A few dedicated police officers and 911 operators in Chatham-Kent have been honoured for their bravery and timely response.
Chatham-Kent's Police Chief has commended his Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), other officers, and emergency communications operators for a job well done while answering a weapons call a few months ago.
Chief Gary Conn said the brave team saved lives during a volatile situation while answering a weapons call on October 31, 2021 on Raglan Road in Shrewsbury. The chief said a suicidal police officer from an unidentified service in Ontario held a police revolver to his head and threatened to end his life after a family argument. Conn added the man also forcibly held a family member in the house, and later pointed the firearm into the chest of another individual in the home but was arrested after some negotiations.
Chief Conn said the team displayed good judgement, teamwork, professionalism, and good communication skills needed to bring the matter to a successful conclusion.
"Constable [Brad] Hessel of the CIRT team optimized his position and successfully apprehended the male resulting in a peaceful conclusion to this incident," said the chief.
The suicidal man was charged with several offences after he was released from the psychiatric ward of the Chatham hospital.
Constable Darcy Lunn was also recognized by the Deputy Police Chief for his brave work saving a man's life who overdosed on drugs in Chatham.
Constable Darcy Lunn recognized for saving a man's life. (Photo courtesy of CKPS)
Deputy Kirk Earley said Lunn demonstrated courage and a commitment to the safety and protection of the community when he jumped into action while off-duty on his way home in the area of Emma Street in Chatham on July 10, 2021 and saved the man by doing CPR while waiting for paramedics. Earley said Lunn saw a man in distress and quickly took action.
"Five NARCANs were required to stabilize the male who had overdosed from drugs. If not for Constable Lunn's quick actions, the male party most certainly would have succumbed to his medical emergency," Earley said.
All the brave police officers and civilians were honoured at the police services board meeting on Wednesday.
