Karrie Burke Young Women in Policing Bursary: Marina Leblanc

Congratulations to Marina Leblanc, the deserving recipient of our 2021 Karrie Burke Young Women in Policing Bursary. 

Marina has wanted to be a police officer since she was 12 years old. On her path to pursuing a career in policing, Marina has read books and manuals, gone on police ride-alongs, met with officers, attended numerous recruiting events, visited policing museums and watched policing-related TV programs. Her favourite motto is from CTV Flashpoint – “Connect, respect and protect.”

Marina is a student in the Forensic Science Program at Laurentian University and volunteers as a GSPS Auxiliary Constable. Additionally, she has worked as a Customer Service Clerk at the GSPS since 2019.

Previously, Marina was a member of the GSPS Chief’s Youth Advisory Committee, held three summer student placements in GSPS Operational Support (2017, 2018, 2019) and has accumulated a total of 1,000 volunteer hours. 

Marina was selected as the 2021 Karrie Burke Young Women in Policing Bursary recipient for her exceptional commitment to volunteering and her tremendous service to the community.

The Bursary honours the late Karrie Burke, who commenced her policing career in 1987, retiring as a Staff Sergeant with the Greater Sudbury Police Service in 2018. Karrie dedicated her life to a long, distinguished career in this honourable profession, serving as a role model to many who have followed in her steps. Sadly, Karrie passed away suddenly in August of 2020. The Karrie Burke Young Women in Policing Bursary is sponsored by the Karrie Burke Memorial Fund and the Greater Sudbury Police Service.

We were honoured to present Marina with her check, alongside Karrie’s husband, Darrell. We thank Marina for her ongoing dedication to community safety and well-being and we look forward to the many great things she will accomplish throughout her life!