Douglas P. Pflug concluded his distinguished 28-year career as a Sergeant with the Guelph Police Service on September 28, 2017. Upon retirement, he transitioned to the Ontario Police College Leadership Unit, serving as the provincial coordinator for the Frontline Sergeant (FLS), Communications Center Supervisor (CCS), and Basic Constable Community Policing. Doug's commitment to continuous learning is clear through his Executive Leadership, High-Performance Leadership, Change Leadership, and Managing for Execution certificates from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. In December 2023, he graduated with a certificate in Foundations of Human Resource Management with a 94% average at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2020, Doug received national recognition as one of Canada's "123 remarkable Canadians," honoured by the Governor General with the prestigious Sovereign Medal for Volunteers. This accolade joined a collection of commendations, including the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, the Governor General Police Exemplary Medal in 2010, and the City of Guelph Mayor's Award in 2016. Acknowledged twice with Chief of Police Commendations for lifesaving efforts, Doug's contributions extend beyond policing. He excelled in competitive sports, lettering in Varsity Football and Wrestling while attending the University of Guelph. He won thirty-two medals at Law Enforcement Track and Field meets, including a silver medal in the javelin and a bronze medal in the hammer throw at the 1998 World Law Enforcement Olympics. In 1994, he founded IRONWILL 360 Strength & Conditioning, affecting thousands of young athletes aspiring to play at various levels. Joining the coaching staff of the Guelph Storm Hockey Club in 1995, Doug served as a strength and conditioning coach and Police Mentor for 28 years, contributing to the success of elite athletes who later played professional hockey. Retiring from the Guelph Storm at the end of the 2021-2022 seasons, Doug served for 28 years, contributing to four Ontario Hockey League Championships. 2000 to 2010, Doug merged his passions, creating the Constable Jay Pirie Memorial Hockey game, raising over $48,000 for the Guelph Wellington Special Olympics. 2009 to 2012, he served as a strength and conditioning coach for Wrestle Canada at the National Training Center at the University of Guelph. Doug's commitment to his alma mater continued as he joined the University of Guelph Gryphon Football Team in 1995 as a Community Liaison Coach and police peer mentor. In 2018, Doug and Michelle Pflug set up the University of Guelph Gryphon Football Pflug Family Community Service Annual Award, honouring graduating players with outstanding community service. He retired from this role in May 2022. Since 1989, Doug has been a devoted supporter of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run and both the Ontario and Canada Special Olympics. He coached the Guelph Wellington Buns Master Rollers Special Olympics Floor hockey team for 14 years, securing three consecutive Canadian Special Olympics Floor Hockey Championships and three silver Medal performances at the World Special Olympics Winter Games. In 2022, CRC Press published Doug's biography self-help book, "Finding Your Granite: My Four Cornerstones of Personal Leadership," with all proceeds, totalling $7,000.00, donated to www.veh.ca to provide service dogs for frontline workers dealing with PTSD/PTSI.
