Three police officers in Chatham-Kent, a brave citizen, and a firefighter have been recognized for their courage.
Constables Mark Charron and Jason Hamm, Detective Jeff Teetzel, resident Joseph Neufeld, and firefighter Jozlyn Lantin have received police chief's commendations for their brave actions.
The keen-eyed Charron and Hamm stopped a driver trying to avoid a RIDE check in Chatham on December 28, 2019 and took 41 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded prohibited handgun, and ammunition off the street. The handgun's serial number was removed and officers discovered it was reported stolen in the Lambton area in 2018.
Teetzel is responsible for asking the court to put the cash seized in a large drug bust into an education trust fund for the convicted dealer's estranged children.
"This empathetic approach is indicative of the professionalism that Detective Constable Teetzel continues to exhibit time and time again," Police Chief Gary Conn wrote in his commendation.
Lantin jumped into a water-filled ditch while emergency crews responded to a vehicle crash on Wheatley Road and Hornick Line on December 29, 2019. The vehicle landed on its roof and the driver was trapped inside. Lantin held up the driver's head to keep it from going under. Neufeld witnessed the vehicle lose control and called 911 before jumping into the water and breaking the driver's side window to talk to him. The driver had to be extricated and was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.
"In the face of adversity, and extreme environmental elements, both Ms. Lantin and Mr. Neufeld exemplified courage, compassion, and teamwork," their commendations read.