BELLEVILLE, ON – The 2026 Special Olympics Polar Plunge is almost here! Join us on Friday, March 27th at 1:00 pm at the Herchimer Boat Launch in Belleville for this event that helps support Special Olympic athletes across Ontario. Belleville’s bravest will once again take the icy plunge into the Bay of Quinte to raise funds for Special Olympics Ontario. This is your chance to get involved and make a real difference in the lives of over 23,000 athletes across the province. Ways to Get Involved: Create a Team and Fundraise: Gather a group of friends, coworkers, or community members and dive in together. There are currently 13 teams registered to get #FreezinForAReason! Donate: Can’t take the plunge? Make a donation to the City of Belleville Polar Plunge, a specific team, or an individual. Cheer Them On: Show your support by attending and cheering for the participants.   Last year,

BELLEVILLE, ON – On behalf of the Belleville Police Service members, the Police Service Board, Chair Heather Smith, and Chief Murray Rodd, the Belleville Police Service is releasing a detailed look into our 2026 operating budget request. Policing, like fire and ambulance services, is a 24/7, year-round necessity. As Belleville grows, so does the demand for increased police visibility, faster response times, and additional services. Some of the needs are expressed by our community, while others are driven by legal obligations that we are required to meet. Safety, freedom, and justice are non-negotiable, but they come with a significant cost. This document offers an honest look at the true expenses of policing in Belleville. It highlights the round-the-clock response, long hours, specialized training, and the investigations that ensure justice and public safety. We’re proud to serve Belleville and will continue to ensure we have the resources needed to do so

BELLEVILLE, ON – The 2026 Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Ontario is here, and it’s time to get #FreezinForAReason! This incredible event will take place on Friday, March 27th at 1:00 pm at the Herchimer Boat Launch in Belleville. Once again, Belleville Police, Belleville Fire and Emergency Services, Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services, Belleville Probation and Parole, and other local organizations will brave the icy waters of the Bay of Quinte to raise funds for Special Olympics Ontario. This is a great opportunity for Belleville residents, businesses, and organizations to get involved, show their support, and help make a lasting impact on the lives of athletes. Last year, the Ontario-wide event raised a record-breaking $1,176,390, with Belleville contributing over $18,000. This generous support directly benefited more than 23,000 Special Olympics athletes across the province, funding essential programming and events for these athletes. Event Details: Date: Friday, March 27, 2026 Time:

BELLEVILLE, ON – The Belleville Police Service, in partnership with community leaders and the Real Lives Touched by Addiction movement, hosted a Flag Raising Ceremony on February 5th in recognition of Preventative Health Awareness Month (PHAM) and in support of the Belleville Mental Health and Addiction Awareness Event. The ceremony, held at the Belleville Police Service, was attended by a diverse group of community leaders, all united in a shared commitment to advancing preventative approaches to mental health and addiction recovery. Families and individuals with lived experience stood in solidarity, underscoring the community’s collective drive to reduce stigma and foster understanding around these pressing issues. The flag raising represents a powerful call to empower individuals and families to take charge of their own health, while working to create long-term, community-centered solutions to mental health and addiction challenges. “This ceremony is a pivotal moment for our community,” said Jen McCutcheon, Founder

BELLEVILLE, ON – January marks the 50th anniversary of Crime Stoppers, and the Belleville Police Service is proud to recognize this milestone—one that holds special significance for the Quinte region. Crime Stoppers founder Greg MacAleese was born in Picton, Ontario, giving this globally recognized program deep local roots.  For five decades, Crime Stoppers has empowered the public to report criminal activity anonymously, removing barriers such as fear of retaliation or identification. While the methods of sharing information have evolved over time, Crime Stoppers remains a trusted and secure option for individuals who want to support police efforts while protecting their identity. The Belleville Police Service also recognizes the late retired Inspector Garnet Goodwin, a founding member and early champion of Crime Stoppers Quinte. His leadership and years of service as a board member and fundraiser helped lay the foundation for Crime Stoppers’ success in the Quinte region. Anonymous tips submitted

BELLEVILLE, ON – The Belleville Police Service announces the retirement of Sgt. Pat Comeau, effective January 31, 2026, marking the close of a remarkable 34-year career of service. Sgt. Comeau began his career as a Police Constable in the Uniform Division on July 15, 1991, quickly earning a reputation as a dedicated officer and natural leader. Over more than three decades, he served in a variety of roles, ending his career in the Training Unit, after being promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2022. His influence is reflected in the confidence and preparedness of Belleville Police members, leaving a lasting impact that will endure for years to come. Beyond his formal duties, Sgt. Comeau’s commitment to community engagement has been extraordinary. He is the founder of the Cops and Kids Fishing Derby, a beloved annual tradition for more than 18 years that continues to bring officers and youth together,