Joe Formusa of @notonjoeswatch relentlessly puts the safety of communities at the highest priority.

Joe Formusa, or, as he’s more commonly known on Instagram, as @notonjoeswatch for his dedicated work in community safety, has been the go-to source for crime prevention, awareness and safety tips at a time when the rate of criminal activity continues to increase in communities across Ontario.

Formusa, who has lived in Vaughan since 1997, who prefers to remain humbly behind the scenes and out of any spotlight of attention, took the time to sit down with City Life for an exclusive interview about his beginnings. He explained that the inspiration for his Instagram account @notonjoeswatch was sparked when he got a second chance at life.

“In the fall of 2015, doctors found a mass in my left shoulder. That mass turned out to be sarcoma. I had major surgery in May 2016 to remove the tumour. I’m nine years cancer-free! I’m grateful to my medical team,” says Formusa.

Eager to not just stand by but to stand up for his community, he started a neighbourhood watch group through WhatsApp in 2019 that grew to hundreds of members and eventually evolved into @notonjoeswatch. Today, his account reaches close to a million views monthly.

In February of 2020, the York Regional Police, (YRP) and Formusa held a safety meeting at Vellore Community Centre with YRP Crime Prevention that resulted in the largest turnout in YRP history for a Crime Prevention community meeting.

Crime has always been present — there’s no disputing that. Ontarians know that the surge in brazen crimes, including storefront smash-and-grabs motor vehicle theft, night prowling, and armed breaking- and-entering incidents have left citizens of York Region and the Greater Toronto Area in a state of fear.

Formusa dedicates his life to transforming fear into proactiveness and preparation. He shows us the best ways to protect ourselves, our homes, our vehicles, and our loved ones. He is a pillar in the Vaughan community and neighbouring communities all over.

“Helping people has become the most rewarding experience of my life.”
– Joe Formusa

In April of 2021 the City of Vaughan presented Formusa with a Volunteer Recognition award. Soon after, he was congratulated by the Government of Ontario and awarded for his service to the York Regional Police Department.

For his ongoing efforts he received the Vaughan Civic Hero Award in 2023. Most recently, in 2024, Member of Parliament Anna Roberts officially recognized his years of impactful community service.

Formusa extends his heartfelt gratitude to Sergeant Garisto, Staff Sergeant Sangha, and Superintendent Beverly for their unwavering support since day one. He also acknowledges the dedication of Sergeant McKenzie, Sergeant Smith, Chief MacSween, Deputy Chief Almeida, Deputy Chief Da Silva, Deputy Chief Hammond, and Deputy Chief McCloskey. Additionally, he sincerely appreciates MP Roberts, MPP Lecce, MPP Tibollo, Premier Ford, Mayor Del Duca, and Councillor DeFrancesca for recognizing his efforts.

“If I can help just one person, it makes it all worthwhile,” he adds. “So I will continue to be a community safety advocate for my community and beyond.”

@notonjoeswatch