Since retiring from the Ottawa Police in 1999, Dominic now puts his efforts towards sharing his messages on safety, responsibility and drug prevention through music and message. In or out of uniform, Dominic continues to lead his "No Bullying" program by speaking at elementary and high schools, seniors homes and community events about the pitfalls of bullying and being bullied at school and in the workplace (yes, there are many adult bullies out there as well). Sergeant D'Arcy (ret.) also continues to speak to high school and university law classes about the role of the police officer in the community.
Born to a large family in the small Irish community of Sheenboro in Western Quebec (Canada), Dominic has spent much of his life making Ottawa a better place to live. Recognized for years as Sergeant D'Arcy "the Singing Policeman" with the Ottawa Police, Dominic worked the streets, the beat, traffic patrol, detective and youth and community services where -- through his music -- he has been instrumental in spearheading community efforts in the greater National Capital Region and in leading the charge for drug prevention and awareness with his colleagues on the force for over twenty-five years.
Since retiring from the Ottawa Police in 1999, Dominic now puts his efforts towards sharing his messages on safety, responsibility and drug prevention through music and message. In or out of uniform, Dominic continues to lead his "No Bullying" program by speaking at elementary and high schools, seniors homes and community events about the pitfalls of bullying and being bullied at school and in the workplace (yes, there are many adult bullies out there as well). Sergeant D'Arcy (ret.) also continues to speak to high school and university law classes about the role of the police officer in the community.
Dominic's passion is to perform for youth and school-aged audiences, bringing his motivational messages about safety and personal responsibility to hundreds of schools and thousands of students each and every year. Through his music and stage persona, he lends a sympathetic ear to the voices of today's youth (including troubled youth) and encourages them to get involved in their community and to stear clear of drugs, cigarettes and alcohol.
In acknowledgement of his unfailing commitment to community service, Dominic has received numerous awards including the "Ottawa/Hull Hospitality Award" (1985), the Solicitor General's "Police Officer of the Year Award" (1986), the "Community Service Award" (1990) from the Ottawa Board of Commissioners of Police, the Retired Teachers of Ontario's "Celebrity of the Year Award" (2006), the "Lifetime Achievement Award" (2006) from the Ottawa Valley Roundup radio show and the "Community Builder's Award" (2007) from the United Way.
Dominic is the recipient of the Governor General's "Canada 125 Award" (1993) and the Governor General's "Caring Canadian Award" (1999) which is presented to individuals whose unpaid, selfless and voluntary contributions of their time and energy provide extraordinary help or care to people in their community. Dominic was also bestowed with the Governor General's "Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal" (2002) which is awarded to Canadians who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities or to Canada as a whole.
In 2006, in tribute to his contributions to local community service, Dominic was presented with the "Key to the City of Ottawa". At the ceremony honouring Dominic, former Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli explained that the longtime police officer has played a pivotal role in making the nation's capital the kind of place it is: "He has a special something about him where people immediately trust him, whether it's seniors or youth".
In addition to being the Grand Marshal of the Canadian Tulip Festival's Flotilla on the Rideau Canal in May 2000, Dominic has also celebrated two "Dominic D'Arcy Days" in Ottawa (May 21, 1999 and November 5, 2006) as a token from the City to show its appreciation for all that Dominic has done for Canada's capital. November 5, 2006 also marked Dominic's 50th anniversary as a performer and as a champion for community service.
Dominic's passion is to perform for youth and school-aged audiences, bringing his motivational messages about safety and personal responsibility to hundreds of schools and thousands of students each and every year. Some sample topics include: