High Stakes and Critical Roles: Creating Stronger Employee Support Systems

Aaron Dale is a distinguished Police Officer with the Toronto Police Service, whose career is defined by his unwavering commitment to serving the veteran community. His journey began with sixteen years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces most prominently as a Special Forces Operator in the Canadian Special Operations Regiment, where he completed multiple deployments to Central America focused on counter-terrorism. Transitioning into policing, Aaron has made significant contributions to the veteran community after identifying a severe public safety emergency with regards to military veteran suicide and homelessness. With only a few weeks on the job, he began pioneering the Military Veterans Wellness Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support military and police veterans in their post-service transition. For his efforts, he has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Mental Health Excellence Award. Academically, Aaron holds a Master's Degree in Public Safety from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University and an Honors Degree in Criminology, providing him with a solid foundation to address public safety challenges. Through his experiences, he recognized the importance of global collaboration, Aaron has been a guest speaker at the International Association of Chiefs of Police as well as Interpol’s National Conference raising awareness for the program. Most recently, Aaron returned from a pivotal mission in Ukraine, where he collaborated with the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs and their National Police to adapt the Military Veterans Wellness Program for their needs. This initiative empowers every officer with the tools to effectively assist military veterans in their post-war transition, furthering Aaron's commitment to service and community well-being.