Dozens of RCMP employees received awards in recognition of commitment and accomplishments.
RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson and Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Commanding Officer of “D” Division, recognized the dedication and outstanding service of dozens of RCMP employees at a special awards ceremony held at the Minto Armouries.
Thirty-seven Long Service Awards were presented to regular members, civilian members and public service employees, celebrating 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service, while an auxiliary member was recognized for 10 years of service. Twenty-four RCMP employees were awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal. Two regular members and one civilian member received the Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation.
“As the new Commanding Officer of “D” Division, I am very proud to honour the commitment and accomplishments of our employees,” said Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau. “Their efforts exemplify the unwavering dedication of the RCMP to ensure the safety and security of Manitobans across the province.”
Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery
Two regular members were presented with the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery. The recipients of this award have demonstrated outstanding courage in the face of extremely dangerous and volatile circumstances which are not commonly encountered in routine police work and which pose an imminent threat of grievous harm, personal injury, or death.
Constable Norbert Constant
On October 28, 2009, a female jumped off the Powerview Hydro dam. Cst. Constant was instrumental in rescuing the woman from drowning by entering the frigid water to reach her.
Constable Randy Metzler
On July 27, 2009, Cst. Metzler attended a call of a house fire with a person trapped inside the house. Cst. Metzler, who was first on scene, entered the house and attempted to free a disabled woman trapped inside house. As he was on the verge of losing consciousness due to heavy smoke, he was unable to free the woman. He exited house and alerted firefighters to the woman’s location. Both the victim and Cst. Metzler were treated for smoke inhalation and later recovered.
Commanding Officer’s Commendation for Bravery
Two regular members were awarded the Commanding Officer’s Commendation for Bravery. These members demonstrated courage and bravery in the face of very dangerous circumstances with the potential for grievous harm, bodily injury or death.
Constables Andrew Cowan and Christian Grondin
On March 18, 2012, on the north shore of the Winnipeg River on Sagkeeng First Nation, a male fell through the ice and was found partially submerged in the water. Constables Cowan and Grondin donned floatation suits and used their hands as paddles to reach the victim and provide him with a life vest. The victim was successfully rescued, medically observed and released.
Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal
Corporal Gilbert Saillant was presented the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal for his one-year mission to Haiti in 2011-2012. During his time, Corporal Saillant mentored, monitored and advised the Haitian National Police Force on their day-to-day operations and contributed to improving their capacity as a police force. He also provided humanitarian support to the Haitian population. The first part of his deployment was spent with the drug unit and then a Detachment, after which he was transferred to the Child Protection Unit.
