durhamregion.com This Week | Thursday, May 12, 2022 | 8 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 70 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the newspaper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. 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We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Published letters will appear in print and/or online at durhamregion.com Delivery For all delivery inquiries, call 905- 579-4407 or visit the Contact Us page on durhamregion.com. An organization that plays a key role in promoting food security in Durham Region has been dealt a major blow after a break-in that resulted in the loss of a substantial amount of property, including a new refrigerated van that was central to distribution efforts. Organizers at Feed The Need in Durham are now appealing to the community for assistance as they recover from the break-in, which comes at a time when the region's food distribution network is facing high demand, said CEO Ben Earle. "Our plans have been interrupted," he said. "The biggest thing was our van. We're still hopeful we can recover it, but it has a huge impact on us." Durham police are investigating the break-in, which occurred overnight Wednesday, April 27 at Feed The Need in Durham's food hub warehouse on Marwood Drive in Oshawa. Among the items stolen were computers and tools, but the most significant loss was that of a Ford Econoline van, delivered just a couple of months ago, said Earle. The van, which was refrigerated and had been retrofitted to meet the organization's needs, had been on order for 12 months prior to its delivery. Durham police said the stolen van was spotted by an officer on patrol in the area of Trulls Road and Hwy. 2 in Courtice around 11:30 a.m. Thursday morning, April 28. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop but the truck fled at a high rate of speed," police said in a media release. "The brief pursuit was discontinued out of concern for public safety." The van has not been recovered, police said. The driver involved is described as a white man in his 30s or 40s who wore a green and yellow toque. The van was a central part of the organization's strategy for pickup and distribution of food, and was to play a role in some expanded services, Earle said. The break-in occurred at a time when Feed The Need in Durham and its partners are dealing with a rise in demand caused by two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic the organization served between 5,000 and 6,000 clients a month, Earle said. By December of 2021 that number had climbed to 12,000. Feed The Need in Durham has seen demand from 9,000 to 10,000 clients in the first months of 2022, Earle added. "And we don't see that dropping," he said. Community members who want to assist Feed The Need in Durham can support the organization's Spring Campaign, which aims to $100,000 and 50,000 pounds of food. Earle said the organization is open to discussion about other means of community assistance as well. More information on how to help can be found at Feed The Need in Durham's website. VAN STOLEN IN BREAK-IN AT FOOD BANK WAREHOUSE JEFF MITCHELL jmitchell@ durhamregion.com NEWS A break-in at Feed The Need in Durham's food warehouse in Oshawa has resulted in the theft of a refrigerated van. CEO Ben Earle, seen here in a file photo, says the loss of the vehicle is a significant blow to the organization. Ron Pietroniro/Metroland A Durham police officer facing disciplinary action for her vocal support of COVID-19 protests disparaged her colleagues and leadership, and improperly disclosed confidential information during a public speech, according to allegations outlined in a charging document. Constable Erin Howard's public comments have been criticized by the public as "unprofessional" and jeopardized the reputation of the Durham police service, according to a Notice of Hearing describing Police Services Act charges now being pursued by the organization. The officer's actions have led some members of the public to file official complaints, the document alleges. Howard faces charges of discreditable conduct, breach of confidence and insubordination, arising from her support for the Freedom Convoy that converged on Ottawa in late January, as well as comments she is alleged to have made during an antimandate rally in Toronto last November. Howard was charged following an investigation by Durham police after a video she made in support of truckers bound for Ottawa was posted in late January. She made a first appearance before a disciplinary tribunal Thursday, May 5, but did not enter a plea. The allegations contained in the Notice of Hearing have not been proven before the tribunal. The matter has been adjourned to next month. The Notice of Hearing cites two instances in which it is alleged Howard made statements that led to disciplinary action: at a rally in Toronto in November of 2021, and with the release of her social media video in January of 2022. At the Toronto rally, Howard is alleged to have criticized her colleagues and leadership as "brain- washed" and said she was "ashamed" to wear her badge, according to the document. Video of the speech was made public, the document notes. During the speech, Howard identified herself as a police officer and complained her colleagues had been cowed by "politics" surrounding the issue of COVID-19 measures, it alleges. "They have capitulated," Howard is quoted as saying in the document. "For some reason, they're not supporting us. And it's wrong, and I am ashamed and I feel that my badge, my brand new badge that I was so proud to receive, has been tarnished." During the speech, Howard also "disclosed a private, confidential police matter that she had with her supervisor regarding a potential call for service to the crowd and media without proper authority," the document alleges. "PC Howard divulged a confidential police matter which was her duty to keep," the charging document says. When Howard posted a video in late January calling participants in the so-called Freedom Convoy "heroes" who were participating in a "war," she violated the service's social media policy and brought disrepute to the service, the document alleges. "DRPS received thousands of media calls, social media comments and questions," the list of allegations says. "Chief (Todd) Rollauer received over 500 emails regarding the unprofessional comments and platform PC Howard made while wearing a police uniform on DRPS time." To date, three members of the public have made official complaints with a police oversight agency about the video, the document says. Howard's social media post jeopardized the integrity and reputation of the service, the document alleges. Howard's next appearance, before Hearing Officer Greg Walton, is scheduled to occur June 8. DURHAM POLICE OUTLINE CHARGES AGAINST OFFICER JEFF MITCHELL jmitchell@ durhamregion.com