It's been a long, successful career, but after 35 years Staff Sergeant Michael Tarini’s is calling it a day.
S/Sgt. Michael Tarini joined the North Bay Police Service as a police constable in January 1981.
“After 35 years of police work, it is time to allow our younger members the opportunity for advancement,” said retiring Staff Sergeant Michael Tarini, of the North Bay Police Service.
“I would like to thank everyone, especially my family, for supporting me during my tenure. As I reflect on my career, I tip my hat to the devoted men and women I’ve worked with, both past members and present, and to those who continue to work hard at upholding the trust of our community through their service. I issue my final end watch, 10-7.” (out of service)
Throughout his career, he held numerous positions.
Fluent in English, French and Italian, he was assigned to work on the Gaetano Parise homicide investigation as a detective constable in the investigative support section in 1986.
In 1999, as sergeant of community programs, he supervised school liaison officers and was responsible for media relations. Later, as sergeant of the traffic unit, he represented the NBPS on the Ontario Traffic Committee, which made recommendations for legislative changes to the province’s Highway Traffic Act. After serving as sergeant in courts, he assumed the duties of platoon staff sergeant.
“I have fond memories of working with Mike when he was president and I was vice-president, executive officer and bargaining chair of the North Bay Police Association,” said Chief Shawn Devine. ”Mike had endless energy and a tremendous dedication to his duties with the Association. I know he will be missed at the provincial level by the Police Association of Ontario as he was a key voice for issues in the North and he was always available to provide mentorship to smaller police associations.”
Tarini has also been an active executive member of the North Bay Police Association and is proud of the excellent rapport he maintained with the North Bay Police Services Board throughout his years of service. In 1997, as president of the North Bay Police Association, S/Sgt. Tarini spearheaded the Police Memorial Funeral Ceremony for Detective Constable Fred Lefebvre who was killed in the line of duty in 1923 and hadn’t previously been honoured for his sacrifice.
He also ensured that D/Cst. Lefebvre’s name was added to the honour wall at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario, and at the Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial in Ottawa.
S/Sgt. Tarini attended the G8/G20 2010 Summit in Toronto with the R.C.M.P., received an Inspector’s commendation in 1991 and was awarded the Police Exemplary Service Medal in 2001, as well as Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 in recognition of his service to community through local initiatives with his work with the Police Association of Ontario.
He has volunteered in many community events including Remembrance Day marches, the Santa Express Train Ride, Near North VCARS Mini-Hoops Basketball Game and the Laurentian Playground outdoor rink. He also enjoyed coaching for the North Bay Minor Hockey Association. As vice-president of the North Bay Roman Catholic Cemetery Board, he was instrumental in proposing a mausoleum for North Bay.
