OPP honoured for Rowanwood action

Officers recognized for putting their lives on the line for residents

HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville’s police detachment brought home some hardware from the Central Region OPP Awards held this month.
Four police officers and one staff member from the detachment received awards at the ceremony held in Alliston, Ont., on June 7. Two of the awards were for dedication and longevity, and three were for selfless bravery.
Det. Const. Andrew Muller received a Quarter Century Club award for 25 years of service, and administrative assistant Doris Dann received a civilian service award for her 20 years of service with the detachment.
Also honoured were Det. Const. Jeff Dixon, Provincial Const. Aaron Gathmann and Provincial Const. Alison Waddington, who received Governor General certificates of commendation for their actions during the Rowanwood Retirement Residence in 2008.
Governor General certificates of commendation are issued to those who have made a significant contribution by assisting another person in a selfless manner. The commendation is not automatic and eligible candidates are selected through a voting process.
Staff Sgt. Mike Frew said the detachment nominated the awardees. A provincial committee then vets the nominations and makes recommendations to a final Ontario Provincial Police panel.
Frew said Dixon, Gathmann and Waddington were nominated because they put themselves in danger to help evacuate the retirement home as it went up in flames.
“There was a significant amount of smoke and there was fire involved. They selflessly did what they could to assist,” said Frew. “We don’t have self-contained breathing apparatuses or fire retardant clothing, but that didn’t impede them from doing what they could to help the folks who were residing at Rowanwood.”
He said he was pleased to see the officers recognized at the provincial level for what they did.
“It was very positive, not only for the detachment, but these officers also reside in the community,” said Frew. “The community should be aware that their neighbours helped in such a selfless way.”
The officers’ actions, he said, embodied the purpose of the detachment.
“It gives us some idea of what the goal is, and that is public safety. It’s not just handing someone an offence notice for speeding,” said Frew. “The overall goal is public safety and community service, and I would suggest that was recognized through the commendation they received.”

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