Staff Sergeant Laura Wawryszyn Nominated for OWLE Leadership Award

Congratulations Staff Sergeant Laura Wawryszyn on being nominated by her peers for an OWLE Leadership Award! 

The OWLE (Ontario Women in Law Enforcement) Leadership award is presented to a woman in law enforcement who inspires others; is an excellent role model; positively influences the actions and opinions of others; encourages and supports colleagues; shows initiative; perseveres in the face of criticism or adversity; has high ethical standards; is willing to “go that extra mile”; builds trust and is able to form partnerships to resolve issues.

S/Sgt. Laura Wawryszyn has been a Police Officer with the Greater Sudbury Police Service since 1998. She was promoted to Sergeant in 2016 and was recently promoted to Staff Sergeant. She has spent time in Patrol Operations, Break Enter and Robbery Unit, Domestic Violence, Professional Standards, Special Projects and is currently in Patrol Operations.

S/Sgt. Wawryszyn has made significant strides in influencing change within our service and community, including:

• Spending numerous hours volunteering for the GSPS Santa Claus Parade Committee, taking the lead with creative design and execution of the float
• Promoting Special Olympics Ontario through ongoing support and participation in various fundraising initiatives, such as the annual Polar Plunge
• Taking a leadership role in the “Shop with a Cop” program providing positive holiday experiences for youth within the community
• Participating in the Police Youth MWKA program for several years, breaking down barriers of communication and trust with Indigenous youth and community partners
• Taking a leadership role in the development of the GSPS Spiritual Team that provides our membership with access to multi-dimensional volunteer spiritual team members and a variety of support services
• Leading the GSPS Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC), which provides guidance on matters that relate to race relationships and multiculturalism within Sudbury and policing
• Being a member of the GSPS Health and Wellness Committee, which is now known as the Blue Balance Wellness Team. The program promotes self-care, resiliency and positive work/home balance through various initiatives. S/Sgt. Wawryszyn has a strong understanding for the need to care for the mental wellbeing of others.
• Collaborating with our Indigenous Liaison Unit in developing resource tools and a new virtual mindfulness initiative. As part of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion endeavours, she coordinated with internal and external partners to develop a service strategy and more innovative programming. She continues to demonstrate leadership through her contribution to the GSPS Anti-Racism Reform Group and Authentic Inclusion Reform Group.

S/Sgt. Wawryszyn is always a hard worker, bringing positive energy and creativity to all that she does. Her kindness and compassion are demonstrated in her work and interactions with others. Sgt. Wawryszyn has dedicated her life to policing and her heart to the wellbeing of others. 

OWLE encourages, promotes and advances women in law enforcement by:

1. Securing proper training for women in the law enforcement profession;
2. Encouraging the increased role of women in law enforcement;
3. Assisting in the creation of support groups for women in law enforcement;
4. Securing recognition of women within the law enforcement profession, and their work;
5. Fostering closer official and personal relationships among women in law enforcement.