This morning in a heart warming ceremony, the Oil Capital Kiwanis Club awarded Det. John McNeilly the 2009 ‘Top Cop’ title for contributing countless volunteer hours to raise funds for prostate cancer through the “Edmonton Motorcycle Ride for Dad.”
The ‘Top Cop’ Award is a police appreciation award intended to recognize an outstanding Edmonton Police Service Officer who goes above and beyond the call of duty by serving as a volunteer and having a significant impact in the community.
His tremendous volunteer efforts were acknowledged in today’s ceremony by members of the Kiwanis Club, supporters from the Motorcycle Ride for Dad organization and the Alberta Cancer Board. Det. McNeilly is the 34 police officer to receive the ‘Top Cop’ honour from the Kiwanis organization.
The Edmonton Motorcycle Ride is an annual fundraiser taking place in May and June in cities across Canada and all proceeds are directed towards vital prostate cancer awareness, education and research. John was the president, organizer and the person ultimately responsible for bringing life to the ‘Edmonton Motorcycle Ride for Dad’.
For the last three years John has worked tirelessly to make the Edmonton Motorcycle Ride for Dad one of the best in Canada. His ongoing efforts along with the hard work of many dedicated volunteers have raised over $500,000 in Edmonton alone, all in the name of prostate cancer at the Cross Cancer Institute. In 2009, 1,048 riders participated locally in the ride.
The Edmonton group under John's leadership achieved so much attention that the national board asked him to take on the task of being the overall leader for the Western half of the country. John took on this task and has helped organize many new rides throughout western Canada. His efforts have resulted in millions of dollars being raised to fight prostate cancer through research, education and awareness.
About Det. John McNeilly
Det. John McNeilly joined the Edmonton Police Service as a recruit at the age of 20. Today, John is an accomplished detective and serves in the Criminal Investigation Section in West Division, where has served the last 11 years. During his 32-year policing career, John has worked in numerous areas including: Patrol, Communications, Drug Control, Criminal Investigation, and Detention Unit.