Lindsay Police Association Presents Inaugural Member of the Year Award to Jim Richardson

LINDSAY, ON – May 2026 — The Lindsay Police Association proudly presented its inaugural Member of the Year Award during the Kawartha Lakes Police Service Annual Awards Night held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Kawartha Lakes Police Services Board's Chair Valmay Barkey holds the LPA Member of the Year Award as Sgt Ryan Boutin presents.

The award was presented to Jim Richardson by outgoing Lindsay Police Association President Ryan Boutin, as one of his final official duties before the transition to the Association’s newly elected President.

The newly established award recognizes outstanding dedication, professionalism, and contributions made by members of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service and the Lindsay Police Association.

Richardson was selected as the inaugural recipient in recognition of his years of quiet dedication and dependable service to the organization.

After retiring from a 30-year career with General Motors in 2007, Richardson joined the Kawartha Lakes Police Service in 2008 as a cleaner before later becoming one of the service’s first prisoner monitors in 2015, a role that quickly became vital to daily operations within the organization.

Particularly during overnight shifts and throughout the emergence of the opioid crisis, Richardson’s steady presence and reliability helped support frontline officers and ensure operational continuity within the service.

Throughout his years with the organization, Richardson became known for his humility, strong work ethic, and willingness to help whenever needed.

Quote from Ryan Boutin, outgoing President of the Lindsay Police Association:

“When the Association began developing this award, I could not think of anyone more deserving to receive it. Jim’s dedication, reliability, and quiet commitment to this service left a lasting impact on everyone who had the opportunity to work alongside him.”

During the ceremony, Boutin spoke about the importance of recognizing the professionalism and commitment demonstrated daily by both sworn and civilian members of the service, while also acknowledging the support families provide behind the scenes.

As part of his remarks, Boutin officially introduced the Member of the Year Award as a new and lasting tradition within the Annual Awards Ceremony.

Richardson and his wife Paula were unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony and sent their regrets and sincere thanks to the Association and membership.