Peel Police Reflections on 50 Years of a Safer Community Together

Posted On Wednesday January 24, 2024

Peel Police Reflections on 50 Years of a Safer Community Together

Over the last 50 years, Peel Regional Police has been part of some historical events that have impacted many in our community and worldwide. Here are a few stories we would like to highlight as we reflect on the last 50 years and thank everyone we have had the privilege to work alongside to create a Safer Community Together.

Air Canada Flight 189 Crash

On June 26, 1978, during take-off, a tire failure on Air Canada Flight 189 caused the aircraft to crash into Etobicoke Creek. The plane suffered significant damage, breaking into three parts. Two passengers sadly lost their lives in the crash, and many of the 105 passengers and crew sustained injuries. This event required significant coordination and response from local Fire Services, Paramedics, and other agencies, including Peel Regional Police, to help rescue those on board, contain the situation, and prevent further casualties.

Mississauga Miracle: The Largest Peacetime Evacuation in North America

On November 10, 1979, a CP Rail freight train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed at a Mavis Road crossing in Mississauga. It was a massive explosion that cast a 1500-meter-high fireball that could be seen from 100 kilometers away, forcing 240,000 residents to be evacuated. Peel Regional Police, Mississauga Fire, and other emergency service partners worked tirelessly alongside the great Mayor Hazel McCallion to oversee the successful evacuation of residents and ensure the hazardous chemicals were contained to prevent further damage.

Terrorist Attacks of 9/11

On September 11, 2001, two planes plowed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York. A third plane was flown into the Pentagon Building, and brave passengers diverted a fourth to crash into an empty field in Pennsylvania. This shook the United States and people worldwide, grounding scheduled flights, and most US-bound planes were diverted to airports across Canada. Peel Regional Police coordinated with Canadian authorities to ensure the security of the largest airport in Canada, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and was placed on high alert in the community to mitigate any other potential incidents. We immediately increased patrols over several days and allocated officers strategically in public and other locations to ensure the safety of our community.

Blackout of 2003

Just after 4 p.m. on August 14, 2003, 50 million people across Ontario and part of the United States suddenly went into a 30-hour power blackout triggered by a transmission failure in Ohio, sending a power surge into neighbouring jurisdictions. The outage caused significant public safety issues, and officers were called into action in every corner of our community, from traffic management to assisting those stranded and ensuring public order. This incident prompted many to reflect and develop emergency plans and resources in case of similar emergencies in the future.

Crash of Air France Flight 358

On August 2, 2005, upon landing at Pearson International Airport, Air France Flight 358 overshot the runway, causing it to crash into the ravine beyond the airport's perimeter. Poor weather conditions were the primary contributor to the crash. Peel Regional Police and other emergency services assisted all 309 passengers and crew in disembarking safely. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, and only a handful of injuries were sustained.

Mass Evacuation: Hickory Neighborhood Explosion

A massive explosion took place on June 28, 2016, at a residential home in the Hickory Drive neighborhood in Mississauga. The blast killed two people, injured 13 others, and caused significant damage to neighbouring homes. Peel Regional Police, Peel Regional Paramedics, and Mississauga Fire were responsible for mass evacuating all 5,200 residents due to safety concerns. Peel Regional Police led the investigation and determined the explosion to be deliberate. 

 ‘Hurricane Hazel’ McCallion Funeral 

On February 14, 2023, Mississauga's beloved and longest-running Mayor, Hazel McCallion, was laid to rest. Mayor McCallion passed away peacefully at age 101. Peel Regional Police members of our Honour Guard Unit proudly participated in the farewell precession of Hazel McCallion. Her leadership and support for our members and community will never be forgotten. She was elected in 1978 and was Mayor until her retirement in 2014. Mayor McCallion left a legacy unparalleled to none. During the 1979 CP Train derailment, she helped oversee the mass evacuation of over 200,000 residences. Peel Regional Police, Peel Fire Services, Peel Paramedics, and numerous sworn and civilian professionals were proud to attend her funeral and pay their respects to an incredible pioneer. Rest In Peace, `Hurricane Hazel`. 

#PRPCelebrates50

On January 17, 2024, Peel Regional Police launched a year of celebrations to mark our 50 years of service to the communities of Brampton and Mississauga. Peel Regional Police continues to strive to be one of the most inclusive, innovative, and progressive policing services in Canada. Over the years, we have evolved and are dedicated to a community policing model. We are grateful for the community we work with that continues to inspire us daily. Peel Regional Police is thankful to all our members, past and present, for their unwavering commitment to public safety and our community.

We look forward to the next 50 years of service!

   

 

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