Fourteen police officers and eight civilians were recognized for their heroic efforts in response to the explosion that rattled London's Old East Village.
On August 14, 2019, the quiet neighbourhood of Woodman Avenue was devastated by an explosion after an impaired driver collided with a home and severed a gas line.
During a virtual ceremony on Thursday, London Police Chief Steve Williams awarded six certificates of valour and presented eight citations of the Chief of Police.
"I do believe it's imperative to recognize that something extraordinary came from that evening, that will be a lasting legacy for the neighbourhood, and indeed the City of London in the face of unknown danger," Williams said during his address.
Sergeant William Tennant, Constable Waseem Deep, Constable Dylan McRae, Constable Riley Morrow, Constable Jordan Richardson, and Constable Jordan Thomas received the certificates of valour. Williams said those recognized received the award due to their acts of exceptional bravery in the face of great danger and risk to personal life.
Sergeant Derek Spence, Jennifer Carrothers, Matt Drake, Arlene Fuller, Tracy Schade, Sarah Schwindt, Tawnie Sim, and Jamie Spencer were awarded the citation of the Chief of Police by Williams for outstanding service, displaying extreme perseverance and dedication in a task well done.
Brian Bertelsen, Theo Christoff, Laura Earle, Andrea Ladd, Eric Merkel, Chris Patterson, Michael Peckham, and Mario Jaime Ramirez were the citizens presented with board citations by London Police Services Board Chair Dr. Javeed Sukhera. The Old East Village residents were recognized for assisting police during a dangerous situation and for being instrumental in reducing devastation and loss of life.
Citations were also presented to the London-Middlesex Paramedic Service and the London Fire Department for their efforts including assessing and treating injured individuals and running without hesitation into a volatile situation to ensure the safety of others.
"I know that the efforts you have been recognized for this afternoon are not ones which anyone would ever wish to have experienced, but please know how grateful we are that you were all there to heed the call and to help our community on a very difficult day," Williams offered in his closing remarks.
Daniella Leis, the 24-year-old Kitchener woman responsible for the catastrophe pleaded guilty last fall to four counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm. A judge is expected to deliver his decision on her sentencing on February 11.
