Community and Officers Honoured at Knights of Columbus 46th Annual Police Appreciation Night

Peterborough Police Service and the Knights of Columbus Ernest J. Wolff Council 798 gathered to honour and present awards to citizens who displayed courage and commitment to the community and officers who went above and beyond the call on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Citizen Commendations:

• On Aug.17, 2020, at approximately 9:30 a.m. police received a call that a woman had been attacked while walking on the TransCanada Trail north of the Jackson Heights subdivision.

  The three women, who were strangers to each other, came together to stop the attack, help the victim and provide a description of the suspect that ultimately led to his arrest a short time later according to a police report.

  The victim and nominating officers said the women showed immense courage. 

• On Dec.19, 2022, Loss Prevention Officers at the Canadian Tire on Lansdowne Street West were notified of a shoplift in progress. Upon approaching the male suspect, the male became aggressive with staff.

  A man named Christopher, who was shopping at the Canadian Tire at the time, heard someone yell “knife.” He immediately ran over to assist the staff who were struggling with the male on the ground and disarmed the man. No one was injured during the incident.

  The nominating officer said Christopher’s assistance was invaluable to a safe resolution.

• In November of 2023, police were called to a critical incident that involved a member of our community being injured.

  Nicole jumped into action without considering the risk to herself to help the injured person. Her efforts stopped immediate harm and the person who had been harmed felt cared for compassionately and responsively.

  Ryan's actions ensured the immediate scene was safely maintained and the potential for further harm was diminished. While putting himself at risk to keep others safe, Ryan also called emergency services.

“We are fortunate to have people who demonstrates such qualities in our community, and grateful for their actions on this day,” according to a press release statement.

Carol Winter Humanitarian Award: Constable Dan Mundell

This award is given to a member of the Police Service who has contributed to the needs of the vulnerable in our community.

Ontario Women in Law Enforcement Service Awards:

• Sergeant (Ret’d) Nancy Loucks

• Constable (Ret’d) Stacey Rutherford

• Alison Jackson

• Loranne Thompson

Service Medals for Sworn Members for 20 Years of Service:

• Staff Sergeant Robert Fitzgerald

• Sergeant Jennifer Bell

• Sergeant Trevor Hickey

• Constable Keith Calderwood

• Constable Grant Eastwood

• Constable Sam McCullum

• Constable Jason Morris

• Constable Michael Stephens

Service Medals for Civilian Members for 20 Years of Service:

• Matt Thomas – Special Constable 

Knights of Columbus Meritorious Service Award:

On April 29 last year, officers were dispatched to the residence of an elderly female who had her home and property damaged by her adult daughter, who was suffering from an apparent mental health episode.

Police then attended the adult daughter’s residence. During the interaction, the female opened a window and leapt from her apartment on the third floor. The female grabbed the eavestrough overhang, at which point Constable Joshua Gibbs quickly reached out to her from an adjacent balcony and was able to pull her to safety and apprehend her. 

If not for the quick actions of Gibbs, the female in this incident would have fallen three stories, resulting in serious bodily harm or death. Recognizing the severity of the incident, the female victim later offered her thanks to the officer for saving her life while being treated by EMS. 

Investigative Services Division:

In recognition of the tremendous dedication and work of the members of this division in resolving a series of violent crimes (four homicides in six months) that had wide-reaching impacts on the victims and families involved, the civilian and sworn members of the service and the overall safety of residents in our community.  All of these cases are still before the courts and while we are proud to have brought the persons believed responsible to this stage of justice, we know that the work is continuing and not yet finished.  

The officers and supporting units, such as Digital Evidence Management, invested thousands of hours and used various forensic and investigative techniques to bring the people believed to be responsible before the courts within days and hours. 

These crimes struck at the core of our feelings of safety, and it was through the collective work and dedication to public safety in solving these most violent crimes that is worthy of recognition. 

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