Advertisement
On January 28, 2009, constables Neal Fowler, Roger Paris and Nicholas Roy risked their lives to rescue a man trapped inside an overturned tractor-trailer rig, in Saint John, New Brunswick. The truck had knocked down a telephone pole and was spilling fuel on the roadway, where downed wires arced in a large ball of flames. Dispatched to the scene, the constables climbed on top of the cab and kicked at the windshield, undeterred by the forceful electrical shocks they received in the process. After breaking a hole in the glass, they helped the driver get out and escorted him a safe distance away.
Constable Charles Gagne, M.B. Roberval and Chibougamau, Quebec Constable Charlie Gunner, M.B. Mistissini, Quebec Constable Sylvain Proulx, M.B. Chibougamau, Quebec Constable Derek St-Cyr, M.B. Mistissini, Quebec Constable Kathleen Tremblay, M.B. Alma and Chibougamau, Quebec
On October 15, 2010, Mistissini police constables Charlie Gunner, Sylvain Proulx and Derek St-Cyr, along with Surete du Quebec constables Charles Gagne and Kathleen Tremblay, risked their lives to apprehend an intoxicated man, in Mistissini, Quebec. The angry young man was wandering through a residential area, firing from two guns. The officers were under constant fire and had to frequently take cover as they followed the suspect through town. They were finally able to corner and apprehend the man.
Michael Henry, M.B. Roseau River and Dominion City, Manitoba Kirk Laroque, M.B. Roseau River, Manitoba
On January 22, 2011, Michael Henry and Kirk Laroque rescued three women from a house fire, in Roseau River, Manitoba. From the street, the men noticed flames coming from the roof of the residence and ran inside. Mr. Henry went to the basement and woke up a woman who managed to escape. Disregarding their own safety, Messrs. Henry and Laroque located a badly burnt 16-year-old girl on the main floor and dragged her outside. Despite the intense heat and flames, they re-entered the dwelling and brought out a third woman, but were unable to revive her.
Sarah Ann John, M.B. Toronto, Ontario Susan John, M.B. (posthumous) Toronto, Ontario
On October 13, 2008, Susan John and her daughter, Sarah, risked their lives to stop an intruder who was attacking Susan's mother, in Toronto, Ontario. A masked man had snuck into the older woman's bedroom and attacked her with a knife. Hearing the victim's screams, Susan and Sarah ran in to help, but the intruder turned his vicious attack on Susan. Sarah repeatedly hit the intruder but was unable to stop his assault. She then grabbed a phone, dialled 911 and made her escape. The man caught up with her in a nearby alley and strangled her until she lost consciousness. He then ran away, but was quickly apprehended by police. Sadly, neither Susan nor her mother survived.
The decoration awarded to the late Ms. John will be received by her brother, Mr. George P. Varghese.
Constable Jerome Labonte, M.B. Saint-Raphael-de-Bellechasse and Drummondville, Quebec
