He still remembers the look of gratitude in her eyes when he told her that her attacker had been found.
It was the look that she no longer had to live under the cloud of fear and had the wherewithal to take a step forward.
This case of a woman who was raped by a then-unknown man at Newmarket’s Rogers Reservoir was early in the career of Andre Crawford, but it helped guide his 34 years with the York Regional Police.
In fact, it helped firm up to him on what it meant to be a police officer: always putting the needs of the victim above all else.
It was a philosophy he kept with him throughout his career, which culminated last year upon his retirement as deputy chief, and it remains just as strong as ever as the longtime Aurora resident returned home to be honoured by Portraits of Giving.
Portraits of Giving, an initiative of Richmond Hill photographer Karen Merk, has honoured more than 100 York Region community builders since its inception and Crawford is this year’s honouree recognizing the York Regional Police.
Back at the YRP’s Don Hillock Drive headquarters on Tuesday afternoon, driving in from St. Catharines, where he and his wife are enjoying their retirement, Crawford joined Merk in unveiling his portrait before a host of former colleagues, including Chief Jim MacSween.
“There was no way I was going to let Andre fly into the sunset of his retirement without acknowledging what he has done for his community for many years,” said Merk before reading his citation.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Crawford came to Canada with his family in 1972. He began his career with the YRP in 1986, serving in many divisions, including homicide investigations, crimes against children and sexual assaults.
“When the [Rogers Reservoir] case was solved, he met with the victim to let her know that York Regional Police had arrested her attacker,” said Merk, reading his citation. “Andre said the expression in her eyes has affected him ever since; the look of relief and gratitude was palpable, so indicative of the eyes being the window to the soul. In that moment, Crawford gave her back her dignity, freedom from fear and a means to carry on with her life.
“As a result of this experience, the philosophy and ultimate focus that drove him the remainder of his career was that victims must always be the most important part of the work in law enforcement. All too frequently, either the police or criminals get the main attention of the media and the justice system, and the victims are often forgotten, albeit unintentionally. Given this unfortunate scenario, Andre Crawford felt more compelled to advocate on behalf of the victims and the assistance they require to help them heal and achieve some closure so they can move forward with their lives.
“To make a positive difference in someone’s life is a huge reward for Andre. It has guided his career and he will remember it forever.”
These guiding principles were also recognized by the assembled dignitaries, including Chief MacSween who hailed Crawford as “no better example of professionalism, kindness, leadership and courage.”
“Throughout your 34 years, you have always led by example,” he said. “Everyone gathered here today knows the impact Andre made on our organizations through the many different areas and people’s lives he’s touched and worked with and the causes [he’s] championed.
“What stands out most is the type of person Andre is. He has strength of character, he believes in people and takes the time to listen. He believes in inclusion and equality and that everyone’s perspective matters… You were an incredible example for York Regional Police and you are very much missed by all of us.”
Added Sarah Campbell, relaying a message on behalf of Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen: “I hope Deputy Chief Crawford knows that while the positive impact he made in our community is a huge reward for him, it is a huge reward for all of us in York Region.”
Ahead of the unveiling, Crawford said he thought it would be an informal affair and expressed surprise at the number of colleagues who came outside headquarters to applaud the tribute.
“It’s all about looking after the people in your community and making sure they are not forgotten, making sure that they count, making sure that they have a say,” he said. “That has always been how I do my work.”
Addressing his former colleagues, he added: “Keep doing what you do best, and that is going out into the community and helping others who need the help. Last year has just been crazy for you folks, but you have been holding your heads up, doing what you need to do, and you have been making sure the community wasn’t forgotten in your own ways. Whatever you had to do, you found a way to do it and it makes that much difference. For me, it has always been about helping people. I am very, very honoured. I hope someone out there will take my message and help someone in the community as well, too.”
Brock Weir is a federally funded Local Journalism Initiative reporter at The Auroran
