ABOA Awards

The Don Shea Award

Donald Owen Shea was employed in municipal government in Nova Scotia for almost twenty (20) years with the City of Dartmouth and most recently, Halifax Regional Municipality. Throughout his service, Don distinguished himself with professionalism and character; he was proud to be an enforcement officer who approached his work with sincerity, fervor and compassion. Mr. Shea was kind hearted, understanding and giving to all who knew him. Don Shea had a gift of vision which exemplified his restructuring of Municipal Bylaw Officers Association and revitalizing it into the Atlantic Bylaw Officers Association (ABOA). He was instrumental in recognizing the need to establish a regimen for uniform training and development of bylaw officers throughout Atlantic Canada. 

In memory of Don Shea, who passed away in 2005, ABOA began the 'Don Shea Award' which is presented to an association member annually for outstanding contribution to ABOA. An Officer of the Year plaque is presented to the winner during the Gala Dinner at the annual conference.

Don Shea Award Nomination Ballot

Submissions must be provided by 9:00 am on Monday April 27, 2026.
This award will be presented to a member who demonstrates outstanding contribution to ABOA.

The Elsie Robinson-DeBay Award

On April 23, 2018 we suddenly lost a great friend and colleague, Special Constable Elsie Robinson-DeBay who worked as the Animal Control Officer for Colchester Municipality in Nova Scotia. Elsie was very passionate about animals and ABOA. On Wednesday, June 20th 2018 Elsie was honored at the Gala Dinner during the ABOA Annual Training Conference in Bay Roberts Newfoundland. Elsie believed in ABOA as an association and she loved the camaraderie and opportunity to learn and be part of something bigger. It was only fitting that the time be set aside to honor her and to dedicate a new award in her name that John-Paul Wood, Waste Management Officer for Colchester County, so lovingly accepted on her behalf.

In memory of Elsie Robinson-DeBay this award will be presented each year to a member who demonstrates exceptional betterment of their community,  either through exceptional act of kindness, involvement in their home community or through volunteer work.

Elsie Robinson-DeBay Award Nomination Ballot

Submissions must be provided by 9:00 am on Monday, April 27, 2026.
This award will be presented to a member who demonstrates exceptional betterment of their community, either through acts of kindness, involvement in their community or through volunteer work.

List of Recipients

If there is an ABOA member whom you would like to nominate, please fill out the ballot and send it to: ataboa@outlook.com