Two members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service were among first responders honoured by the Government of Ontario at a ceremony at Queen's Park today.
The Ontario Medal for Police Bravery and the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery are the province’s highest honours and are awarded to those who have demonstrated great courage in risking their lives to save others.
Among the list of 2023 recipients are WRPS constables Jason Causton and Chris Robb.
On Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, Causton and Robb were responding to a collision involving a single motor vehicle in the area of Simcoe Street and Ainslie Street North in Cambridge when they observed the male driver acting erratically.
What followed was a chaotic scene. As the police officers stepped in to help, the suspect got out of the car, pulled a knife, and resisted arrest.
Constable Robb intervened but the man stabbed him in the thigh. Constable Causton then stepped forward and the suspect slashed his mouth.
The suspect continued to threaten bystanders and officers and the suspect's dog was shot by police when it became aggressive during the arrest.
Undeterred by their injuries, Robb and Causton worked with their fellow police officers to subdue the assailant and ensure the safety of those around them.
Other heroic acts recognized by the Ontario Solicitor General today included police members who subdued an armed assailant on a deadly rampage, firefighters who removed drivers from burning vehicles, officers who rescued a child at risk of being stabbed and firefighters from London who entered a collapsed building to rescue people trapped in the debris.
"Ontario is fortunate to be home to the best police officers and firefighters in the country," said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "Recognizing these individuals with medals for bravery is a privilege and a great honour. Their work is an inspiration to us all, and on behalf of the people of Ontario, I thank them for their dedication to their communities and their extraordinary acts of heroism."
“The courage these exceptional police officers and firefighters have displayed is truly remarkable,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in a news release.
“Each one of the recipients has gone well above and beyond their duties, and we are proud to recognize the impact of their selfless service on their communities and on our province.”
Ontario honours police officers and firefighters across the province with the Medal for Police Bravery and the Medal for Firefighter Bravery.
— Ministry of the Solicitor General (@ONsafety) June 17, 2024
These heroic first responders have demonstrated great courage in risking their lives to save the lives of others.https://t.co/h2BT1AMaF3 pic.twitter.com/gcdniHP881