There has been a slight change concerning our presenters for Crime Stoppers.
Due to an important meeting that requires York Region Police Officers, Detective John Nechay and Detective Constable Steve Alexander presence, Leo Ralph will be joined by Dave Forster to tell us of the invaluable aid Crime Stoppers of York Region is to local policing efforts.
LEO RALPH
Leo Ralph accepted the role of Director of Logistics at Aurora Hallmark Distribution Facility in 1985. One of his key mandates was that Hallmark was to become a strong corporate citizen by getting involved within York Region community. Through this commitment, Leo formed a partnership with York Regional Police which included supporting the Ride Program. This partnership sparked ongoing community support and collaboration. Leo’s passion for corporate responsibility laid a solid foundation for his volunteer work. In 1995 he assumed the responsibility for all logistics within Canada.
He joined Crime Stoppers Board of York Region in 1997. After retiring from Hallmark in 2009, Leo assumed various leadership roles within Crime Stoppers. He first served as Vice Chair, then Chair for four years and now chairs the Seniors Program. Throughout, he’s been a steady supporter of various committees on the Crime Stoppers board, always stepping up to help wherever needed. Leo’s dedication and passion still remains to this day.
In retirement, Leo enjoys traveling, spending time with Sylvia and their families, playing cards, and more recently, playing Euchre and Bridge with fellow Probus members.
Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.
DAVE FORSTER, Crime Stoppers President
Dave Forster is a descendant of one of York Region’s oldest families. He graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours B.A. in Economics and started his career working across North America before founding his own business in Richmond Hill. A dedicated father and community supporter, Dave joined Crime Stoppers in 1999 and has held leadership roles including Chair of Crime Stoppers of York Region, President of the Ontario Association, Vice President of the Canadian Association, and Canada’s representative to Crime Stoppers International.
He has chaired boards, organized major community events like the York Region Student Symposium, and led national initiatives including the Captain Canuck “Crime Stopper” comic campaign. Dave also helped develop the National Call Centre for Crime Stoppers tips and built global partnerships, including one with Uber to help fight human trafficking. Outside of Crime Stoppers, Dave enjoys family time, sports, the outdoors, and antique automobiles.
For more than two decades, Dave has been recognized for his vision, leadership, and dedication to strengthening communities and public safety.
