St. Clair College and its President have been honoured by the Windsor Police Service during its Community Heroes Appreciation Luncheon on May 13, 2025.
The purpose of the event was to recognize community members, organizations and agencies who have provided outstanding support, acted courageously or otherwise demonstrated an act of good citizenship in working with the Windsor Police Service in service to our community.
Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire, St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi and Senior Vice President John Fairley at the Community Heroes Appreciation Luncheon on May 13, 2025. (John Fairley/St. Clair College)
Both President Michael Silvaggi and John Fairley, Senior Vice President of Communications, Advancement and External Affairs were recognized for their outstanding service and dedication to the community.
Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire said the police service has a long-standing partnership with St. Clair College, working together on countless projects over the years.
"I may have become the occasional face of one of Ontario's top annual polar plunge fundraisers for special Olympics, always a best in-class event hosted by St. Clair College, but the daily commitment from President Michael Silvaggi and Vice President John Fairley goes beyond and behind the headlines," said Chief Bellaire. "I cannot account for how frequently the team at St. Clair supports our police service, amplifying events, providing funding, people and other resources and for being a bedrock of diversity and community."
"St. Clair College and The Windsor Police Service work collaboratively on many projects, and it's easy to see why: We both believe strongly in building a strong and resilient community," said St. Clair College President, Michael Silvaggi. "Our organizations regularly work together to build this sense of community at events which raise essential funds for local charity groups."
"At the College, we also educate the workforce of the future, and The Windsor Police Service recognizes the merit of a St. Clair College diploma by hiring our graduates - something I've witnessed firsthand when new officers are sworn in during Badging Ceremonies," President Silvaggi said. "It gives us a great sense of pride to know College-educated officers are helping ensure the safety and well-being of civilians in the City of Windsor and many other jurisdictions across Ontario."
Chief Bellaire told the crowd of people in attendance the vast majority of its members at the Windsor Police Service are graduates from either St. Clair College's Police Foundations program or the University of Windsor.
"We are very proud of that statistic. Without education, we would all surely falter," Chief Bellaire remarked. "As it is said, education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace."
"We are so grateful for all you do in education to enrich our community."
