One RCMP member and eight civilians honoured for their courageous actions were among those recognized for their outstanding efforts and dedicated service at a special awards ceremony at “D” Division Headquarters.
RCMP Commissioner William J.S. Elliott presented the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery to one RCMP member and six civilians for their heroic response to a fatal multi-vehicle motor collision that occurred on October 12, 2007 on Highway 1 in Headingley, Manitoba. The collision resulted in two of the vehicles involved being engulfed in flames. Three individuals were trapped inside one vehicle and one inside another. Six civilians and one member of the RCMP demonstrated outstanding bravery and courage in the face of very dangerous circumstances putting their safety at risk to try and save the lives of those victims involved in the accident. They were able to save two of the four persons trapped inside those vehicles.
Constable Alfred Lavallee of RCMP “D” Division Winnipeg Federal Enforcement was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery for demonstrating outstanding courage and bravery under hazardous or exceptional conditions.
Six civilians were also presented the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery for their assistance to law enforcement, while demonstrating outstanding courage and bravery under hazardous or exceptional conditions at the accident scene:
• Master Warrant Officer Hamish Seggie of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles
• Warrant Officer Shaun Spence of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles
• Sergeant Joseph Penman of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles
• Mr. Joseph Henry Roland Bouliane of Winnipeg
• Mr. Herman Zarbl, Winnipeg
• Mr. Blair Hockin of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba
Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson also presented two civilians with the Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation for their selfless actions and display of courage in assisting a Regular Member of the RCMP during that incident:
• Mrs. Jacquie Hockin of Portage la Prairie
• Mr. Abebe Yohannes of Brandon
A/Cmmr. Bill Robinson also honoured 34 dedicated employees during the ceremony. Two RCMP members were awarded the Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation for their outstanding efforts, exceptional dedication and innovation in their work. In addition, one RCMP member was honoured with the Commissioner’s Commendations for Outstanding Service. Thirty-one RCMP employees received long service awards marking career milestones ranging from 20 to 40 years of service.
The ceremony concluded with a reception hosted by Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson in the RCMP Mess for award recipients and their families.
