A long weekend in Toronto

Hyya everyone, this was the July 1 long weekend and lots of activities were to be enjoyed around Toronto.  The weekend started off with Pride festivities and of course the Pride parade. 

This weekend was also Canada day, our celebration of our 146 years of confederation . There were many activities sights and sound to go along with this day

 I wanted to save the best for last. The image below is of a young man who is an internationally known rapper from here in the Toronto  area, I am not a fan of either rap or hip hop style music, but , after hearing him and his story , I have a lot of respect for this young man. His doesn't rap about gangs , or violence of drugs or any of that stuff, he raps about being positive . So , keep an eye out for this dude. he goes by the name " young jibwe" ....... Respect man, much respect .....

Yes, closing off a road can be a pain in the ass at time but it is also needed to investigate crimes. This crime scene was from this past Sunday June 09,  2013 when at the corner of Spadina and College street, not only was there a serious stabbing that took place, it was also reported that the violent criminals tried to flee and ran over two  person in their car. The police need to do as detailed an investigation as possible to ensure that these violent criminals are caught and sent to jail.

On a much more positive note, i attended a small community outreach event at 52 division about a week ago. these events are hosted by the various police divisions to encourage community participation and to raise money that get put directly back into the community. Sports programs and educational programs come to mind as two of the programs these dollars support. It is a great way as well to meet some of the officers who help to keep the  communities safe. Than you to 52 division for hosting this event.

I decided to save the best for last. Far too often we hear of the police having to investigate serious crimes. Policing is not always about enforcing the laws and investigating crimes. Sometimes, it is all about being part of the community and recognizing that each member of that community is a human being, sometimes, with different abilities and needs. This is below is NOT MY image but rather, it was posted on a twitter account of a really good act of kindness. HUGE respect here :

A few days ago I decided to walk around town and take some random shots of random event. Who knew that i would be going back in time an run into this guy :

One shot that I have wanting to try and get for years finally materialized for me. I have several shots of the air ambulance from ground level, but I was finally able to get some shots of it from above it:

Lastly, on my travels, i was around the Toronto Eaton Center. I saw a bunch of police cars racing towards it, lights and sirens ablaze. This is not a good sign when a bunch of cars come racing in a large team like that. Remember that only a short time ago, there was a very serious shooting there. I followed and ended up about mid point of the  Eaton Center where the police  cars had  stopped .

I had no idea what kind of a call it was for but on my arrival , i saw one officer carrying something we do not see unless it is a very serious call: 

In very short order, officers made an arrest and while I am not privy to the nature of the call, the person arrested was the  very same person who only the Friday previous, was responsible for a significant delay on the TTC as a result of a security related issue on the King Street streetcar at Yonge Street.

So the officers of 51 division who attended this call, thanks for taking a dangerous criminal off the streets, awesome job .

This past Sunday, May 05 2013 was the first Sunday in May.  The first Sunday ion may of each year is the date set aside to commemorate our fallen Police Officers who have made the greatest sacrifice of all, while in the line of duty .

While was a day that had been created to remember those who have fallen, it also was an opportunity for many old friends to see each other again. here are a few images of this day :

Yes, my secret is out. i love motorcycles :-) 

As a person who has had the honor to serve my country in uniform many years ago, I greatly appreciate the service  of those who serve today, as well as those who  have served in the past. Our freedoms and rights come from the backs of those who laid their lives on the line for us years ago. These honorable medals are a reminder of the service of  these persons.

The ceremony of the event was filled traditions and military precision to honor those who serve.

Many dignitaries from many levels of government present .