WOODMAN AVE. AWARDS CEREMONY

WOODMAN AVE. AWARDS CEREMONY
Recognized those who heeded the call to action

LONDON, ON (January 28, 2021) – A recognition ceremony was held earlier today to present citations to sworn and civilian members of the London Police Service (LPS), as well as community citizens and agencies, in recognition of their efforts in response to the Woodman Avenue explosion that occurred on August 14, 2019. The awards were presented by the LPS and the London Police Services Board (LPSB) virtually via Zoom, with 22 individuals receiving recognition along with the London Fire Department and Middlesex-London Paramedic Service.

“August 14, 2019, is a date that will live in people’s minds for a very long time. On that evening, in only a matter of minutes, Woodman Ave. went from a calm, quiet neighbourhood to the scene of a serious collision and subsequent devastating explosion, said Police Chief Steve Williams. “In the face of unknown danger, and amidst the chaos that comes from unexpected tragedy, heroes emerged from all directions to offer assistance. Together with our partners at the London Fire Department and Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, along with countless community members, an immediate response was initiated and we know that the quick action of all involved likely saved many lives."

Six Certificates of Valour were awarded to LPS members by Chief Williams. The Certificate of Valour is awarded by the Chief of Police to a member for an act of exceptional bravery in the face of great danger and risk to personal life.

Receiving this honour were:

Sergeant William Tennant
Constable Waseem Deep
Constable Dylan McRae
Constable Riley Morrow
Constable Jordan Richardson
Constable Jordan Thomas 

Eight Citations of the Chief of Police were awarded to LPS members. Citations may be awarded to a member for outstanding service displaying extreme perseverance and dedication in a task well done.

Receiving this honour were:

Sergeant Derek Spence (now retired)
Jennifer Carrothers
Matt Drake
Arlene Fuller
Tracy Schade
Sarah Schwindt
Tawnie Sim
Jamie Spencer

Dr. Javeed Sukhera, Chair of the LPSB presented Board Citations to eight community citizens, as well as two partner first-responder agencies for their efforts on that fateful evening.

“The London Police Service values the efforts of citizens who contribute to public safety in London, and today I, on behalf of the Board, was pleased to present these Citations in recognition of assistance rendered to the London Police Service, for acting on an emergent and dangerous situation and for being instrumental in reducing devastation and loss of life in the Woodman Ave explosion,” said Dr. Sukhera. 

The citizens who received Citations were:

Brian Bertelsen
Theo Christoff
Laura Earle
Andrea Ladd
Eric Merkel
Chris Patterson
Michael Peckham
Mario Jaime Ramirez 

Citations were also presented to first-responder partners who were instrumental in the life-saving and life-preserving efforts undertaken that evening.

London-Middlesex Paramedic Service (MLPS) was recognized for their outstanding work, under tremendous pressure, in assessing and treating injured parties and transporting those with serious injuries to hospital.

The London Fire Department (LFD) was recognized for their heroic efforts in running, without hesitation, into a volatile situation to contain and minimize risk, and ensure the safety of citizens and other first-responders.

MLPS Deputy Chief Michael Longeway and LFP Chief Lori Hamer shared messages of thanks on behalf of their members, and Mayor Ed Holder brought greetings and gratitude on behalf of the City of London.

In closing the ceremony, Chief Williams acknowledged the trauma of the events which led to this awards ceremony.  “I know that the efforts you have been recognized for this afternoon are not ones which anyone would ever wish to have experienced, but please know how grateful we are that you were all there to heed the call and to help our community on a very difficult day.”

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For more information contact:

Cst. Sandasha Bough
Media Relations Officer
C. 519-854-8576
mediaofficer@londonpolice.ca