Const. Erica Sinclair says she remembers every detail of the night she saved a life.
The Barrie Police officer was among a couple dozen police, civilians and one canine honoured at the Barrie Police Service Annual Awards Ceremony held Thursday night.
Sinclair, 27, received a Formal Commendation for safely disarming and securing a suicidal woman on Jan. 27, 2016 who advanced on the officer with a knife.
The 'calm, cool and collected' officer with five years on the service drew her firearm, but used a leg thrust strong enough to diffuse what was likely a 'suicide by cop' situation.
"I remember it perfectly," said the humble cop, who's first child is due May 6. "You have to think quickly in that situation. I actually was familiar with her and knew a lot about her so I was able to judge more about her character and how to communicate with her. Some officers aren't so fortunate when they're dealing with a situation such as suicide by cop where they're unpredictable."
The Lion's Gate Banquet hall was filled with officers, proud family members and dignitaries including Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman, MP Alex Nuttall, MP John Brassard and MPP Anne Hoggarth.
"I'm always touched by some of the stories I hear, particularly the life-saving ones,' said Police Board Chair James Dickie.
"We honour you for feats of courage," said Chief Kimberley Greenwood. "Your bravery, selflessness and compassion for humankind. These are extraordinary deeds."
Sinclair joined fellow officer Const. Jonathon Watt to receive a Life Saving Award for their actions on March 31, 2016 that saved a suicidal man.
After forcing their way into the mans home, the officers found him hanging from the rafters in his basement and managed to free him from the noose and lower him to safety.
It was also the second honour of the night for Watt.
He was part of a group of ten officers and four communicators that received a Formal Commendation for helping find and save a disorientated and injured man who had fallen down the bank of a creek.
Police were called just after midnight on Nov. 11, 2016 by the man who said he was in the water and unable to get out. He didn't know exactly where he was but due to the determined efforts of officers, the man was found after 30 minutes in the water near First Dr. and Coxmill Rd. Police used distinctive siren tones to pinpoint the man's location while he stayed on the phone with communicators.
The other Life Saving Award of the night went to the McGrath family of Barrie
On Oct. 25, 2016 Kelcey, Lauren and Vince reported hearing cries for help outside their home but police searches turned up nothing,
At 4 a.m. the family called again and another search led police to a 71-year old woman who was found lying up against a chain link fence under a cedar tree.
At the time she was found, she had no shoes, no jacket, no warm clothes and was unable to move.
The senior, who was disoriented and confused and hypothermic was taken to hospital.
"If not for their (the McGrath's) awareness and concern, a helpless and confused elderly woman could have had a different outcome," said MC Sgt. Rosemary Richter.
The Awards night also honours years of service and three officers - Insp. Paul McGarry, Staff Sgt. Thomas Sinclair and Const. Cameron Cooper - were recognized for 30 years as officers.
Civilian Shirley Hrynyk was recognized for 35 years of service among many others who were singled out for praise for 25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 years of service including Canine Thor.
Wild Wings owners Domenic Bianchi and Rudy Maset received a Citizen Award, while CARAH house was honoured with a Civilian Agency Award.
Two other officers, Staff. Sgt. Linda Moorhouse and Sgt. Susan Gilles were honoured for their efforts to help the Food Bank and seniors at Christmas.
