Joe Formusa named 2023 Ward 3 Civic Hero
During tonight’s Committee of the Whole (Public Meeting), Mayor Steven Del Duca, Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca and Members of Council recognized Joe Formusa as the 2023 Ward 3 Civic Hero.
For more than 25 years, Joe has been a resident of Vaughan, where he and his wife Sue chose to raise their son, Michael. In 2019, following his battle against cancer, Joe felt he had a second chance at life and wanted to give back in a meaningful way. As someone who is very passionate about community safety, Joe decided the best way to make a difference would be by starting a neighbourhood watch program, where he would go door-to-door and talk to his neighbours about crime prevention.
Joe is also known for his popular Instagram account @notonjoeswatch, where he shares tips and news on community safety and crime prevention with other Vaughan residents. His account has more than 20,000 followers and his audience continues growing.
In 2021, Joe was acknowledged by the City of Vaughan with a Volunteer Recognition Award for his active volunteerism and by the Government of Ontario for his outreach service to York Regional Police. He remains committed to building a safer Vaughan for everyone.
QUOTES
“Vaughan’s Civic Hero Awards are presented annually to one resident from each of the city’s five wards. They recognize outstanding individual achievements and highlight some of the amazing people who make Vaughan unique. Joe Formusa, the force behind the popular community safety Instagram account @notonjoeswatch, has turned his interest in sharing crime prevention information with his community into a reality. With an online reach that grows every month, he’s making a meaningful difference not just for Vaughan but for cities across Ontario, too. I want to congratulate Joe for being named the Ward 3 Civic Hero and thank him for all he’s doing to support our community.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“Joe Formusa is a devoted crime prevention advocate for Vaughan. Through his regular community updates, crime prevention tips and collaborative efforts with local law enforcement, he has established a network of caring and vigilant neighbours who look out for one another. Joe’s Neighbourhood Watch in Vaughan has become a model for other communities. I was proud to nominate Joe as the Ward 3 Civic Hero for 2023 and recognize everything he’s done to make our community a safer place to live, work and raise a family.”
- Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca, Ward 3
QUICK FACTS
- Vaughan’s Civic Hero Awards are presented annually to one resident from each of the city’s five wards.
- Recipients are nominated by their Local Councillor and acknowledged by Vaughan Council.
- The awards began in 2005 to recognize outstanding achievements and individual contributions to the community.
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