KAWARTHA LAKES-A Marmora lifeguard is one of a number of police and civilians to receive awards for bravery and lifesaving.
Members of the OPP and the public gathered at the North Grenville Municpal Centre in Kemptville on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, for the East Region Awards Ceremony.
It was to recognize and honor those who have dedicated years of service to the OPP and for acts of bravery, lifesaving and exemplary performance of duty.
OPP officers received their Police Exemplary Service Medal, which is a national award for police officers who have completed 20 years of exemplary service with one or more Canadian police service. Also recognized were members who have accomplished 30 years of service. In addition, civilian members of the OPP who have completed 20 or 30 years of dedicated public service were presented with their awards.
Present for the ceremony was OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, who presented several Commissioner’s Commendations for categories including Youth Community Service, Assisting the OPP, Outstanding Investigations, Innovation/Technology Advancement and Exemplary Performance of Duty.
The Master of Ceremonies shared stories of heroic actions from officers and members of the public who went above and beyond and placed themselves in harm’s way to help someone in danger. Awards for these such actions included the Commissioner’s Citations for Lifesaving and Bravery and the St. John Ambulance Award.
One recipient, Abigail Cassidy, was awarded a Commissioner’s Citation for lifesaving stemming from an incident in Marmora that occurred in August 2021. Cassidy, an on-duty lifeguard was alerted to a person who had fallen out of a boat that had capsized. The person sustained injuries and their clothing became entangled in the boat motor. Cassidy swam approximately 80 meters through rough waters to free the boater and pull him back to shore.
“The East Region OPP would like to extend sincere appreciation to the award recipients and their loved ones for attending the ceremony. Some inspiring examples were shared illustrating how the community and members of the OPP often work together to save lives and make a difference.” said police.