Published in the Barrie Advance
February 2, 2006
Re: Frank Matys’ column about the misuse of 9-11, what an excellent reminder to people to stop misusing and abusing this lifesaving system.
As a police officer, I am one of the people who have to respond to these false calls, sometimes in horrible weather conditions and at great peril to myself. I would also like to add something to it: please, please, please familiarize yourself with your local police service’s non-emergency number, which is found in any phone book. If you do nothing else, remember these two numbers: 1-888-310-1122, the toll-free number for the Ontario Provincial Police anywhere in Ontario, or *OPP on your cell phone.
These numbers will prove especially useful for cottage owners or those travelling across the province. Even if there is a city/town police service in your area, the OPP will pass the call on to them for you.
