Little Witnesses, Big Impact: Community Youth Unit Turns Fear into Friendship at Ottawa Daycare

What began as a high-stress incident quickly turned into an inspiring moment of connection and community care—thanks to the compassion and quick thinking of members of the Ottawa Police Service.

On a recent summer day, a male suspect fled from police in a vehicle, eventually abandoning the car and taking off on foot. His flight brought him through the schoolyard of an elementary school where a daycare program was in full swing. Thanks to the professionalism and restraint of responding officers from B platoon West, the male was arrested quickly—without injury or damage to property—right there on school grounds.

The arrest, however, was witnessed by multiple children attending the daycare, who were understandably shaken by the sudden and unfamiliar police activity outside their program.

That’s when Constable Tyler Tierney of the Ottawa Police Community Youth Unit stepped in.

Though not dispatched to the call, Cst. Tierney self-engaged and arrived on scene to assist—his instincts rooted deeply in youth care and community trust-building. He entered the daycare with patrol officers to reassure the children and staff. The children expressed fear and reluctance to return to the yard where the arrest took place.

Understanding how moments like these can shape a young person's perception of safety—and of police—Cst. Tierney made a gentle, thoughtful decision: he personally escorted both daycare groups back outside to show them that the yard was safe again, thanks to the police presence. He answered their questions, calmed their nerves, and left an impression that went far beyond the day's events.

So much so, in fact, that later in July, Cst. Tierney was invited back to the daycare—this time not as a first responder, but as a friend.

At the children’s request, he returned with members of the Community Youth Unit to take part in community-building activities. The children had made colourful thank-you cards for the officers, many calling out Cst. Tierney by name and proudly showing off their artwork. 

Some children asked questions about policing, arrests, and the role of officers in keeping them safe—conversations that were handled with openness and care.

"Ultimately, the children at the daycare recall the incident as positive and exciting rather than scary, due to the community engagement made by OPS,” said Staff Sergeant Fernando Vieira of the Community Youth Unit.

“I got a real kick out of the kids excitedly calling out to see Officer Tyler!” he added. “Absolutely adorable.”

This series of events—beginning with a potentially frightening police operation and ending with heartfelt gratitude from a group of children and daycare providers—highlights the impact of proactive, compassionate policing. What could have been a memory of fear became one of fun, trust, and understanding.

It’s a powerful reminder: the presence of police can do more than respond to crime—it can restore peace, build trust, and inspire the next generation.