Your Impact
![](https://abbypf.ca/wp-content/uploads/abbotsford-police-1024x498.jpg)
Your Generosity at Work
Chief's Message
I have been blessed to have been selected to lead the Abbotsford Police Department as Chief Constable. Even prior to my official start on November 2, 2023, I had the pleasure to get involved with the work on the Abbotsford Police foundation at the 2023 Crime is Toast breakfast.
Soon after, I attended the Abbotsford Police City Basketball Tournament. Even early in my tenure as Chief, the impact of the work of the APF is obvious. The Abbotsford Police Foundation (APF) plays a pivotal role in fostering strong connections between the AbbyPD and our community. Their commitment to safety, positive initiatives, and collaboration is commendable. Let’s continue supporting their mission to make Abbotsford ‘The Safest City in BC’! I would like to thank the APF Board of Directors and every member of our community who support the work of the APF!
#StrengthinCommunity
![Chief Colin Watson](https://abbypf.ca/wp-content/uploads/chief-colin-watson.jpg)
Colin Watson
Chief Constable
Abbotsford Police Department
![Sandy Blue](https://abbypf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Sandy-Blue.jpg)
Sandy Blue
President
Abbotsford Police Foundation
President's Message
Our 9th annual Crime is Toast – Breakfast with the Chief signature fundraiser was an opportunity to thank outgoing Chief Mike Serr for his dedicated service; and to welcome Chief Designate Colin Watson. We chose the event to launch our Monthly Giving campaign and want to thank everyone who supports us with a monthly donation. Without you we would not be able to fund the many AbbyPD initiatives that help connect police with the community and build positive relationships.
Special thanks to outgoing board members Kevin Boonstra and Jon Eaton for their service. And a heartfelt welcome to our six newly elected board members. These dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to help support AbbyPD in their quest to be ‘The Safest City in BC.’
Community Impact
AbbyPD Mentoring Program
The AbbyPD Mentoring Program is geared to make connections with young people in our community who have a strong interest in policing in our community. The program is geared for already graduated students, aged 17-22 yrs who already have a passion for this community and want to set roots here for their future. A variety of lessons include: knowledge checks, physical fitness, student presentations on a variety of topics and working the class through how to be a competitive candidate while road mapping their future!
K9 Retirement Program
This program offers financial assistance (with the support from the Abbotsford Community Foundation’s Mary Victoria Wakefield animal Welfare Grant) for retired AbbyPD police service dogs to help alleviate costs for their food, veterinary care and insurance.
BC Law Enforcement Ride to Remember
Led by AbbyPD and open to participation of police and peace officers within the Province, the BC Law Enforcement Ride to Remember was created to honour fallen officers. This event builds positive connections and provides an opportunity for police and community to come together in shared grief. AbbyPD officers were inspired to grow this event to honour the legacy of Constable John Davidson.
It's a NO!
The widespread use of technology has made it easy and common for youth to be asked to send compromising photographs of themselves by both friends and strangers. Once out of the sender’s control, these photos have the potential to victimize both the sender
and those who may receive the unwanted and possibly disturbing pictures and messages.The “It’s a NO” presentation warns students of the repercussions of sending compromising photos, reinforcing the message that photos are “forever” regardless of the sender’s intent.
Community Cruiser Pop Ups
The community cruiser pop ups are held at many locations throughout the community. Here kids of all ages as well as many community members were able to interact with the police, sit in a police car, try on kevlar vests, and play sports with the officers.
AbbyPD City Basketball
This annual initiative encourages positive choices and opportunities for youth through sport. More than 750 players, coaches, volunteers, and 1000+ members of the community are involved each year. Police officers participate on the organizing committee and attend every game, providing a positive role model for youth.
PADS Support Dog Cheddar
The APF funded Cheddar the PADS victim services dog! Cheddar attends court, visits with victims, and is a huge morale booster at the department. Always willing to assist in helping people remain calm in stressful situations. Cheddar is a valued member of the AbbyPD family.
AbbyPD Movie Night in the Park
This annual event was a huge success, drawing thousands of residents to Mill Lake Park for a movie, refreshments, and the opportunity to connect with the AbbyPD. The community are able to engage with police officers and view many of the Programs/ Items the Police Foundation has funded.
Purple Lights Nights
This campaign aims to end the silence on intimate partner violence. Throughout the month of October, the Purple Lights Nights campaign raises awareness and works to ensure a collaborative community and justice response to those impacted by violence in relationships.
AbbyPD Car Meet
The amazing event was open to the community so they could learn about road safety, and show off their over the top cars. The AbbyPD reserves were on location with a BBQ, as well as handing out stuffies for the little ones. AbbyPD members were onsite and available to assist with any roadside safety questions the community had. This provided a safe, open and welcoming environment for people to bring their cars, and build a positive relationship with officers.
‘With a Good Heart’ POW WOW
The second annual Wac’ipi C’ante Was’te Yuhapii (With a Good Heart POW WOW) was a big success. Many positive comments from the people at Sema:th First Nation, attendees from the community, as well as dancers and drummers who participated.
“This cultural event has never happened in Abbotsford before, but I feel it has long been needed. Elders have mentioned how important it has been to their community and how it is a crucial piece of Truth and Reconciliation. This event could not have happened without the support of many organizations. The contribution of AbbyPD was pivotal in the success of Pow Wow. The choice to support the specific specials, youth and veterans/golden age sent a positive message.” Bear, Host of POW WOWTrees of Hope
We were excited to be the charity recipient for the Sevenoaks Shopping Centre “Trees of Hope” campaign again in 2023. Community Partners joined us to ‘brand’ their own Christmas tree. Congratulations to Purple Night Lights for winning the “People’s Choice” award. We are excited to be back in 2024!
Crime is Toast - Breakfast with the Chief
Our 9th Annual Crime is Toast was a huge success. Here our community heard of all the many programs funded by the APF, as well as met the incoming chief, and thanked the outgoing chief and hear about what the goals for the AbbyPD in 2024!