Police Officers and Civilians Honoured for Saving Lives

Friday, 16 November 2018 14:18

Two Officers and Two Civilians have been given the Chief's accommodation for their life saving efforts.

WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock Police Services Board handed out some awards recently.

Staff Sergeant Nancy Lenehan and Sergeant Deb Peterman were given the 30 Year Bar to the Medal while Staff Sergeant Marci Shelton and received the 25 year milestone. 9-1-1 Communications Dispatcher Jayne Baker received the 20 year milestone. Detective Sergeant Heidi Becks, Sergeant Darcy Campbell, and Auxiliary Staff Sergeant Deb Klemp all receiving the 20 year Exemplary Service Medal.

Constables Mike Beattie and Bob Bezzo were given a Chief's accommodation for their live saving efforts.

Constables Bezzo and Beattie responded to a call of a young female hanging from the Finkle Street bridge over the railway tracks by her arms. The officers made a rapid approach along the west side of the foot bridge railing with their approach going undetected by the distraught female who was dangling over the east railing by one arm. Both officers quickly approached mounting the railing and taking hold of the female and pulling her to safety. Chief Bill Renton said “it is gratifying to see the exceptional actions of our members who go above and beyond to assist members of our community in need. It is clear their quick and decisive actions saved the life of a young girl that evening and both officers are to be commended for their dedication to duty.”

And local citizens Shaylene Sassing and Jason Birmingham were also honoured for their life saving efforts on Tuesday.

Last September Shaylene Sissing was travelling along Springbank Avenue when she noticed a male in apparent distress standing on the train overpass. She stopped and spoke with the male who indicated his intentions to take his own life. Sissing flagged down passing motorist Jason Birmingham who stopped to assist. As Birmingham approaches Sissing and the male, the male grabs hold of the rail and starts to climb in a manner to jump over the railing. As a train was approaching, Birmingham and Sissing were able to pull him to safety and restrain him until police arrived. Chief Bill Renton states “their brave and caring actions clearly saved the life of a man in crisis. It is just so amazing to see the good will of our citizens who took the initiative to assist someone in need as opposed to driving on past. I have the utmost respect for Shaylene and Jason.