Both Peterborough citizens and police officers were honoured Wednesday night (May 15) during the 46th Annual Knights of Columbus Police Appreciation Night.
Six citizens received awards for displaying for courage and commitment during three different incidents, 16 police officers received awards and medals for their service in the community, and a entire division of the police service was also recognized.
Three Peterborough women were commended for their response during an incident on August 17, 2020, when another woman was attacked while walking on the Trans Canada Trail north of the Jackson Heights subdivision. The three women — who were strangers to one another — 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.
A man identified as Christopher was commended for his response during an incident on December 19, 2022, when loss prevention officers at the Canadian Tire on Lansdowne Street West attempted to apprehend a shoplifter. Christopher was shopping at the store at the time and, when he heard someone yell “Knife!”, he immediately ran over to assist staff struggling with the shoplifter on the ground and was able to disarm the man. No one was injured during the incident.
A woman and man identified as Nicole and Ryan were commended for their response during an incident in November 2023 when a member of the community was injured. Without considering the risk to herself, Nicole immediately helped the injured person, stopping the immediate harm and resulting in the person who had been harmed feeling cared for in a compassionate and responsive way. Ryan ensured the immediate scene was safely maintained and reduced the potential for further harm. While putting himself at risk to keep others safe, he also called emergency services.
Police officers who received awards included Constable Dan Mundell, who received the Carol Winter Humanitarian Award that recognizes a member of the police service who has contributed to the needs of vulnerable people in the community. Sergeant Nancy Loucks (retired), Constable Stacey Rutherford (retired), Alison Jackson, and Loranne Thompson were recipients of the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement Service Awards.
Medals for 20 years of service by sworn members of the Peterborough Police Service were given to Staff Sergeant Robert Fitzgerald, Sergeant Jennifer Bell, Sergeant Trevor Hickey, Constable Keith Calderwood, Constable Grant Eastwood, Constable Sam McCullum, Constable Jason Morris, and Constable Michael Stephens, with Special Constable Matt Thomas receiving a medal for 20 years of service as a civilian member of the service.
The Knights of Columbus Meritorious Service Award was given to Constable Joshua Gibbs for his role in an incident on April 29, 2023 when a woman suffering from an apparent mental health episode had caused damage at the home of her elderly mother.
After police arrived at the adult daughter’s apartment, the woman leapt from a third-floor window and was hanging from an eavestrough. From an adjacent balcony, Constable Gibbs was able to pull her to safety, preventing her from falling and suffering severe injury or death. While the woman was being treated by emergency medical services, she thanked the officer for saving her life.
The Knights of Columbus Meritorious Service Award was also given to the entire Investigative Services Division of the Peterborough Police Service for their dedication and work in resolving a series of violent crimes, including four homicides in six months.
“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,” reads a media release. “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.”
