The Stratford Police Service is hosting a series of community events across Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth South from May 9 to May 16, 2026, to celebrate National Police Week. This year’s theme, Committed to Serve Together, highlights the partnership between local officers and the residents they protect.
The week of activities begins early on Saturday, May 9, with the Optimist Club of Stratford Bike Rodeo and Annual Bike Sale at Avondale United Church, starting at 9 a.m. Following the kickoff, residents can participate in various community engagement opportunities throughout the week, including Coffee with a Cop sessions in Stratford and St. Marys, a fraud prevention talk in St. Marys, and activities with the Committee of Youth Officers of Ontario. Younger residents are also invited to join Colouring with the Cops at the Stratford Mall.
Several major events will take place to support community causes and inter-agency cooperation. On May 13 at 10:30 a.m., officers will participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario, beginning at the police headquarters and traveling to the Boston Pizza on Erie Street. On May 14, members of the police service will face off against the Stratford Fire Department in a charity baseball game.
The week will conclude on May 16 with the 3rd Annual free community barbecue held at Market Square. This event, which has become a staple of the annual police celebrations, provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet with local officers in an informal setting.
