February 25, 2022.
2021 Service Recognition Awards – Excellence in Emergency Response and Life Saving
Recipients: 911 Communicators Melissa MacDonald and Mandy Burns and Constables Roger Cruz, Jason Bellamy and Mike Avelar
We honoured two 911 Communicators and three officers for their efforts that resulted in saving the life of a Bradford man.
On July 5th, 2021 at approximately 8:20 a.m. South Simcoe Police Service Communications received a 911 call from a man in crisis.
He stated his intention to commit suicide, that the door to his house would be open, and then abruptly hung up.
The call taker, Melissa MacDonald, recognizing the urgency notified dispatcher Mandy Burns, and officers were immediately dispatched.
Constable Roger Cruz was the first officer to arrive on scene followed by Constable Mike Avelar and Constable Jason Bellamy. The officers immediately entered the residence and located a woman on the upper floor who appeared to be completely unaware of what was potentially taking place in the home. Constable Cruz made his way to the basement where he located the man hanging.
Cruz immediately cut the man down but found him to be lifeless and unresponsive. The officers initiated life saving measures by way of CPR, taking turns until paramedics arrived on scene. The officers continued to make every effort to save the man’s life by assisting with an emergency escort of the ambulance to a local hospital. Police eventually received further updates that although in serious condition, the man was alive.
The actions of all involved most definitely contributed to saving the man’s life. We are also pleased to report that the man has since made a full recovery and has been in contact with the involved officers to express his sincere gratitude for saving his life.
Responding paramedics had high praise for the officers saying “We would like to acknowledge the three officers involved. Their professionalism and dedication truly made a difference in the outcome of the call. The skills and professionalism of South Simcoe officers has given your service a reputation for quality service and confidence that our medics can rely on you in difficult situations.
Police are called to difficult situations on a regular basis. On this occasion these officers did not hesitate to jump into action. The quick actions of Cst. Cruz, Avelar and Bellamy directly contributed to the successful outcome of this call and saved this man’s life. Well done.
