Meet Michelle Olszevski, a Toronto Police detective with nerves of steel.

Olszevski is a 27-year police veteran and a 2020 Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE) recipient.

A sharp detective, she has been leading a team, with the high-profile Gun and Gang Task Force since 2014.

Her team is responsible for the arrests of armed persons, and their investigations often entails lots of surveillance and the execution of search warrants.

The team has been directly responsible for the arrest of hundreds of violent offenders, and the seizure of more than 100 firearms and multiple kilograms of various controlled substances.

“These types of investigations are often dynamic in nature and present dangerous situations to both officers and the community,” according to police. ”On two separate occasions, her team has been involved in police-involved shootings.”

Olszevski is pivotal in ensuring all members sought and received the help needed to heal emotionally. She prioritized those under her command before her own wellness as she was also involved in the shootings.

“Her leadership and selflessness were recognized by all of her supervisors,” police say, adding she is well-known for a superior work ethic and difficult career path.

A detective in the task force works long hours due to the job and the court hours required.

She takes on this responsibility balancing her family life and her work life with no complaints, even though she is the only female detective in a male dominated unit.

Det. Olszevski not only ‘holds her own’ but she has become the ‘go to’ detective for complex investigations.

She is a role model for all investigators, specifically the next generation of female officer and is well respected and admired by her colleagues.

Olszevski is being recognized for her outstanding work and true leadership in a very difficult role.