11-year-old Izzy Condon set to become Peterborough’s next police chief …for a day

A grade school wordsmith has penned her way to a day as Peterborough’s top cop on May 20th.

Isabel “Izzy” Condon, an 11-year-old grade 5 student at Kaawaate East City Public School and a passionate Taylor Swift fan, has won the Peterborough Police Service’s Chief for a Day essay contest. Her journey from classroom to the police station is a story of courage and curiosity. 

Izzy’s adventure began with a simple nudge from her teacher, Ms. Dickens, who entered the class in the annual contest. What started as a fun opportunity quickly turned into something much bigger for Izzy, who poured her heart into her essay. When asked what sparked her interest, she shared a candid reflection.

Her essay stood out among many, focusing on leadership, inclusion, and creating a positive environment, values she believes can make a difference. Reading it aloud in front of Chief Betts and a panel of judges was no small feat for the young student. She admitted to feeling a rush of nerves, but her determination shone through.

The moment she found out she’d won was one she’ll never forget. In the middle of a seemingly ordinary class, a surprise Zoom call from Chief Betts lit up the smart board, announcing her as the winner. Her classmates cheered, and Izzy’s nerves gave way to excitement.

While Izzy dreams of becoming a doctor someday, she’s keeping an open mind about her future. The Chief for a Day experience is a chance to explore another vital role, and she’s eager to learn what it takes to lead a police service.

Aside from meeting the rest of the police team, Izzy is eager to share her ideas and dive into whatever tasks come her way. More importantly, she says she wants to incorporate her core values to help ensure everyone at the station is treated fairly while she’s in charge.

In a world that can feel heavy, Izzy Condon’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when a young person dares to dream big. Peterborough is lucky to have her as their chief, even if just for a day.

(Written by: Scott Arnold)