Board process to obtain a WSIB award.

Frank is devoted to his family and participates in a leadership role within his church.

He is also a director on the Orillia Public Library Board of Directors.

Frank demonstrates the principles of “Members Serving Members” and is a fine example of community involvement. Frank is a long time supporter of the OPPA and we believe he is deserving of being recognized for his contributions to the OPP, his community and the Ontario Provincial Police Association.

Frank Kreisz is a Staff Sergeant in the OPP’s Contract Policing Section.

Not only has he been regularly involved in OPP related fundraising activities at work, such as the Torch Run, Cops for Cancer, the United Way and the Big Bike for Stroke, but he volunteers his time outside the office and has:

• coordinated the Orillia Chamber of Commerce, Perch Festival, OPP Kid’s Day for ten years, since 1997;
• volunteered his time on the Orillia Public Library Board, as a school board representative, since 2002;
• volunteered his time with the Friends of the Orillia Library, a fundraising group, since 2003; and finally
• he has been a lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Columbkille Church in Uptergrove for the past five years.