Andy Cook, WWC Ambassador, York Region, Ontario
Andy Started his policing career in 1998 with the Peel Regional Police after spending 10 years in the Military between the 8th Canadian Hussars in Germany and Lord Strathconas Horse in Calgary.
He then transitioned to York Regional Police in 2000 and since then has worked in a variety of units including Frontline Patrol, Emergency Response, Criminal Investigations, Intelligence, Guns and Gangs, Biker Enforcement (OPP Secondment) Protective Services, Witness Protection, and his current position at the Training and Education Bureau overseeing the recruit training program.
Andy also served with the Strathcona Battle Group on Operation Cavalier in Visiko, Bosnia in 1994, which by all accounts was to bear witness to genocide of the Bosnian people. Andy returned to the Balkans with the 2018 WWC Battlefield bike ride from Sarajevo to the Gospic Valley, describing it as the most physically and emotionally challenging experience he has ever endured.
Andy can attest to the mental health issues suffered by those that served in the Balkans, being one of them he was frustrated with the lack of assistance and programs available to the Military, they just released you. Andy chose to become and Ambassador after several of both his Police and Military friends and co workers took their own lives, he looked at what he could do to help in promoting awareness for mental health for Veterans and 1st responders.
One of the biggest defining moments in his career was bringing the Wounded Warriors Canada ‘Before Operational Stress’ (BOS) program to one of his recent recruit classes. This was the 1st of its kind mental health program offered to a 1st responder recruit class in Canada. Being able to front load mental health training to recruits will ensure they have the tools available to navigate a long and potentially stressful 30-year career.
Andy continually strives to honour the fallen and help the living, by participating the WWC Bike rides, and sharing his lived experiences so that others may better understand the challenges of veterans, 1st responders and their families dealing with PTSD and Operational Stress Injuries.
