On Friday, September 22, 2023, CKPS Youth Officer Const. Kyle Wright received The Teddy Award. Devin R.J. “Teddy” Tedford died from a drug overdose. He fought a battle with substance misuse and often wanted to share his story in the event he may help others. Since his death, his mother Tina Tedford has taken the torch and carried on in Teddy’s spirit. This honour is awarded annually from the Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council – Board of Directors, to recognize a business or person that supports the mission of CKDAC, to work together to raise awareness and reduce harms associated with substance use in our communities. This recognition considers efforts to educate, advocate, decrease stigma, and/or increase awareness of information and resources to support those using substances.
CK Police Services Board member, Marjorie Crew states, “Constable Wright works passionately with the youth in our community to offer opportunities to find a positive direction when life is difficult for them. The CKPSB is proud of Kyle and the work he does in our community.”
CKDAC, Vice President Janice Kirkwood adds, “In my role as the Transitional Age Youth Case Manager at YWHO, working specifically with youth over the past 7 years, Kyle and I have crossed paths many times. His name has been connected to, and highly regarded by, many teachers, service agencies, and many of the youth that he has had involvement with over the years. It takes a special person to fill this role, and not just fulfill the mandatory obligations of the job to keep the community safe, but to engage with the youth, and to try and meet them on their level. Kyle has been a major part of many of the F.I.R.S.T. Strategy meetings I have been a part of over the years, where some of the most vulnerable and traumatized youth have been presented. In most cases, he has been already involved in some way with these youth, and has often been seen as one of the more consistent and positive community supports to some, where often those who get referred between various programs and agencies, or staff to staff. This is not easy work, but Kyle takes the time to try and connect them to the most appropriate services for ongoing support. His advocacy and efforts around engaging youth, can not be undermined, as these connections cannot be made or maintained without a non-judgemental and down-to-earth approach. Kyle embodies the mission of CKDAC, and we are so glad that the Tedford family has collaborated with us to be able to recognize the important work that is being done in our community to educate, advocate and increase awareness around substance use, with The Teddy Award .”
Pictured left to right: Doug Wright, Constable Kyle Wright and CK Police Services Board Member Marjorie Crew
