The Ottawa Police Veterans Association (OPVA) are now 400 strong in retired and former members of the Ottawa Police Service (or pre-1999 amalgamated police services within the current city of Ottawa including Vanier Police, Gloucester Police, Nepean Police, and six Ontario Provincial Police detachments). They are united for the purpose of honouring those who served and strengthening the lifelong link between all of them. The OPVA is and has always been led by a volunteer Board of Directors.

This organization grew out of an Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Committee in 2012. The OPS formed this aforementioned “Honour, Courage, Service” Committee under the leadership of then Deputy Chief Ed Keeley. Its overall purpose to strengthen pride and ‘esprit de corps’ within OPS into the future. OPS’ core values were at the heart of all 5 sub-committees, one being the “Veterans & Retirees”, assigned to then Staff Sergeant Brad Hampson. The task related was how best to care for retired veterans of the OPS who built the legacy of the Service, and ensure those alive remained part of the OPS family.
Over the next two years, Hampson’s national consultation work researching best practices across Canadian police services, led to the formation of an ad hoc Board of Directors of retired OPS veterans, which became the Ottawa Police Veterans Association. With assistance of then Ottawa Police Association President Matt Skof, the first Board, including Co-Chairs Mark Hayes and Gary Tyo, Byron Smith as vice chair, Terry Welsh as Treasurer, Scott Lawson, and OPS Liaison Brad Hampson, the group began the building process. The OPVA is and has always been led by a volunteer Board of Directors.

The first Board was confirmed in 2014 at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM). Initially financed by the Ottawa Police Association, a constitution was developed along with granting of provincial incorporation as a not for profit corporation on 17 June 2015, officially forming the OPVA. Annual elections are held at the AGM for 11 positions on the Board of Directors and a Constitution and By Laws were created to manage OPVA business.

The objectives of the corporation in short, listed the following: to unite fraternally, to support the mutual interests of retired and former civilian and police members, to provide mutual moral support, to work with other authorities in achieving mutual aims, to promote the members’ interests and fundraise in accordance with the Directives of the Association, and to encourage and promote cooperative enterprise amongst the members in the attainment of all the objectives listed.

In subsequent years the OPVA created the Benevolent Fund to assist members in need of support. This Fund is managed by a Board Director and Committee who make determination on financial support to be provided.

OPVA members throughout the calendar year enjoying dining and entertainment, and the annual golf tournament. They donate and assist in local charitable causes giving back to the community, and provide wellness and peer support to their own and other retired Ottawa Police Service veterans and their families.