Cst. Christopher Lalonde wins Chief Thomas G. Flanagan Lifetime Achievement Award

An Ottawa Police Service officer whose impact extends far beyond the badge was recognized for his extraordinary commitment to youth, sport, and community on Saturday night.

Constable Christopher Lalonde of East District won the Chief Thomas G. Flanagan First Responder Award, for Lifetime Achievement—an honour presented at the gala on May 30, 2026. The award recognizes first responders who dedicate their time to volunteer work in their communities through sport and recreation while creating opportunities for children and youth.

For more than a decade, Cst. Lalonde has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to the North Gloucester Giants Football Club in the Vanier-Overbrook community, helping create a safe, supportive space where young athletes can grow both on and off the field.

What began as coaching soon became something much bigger.

Since 2013, Cst. Lalonde has served as the Giants’ Midget Head Coach, mentoring youth aged 15 to 18. He later took on the role of Club Treasurer (2016–2017) before becoming Club President in 2018, a position he continues to hold today.

But his impact reaches far beyond football.

As a coach, mentor, leader, and trusted role model, Cst. Lalonde teaches his players the importance of accountability, respect, discipline, and service to others. Many of the young athletes he works with come from vulnerable backgrounds, and for them, Cst. Lalonde has become much more than a coach—he has become a friend, a mentor, and for some, a father figure.

Under his leadership, the Giants have become deeply rooted in community service. Players regularly participate in neighbourhood cleanups, Ottawa Police Hoopstars events, Cotillion, Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, snow shovelling for Ottawa Snow Angels, and numerous other volunteer initiatives.

One of Cst. Lalonde’s most impactful initiative has been the Christmas Miracle Raffle, which he has organized annually since 2021. Each year, Lalonde and the Giants raise thousands of dollars to support vulnerable families in Ottawa, helping provide full Christmas meals to more than 100 families each holiday season.

His commitment to youth development also extends beyond the playing field. Cst. Lalonde helped build an indoor training gym at the Giants’ clubhouse, creating year-round opportunities for athletes to focus on physical fitness, personal growth, and goal setting.

He also dedicates countless hours helping players pursue post-secondary opportunities, guiding them through the college and university recruitment process in both Canada and the United States. From visiting campuses to attending elite training camps, Cst. Lalonde has invested his own time to help young athletes chase both academic and athletic dreams.

Despite his extraordinary contributions, those who know Lalonde best say he rarely seeks recognition.

“He is humble in his ways and never brags about his involvement with the community,” said Cst. Tristan Bailey, winner of last year’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award, with his partner Cst. Niloy Ahmed. “He has never been paid for his time and effort, it’s a passion project. He usually flies under the radar, and feels comfortable letting others shine.”

Now, through his nomination for the Chief Thomas G. Flanagan First Responder Award, the spotlight is shining where many believe it has long belonged.