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Holiday Hero Finalist: Casey Vucko

Meet Casey Vucko. A city police officer by day, Vucko gives children in the hospital a chance to meet super heroes.

THUNDER BAY – For detective constable Casey Vucko, the gift of giving has always been a huge part of his life.

Vucko is part of a group of Thunder Bay police officers who have joined forces to spread Christmas Cheer throughout the Pediatric Unit at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre this holiday season.

The Little Heroes initiative originated a couple of years ago when officers dressed up as real-life superheroes for Halloween and got an overwhelming response from the children.

At that point, Vucko saw an opportunity to give back to the community, something he has always wanted to achieve.

“I like giving back to the community and I am in a position now where I can give back,” Vucko said.

“There was a point in time in my life where I couldn’t do that. Nothing was given to me, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve got and now I feel like I can give back to the community.”

This year, Vucko secured donations from the Thunder Bay Police Association, the Thunder Bay Police Services Board and many other community members including friends and family from both the police station and family of his own.

The detective has purchased toys for all different ages and genders with only a few goals in mind.

“We are going to bring them to the hospital and donate the toys to the kids that are there and then we are also going to donate toys to the hospital for kids who are coming in for patient services,” he said.

“The remainder of the toys will be housed at the station for the holiday season, the patrol guys and other specialized units who go to calls will have access to these toys.”

For the less unfortunate families the officers come across during the holiday season the toys housed at the station will be offered to these families, so children will have a gift on Christmas Day.

Vucko said the most exciting part of the entire initiative is seeing how excited the children become.

“It reminds me of when I was a kid, you know, having those positive role models here and there. I just want them to be happy that’s all.”

Vucko admits that he doesn’t see himself as a hero, but the fact that people view him as a positive influence brings a smile to his face.

He hopes to put the money all back in the community, “there’s programs in the community that could use some help and I’d love to do that.”

This Holiday Hero hopes his story inspires others to give back when they can.

Casey’s younger brother Austin Harris said he’s proud to call Vucko his brother as he is a great influence in the community and he does a lot for everyone.

“Just seeing how excited he got and the look on his face when he was telling me about the Little Hero Initiative,” Harris said.

“The happiness the initiative has brought him, he really just wants to give back to the community.”

Harris said his brother was always there for him when the times were tough.

“He has been a great model my entire life and whether he wants to own up to it or not he is my hero,” Harris said.





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