On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers from the Chatham-Kent Police were dispatched to the area of the Lacroix Street bridge in the City of Chatham regarding a citizen who was standing on the bridge, threatening to jump.
Officers responded and encountered a distressed man who had climbed the bridge railing and was hanging over the edge, threatening to end his life by jumping into the river below. Constables Cole Brigley, Steve Gagnon, Sergeant Fraser Leontowicz and Acting Sergeant Chris Reynolds immediately coordinated their efforts to engage the man in verbal communication. Their approach was effective enough to distract him while Constable Brigley and Gagnon strategically positioned themselves to affect a rescue should it be required.
During this incident, the man became overwhelmed with emotion and lost his grip on the bridge railing, causing him to fall. Without hesitation, the officers were able to take control of him physically, removing him from danger. Once safe and under apprehension, the man was transported to the local hospital, where he received the care that was desperately needed.
During this dynamic encounter, Emergency Communications Operators (ECO) Brock Bechard, Camryn Dudley, McKenna Ladd and Victoria Labadie demonstrated exceptional professionalism and focus, gathering essential information, relaying information to all Emergency responders, which allowed for a quick response that played a vital role in the outcome of this incident.
The actions of Constables Brigley, Constable Gagnon, Sergeant Leontowicz, Acting Sergeant Reynolds, ECO Bechard, ECO Dudley, ECO Ladd and ECO Labadie exemplify the highest standards in terms of Serving and Protecting.
Bravery, quick-thinking, empathy and an unwavering commitment to the preservation of life has brought honour to themselves, the Chatham-Kent Police Service and the community that they serve.
Constables Brigley, Constable Gagnon, Sergeant Leontowicz, Acting Sergeant Reynolds, ECO Bechard, ECO Dudley, ECO Ladd and ECO Labadie were presented with a Commendation on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Their collective actions demonstrate exemplary service and embody the core values of the Chatham-Kent Police Service.