Cathy Wever
Served
Our Police Service is privileged to have a good number of officers who conduct their personal and professional lives in an exemplary manner. In early 2001, we lost one of these unique and talented individuals to cancer. Cathy Wever was truly one of “Hamilton’s Finest”. In her on-duty role as the Barton Street Community Police Officer, Cathy was the driving force behind numerous programs and initiatives that strengthen the Barton Street community business groups, neighbourhood organizations and schools.
Cathy’s tremendous energy was strongly focused on school programs; particularly those that targeted school violence. She could often be seen in school playgrounds during recesses interacting with kids, and during class time, lecturing against bullying. The Stanford Avenue school partnership volunteer program was just one of Cathy’s many achievements. This program included “School Mentors” (which is affiliated with the Big Brothers Association), afterschool activities (including a free weekly sports program for kids from Sanford and Gibson schools) at Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre run by volunteer police officers, as well as twice-weekly general interest programs. This was important work and created wonderful opportunities for disadvantaged children who otherwise would not have had these meaningful experiences. Cathy also assisted in developing the Nutritious Snacks Program at Sanford school, calling help on business to obtain funds and volunteers to provide children with healthy snacks.
She worked on strategies and programs to reduce prostitution in the Barton Street neighbourhood and to deter young women from entering this lifestyle. Cathy worked tirelessly to rid the area of crack houses and worked, both on and off duty, on many antidrug initiatives.
The list of this unique woman’s accomplishments clearly demonstrates her commitment to our community and to the service of needy individuals through her policing.
Cathy volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society in the “Cops For Cancer” fundraising event that saw over $45,000 directed to cancer research so that hopefully in the near future this terrible disease can be eradicated.
Cathy Wever was an exceptional police officer who gave her heart and thousands of hours of her time to her community – particularly to young people at risk and in need
We were fortunate to have known her and she will be deeply missed.