The Paul R. Trivett Bursary Program
Chief Paul Trivett joined the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service in 2005 as the Deputy Chief of Police and later became the Chief for the organization.
He served as a constable with Georgina Island Police from 1981 to 1986. He joined the OPP in 1986 to 2005 working in various capacities and locations.
He had twenty-five years of experience in community-based policing, primarily in the service of Aboriginal communities. Paul had received national recognition for his commitment to teach others about First Nations issues and cultures and has been the recipient of the Ontario Bicentennial Medal for "Outstanding Volunteer Service to Community" and the Ontario Amethyst Award for "Excellence in Public Service".
He had received two OPP Commissioners Citations for Lifesaving and an "Award of Excellence" from the Canadian Professional Police Association for ice and water rescue. His passion for the development of strategies for youth empowerment and healthy lifestyles made him a dynamic role model for youth.
When Chief Paul Trivett became Chief of Police of Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service in January of 2006, he helped to further realign a police service that had many challenges organizationally, geographically and financially.
He had lectured extensively to the police community, the public sector and government bodies throughout Canada on a wide variety of First Nations police-related matters.
Chief Trivett was a member of the Canadian First Nations Chiefs of Police Association, and was very active and influential with that platform.
Moreover, Chief Trivett actively visited and participated in forums in the north. He worked earnestly at youth issues, and always reworked his schedule for youth initiatives. Chief Trivett coached hockey and soccer for over thirty years in the communities that he was a police officer.
Paul has had the responsibilities of a pipe carrier in his community and in the greater Aboriginal community as well. In doing so he has made a commitment to live and teach the meaning of tradition from the Ojibway perspective. He was extremely well respected and admired.
We honour his contributions to the Service with the Scholarship Fund in his memory. Paul was very committed to youth and education. The Police Service Board hosts an annual Golf Tournament that funds the Scholarship. Other staff activities also contribute to the Fund such as Dress Down Days, and the NAPSWEAR clothing line.