Several officers and civilians with Chatham-Kent police are receiving a Chief's Commendation for their outstanding and unselfish work during the winter storm in December.
Chief Gary Conn will be recognizing almost 60 dedicated emergency communications operators and police officers of all ranks on Wednesday during the monthly police services board meeting.
Police noted the Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) received more than 3,000 9-1-1 calls during the storm.
Chief Conn said his officers worked tirelessly in extreme conditions with temperatures of minus 20 Celsius, wind of up to 100 km/hr, and near zero visibility to rescue dozens of people.
Chief Conn said several employees worked long days and only took short rest breaks to catch up on sleep at local hotels, staying with friends, or staying with co-workers before returning to work.
"The ECC demonstrated persistence in dispatching police and fire continuously, while answering a significant volume of calls from stranded travelers and concerned family members," said Conn. "The teamwork, dedication, and commitment shown was an incredible accomplishment and exemplified extreme courage, a pillar of our organization."
Travel was treacherous and Highway 401 was closed in several spots because of the heavy snow and strong wind, rerouting drivers onto municipal roads just before Christmas. Many drivers got stuck in the snow and were trapped forcing emergency personnel to jump into action.
Chief Conn said his police team saved many lives and increased public trust and confidence in the community and he's incredibly proud to work alongside them.
"Our front-line officers displayed true acts of heroism during the storm, putting their own lives at risk to keep our community safe. These members, both civilian and sworn, worked through perilous conditions over a long period, putting the needs of others before their own. A job extremely well done!" said Chief Conn.
A Chatham-Kent police Constable is also being recognized for his alertness and commitment to good policing.
Constable Kevin Burgess will be receiving a Deputy Chief's Letter of Recognition at the police services board meeting on Wednesday for his keen awareness while investigating an abandoned stolen vehicle in Chatham in November 2022.
(Photo via CKPS)
Deputy Chief Kirk Earley said the vehicle was reported stolen in Hamilton and Constable Burgess could have passed it off, but dug in and discovered two hammers, two shovels, zip-ties, several used latex gloves, and what he believed was dry blood on one of the items.
"Constable Burgess's experience, tenacity, and methodical approach to this investigation is only one example of the efforts he puts forth everyday to uphold his oath and commitment to keeping our community safe," said Deputy Chief Earley.
The stolen vehicle was linked to several investigations in the Greater Toronto Area.
