A Garden River-based police officer with the Anishinabek Police Service was recognized this week as a 'Hero of Service' during an awards ceremony hosted by the local Crime Stoppers chapter.
Const. Alan Nolan was one of several local law enforcement and emergency services workers celebrated during a ceremony held Wednesday at Grand Gardens North.
Nolan, a constable with the Garden River detachment, was nominated for his compassion and dedication to policing in his community.
He said it was very humbling to find out he was up for the award.
"I don't feel like I've done anything special or out of the ordinary, not anything that any of my fellow officers wouldn't do. We all have that common ground with our commitment to the community," said Nolan in an interview during the ceremony.
Nolan, a father of four, completed his initial training with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service before taking on his role with the Anishinabek Police Service about a year and a half ago.
He says he is fortunate to be policing in Garden River — the same community where he grew up and working with veteran officers who inspired him.
"I have certain officers that are still with the service that are the reason why I wanted to become a police officer, because of how they handled themselves in different situations and I grew and said, 'You know what? I want to be like that,'" said Nolan.
A former Soo Greyhounds hockey player from 2000 and 2002, Nolan continued his hockey career with the Toronto St. Michael's Majors and Laredo Bucks. Between his hockey and policing careers, Nolan spent time working as a sales rep and attended Fanshawe College.
Outside of work, Nolan volunteers as a coach in various youth programs in Garden River and surrounding communities.
"It's very rewarding because you get to see the fruits of your labour when it comes to volunteering your time or attending community events," he said.
Nolan was honoured at the same May 14 event where where a crew of four firefighters was recognized for saving a life during a 2024 downtown fire.
Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District presents the Heroes of Service awards to celebrate the emergency services and law enforcement workers who go above and beyond to keep the community safe, strong and connected.
The event acts as a fundraiser for Crime Stoppers and doubles as a networking event as well.
A 'Hero of Service' was recognized from each of the following agencies: Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Anishinabek Police Service, Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Services, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services, Donald Doucet Youth Centre and Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre.
The event is one of three major fundraisers that Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District hosts every year, along with the Trip of the Month draw and Night Light Golf Tournament that is held in August at the Silvercreek Golf Course.
The following 'Heroes of Service' recipients were awarded on Wednesday:
Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre - Wendy Brisson
Anishinabek Police Service - Alan Nolan
Donald Doucet Youth Centre - Adam Hayward
Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services - Peter Fewchuck, Karl Christenson, Nolan Makkonen and Brandon Hayes
Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Services - Gregor Thimmig
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service - Wayne Taylor
Ontario Provincial Police - Keith Nicolle