DRPS Chief for a Day Winner Advaita Paliwal

On Monday, September 29, 2025, Acting Deputy Chief Connolly visited William Dunbar Public School in Pickering to surprise this year’s Police Chief for a Day essay contest winner Advaita Paliwal. In front of her whole class, Acting Deputy Connolly called Advaita up to share the good news.

More than 100 grade five students from across Durham Region submitted essays for the contest and 11 finalists were selected. The finalists visited DRPS Regional Headquarters to read their essays to a community panel of judges, including Chief Peter Moreira, DRPA President Andrew Tummonds, DRPS Police Service Board Member John Fahey and members of the Police Appreciation Dinner and Awards Night (PADAN) Committee. The community panel then deliberated and selected Advaita as this year’s winner.

Advaita will serve as Chief for a Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 and will be a guest of honour at the Annual PADAN awards night on October 30, 2025 at Deer Creek in Ajax.

Congratulations Mini-Chief Paliwal!