Summerside constable named P.E.I.'s municipal police officer of the year for 2024
Mallory Metallic speaks 3 languages and is originally from Listuguj First Nation in Quebec
Const. Mallory Metallic's policing career has gone from a co-op program in high school in her home community of Listuguj First Nation in Gaspésie, Que., to the Major Crime Unit of Summerside's police department.
Now, she's been named the 2024 Municipal Police Officer of the Year by P.E.I. Crime Stoppers.
Her career path, however, has not been without its challenges. She put policing on hold while her son went through a major health challenge.
"I have a son who was living in the hospital for about 10 to 12 years of his life. He was born without an immune system," Metallic said.
"We just got that word in 2024, that he is completely cured of his disease. I got cleared by his medical team and his staff and doctors — they encouraged my career choice."
In 2018, she trained at the Atlantic Police Academy in Summerside, then returned to the police department in Listuguj where she served for three years.
When she saw a posting for Summerside Police Services, she jumped at the opportunity. She was hired in 2021, becoming the department's first Indigenous police officer.
Sharing her culture
Metallic said it's important to her to bring aspects of her Indigenous culture into her workplace.
"My first year here was the first year that they began to recognize the Truth and Reconciliation Day," Metallic said.
"The general patrol platoon that I was working with at the time, on that very first day, we ended up all wearing orange uniform shirts, so very supportive of the... chief and the deputy chief."
Metallic put together a smudging kit that's displayed in one of the interview rooms at the police station.
"It doesn't happen very often, but if I ever come across any clients that are of Indigenous descent or cultural background, I always try to make that offering to them when I meet with them," Metallic said.
"We don't take something without offering something back. So I always tend to carry a little bit of tobacco with me."
She also created a giant LED medicine wheel that was on display at Summerside City Hall, as well as smaller gestures for her co-workers like bringing them braids of sweetgrass.
Jason Blacquiere, Summerside's deputy police chief, said Metallic has been a great addition to the community.
"Obviously her Indigenous roots make our organization more diverse, but more than that, she's an excellent police officer and a great all-around person," he said.
"The quality of the person she is, it shines through in her work, and just the positive attitude that she brings to the police service."
Aiming for the worlds
Metallic also has another passion: she's a competitive body builder.
"I'm usually awake by 4 a.m. on most days. I get my cardio done," she said. "Everybody here is very supportive of it. Although they think it's a little over the top, but they're very positively encouraging and motivating."
Metallic is now preparing for a bodybuilding competition on P.E.I. in April, but hopes to someday compete at the World Police and Fire Games.
"Mental health is very important. And this is all part of it — staying healthy... mind, body and soul," she said.
Metallic says her son, now 16, is proud of what she is doing, including her recent promotion to the Major Crime Unit.
But she admits she's not sure how to react when people describe her as a role model.
"Embarrassed or humbled, one of two. I don't see myself very much as much of a role model, but I am very humbled and pleased to hear that people would look up to me," Metallic said.
"It can be a rough job, but if you have great people, great teamwork, everyone beside you working and supporting each other, I think it's a great career to get into."