Rainy River constable honoured with award

A law enforcement official from right here in our region is being recognized in a very special way.

Constable Kristina Bombay with the Rainy River OPP is the first Indigenous person to earn the IODE Community Policing Award.

The IODE, who are were formally know as Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, present this award to OPP and RCMP officers for outstanding public service and community engagement beyond their official duties.

Honourees often demonstrate dedication to community safety, mentorship, and inclusivity.

Kristina, who has been in policing for over 10 years was nominated for the award by Staff Sergeant Dereck McLean, who says…

“In addition to her primary role as the mobile crisis worker for the detachment, Kristina has been a strong advocate for raising the profile of both women and Indigenous people in policing. She is a proud member of the Rainy River, Ojibway First Nation and routinely takes part in community events including career fairs, cultural events, as well as support for Truth and Reconciliation, murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. She’s a very deserving candidate.”

While Rainy River First Nations Chief Jim Leonard, who is also Kristina’s uncle, says that she has always been really community-minded and that she helps out wherever she can and is a role model to others in their community.