5.9 C
Niagara Falls
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Niagara police officers recognized for bravery

Four Niagara Regional Police officers received medals Thursday morning in Ottawa, honouring their bravery in a shooting incident that took place in October of 2015, when a heavily armed and suicidal man was making threats towards the multi-unit Fenwick apartment he was living in.

The officers, Neal Ridley, Jake Braun, Daniel Bassi and Allan Rivet, tried to help the suicidal man by talking him into surrendering, while other officers cleared the building.

The man said he would surrender and come out without weapons but instead came out, took a handgun from his waistband and started firing at the officers.

Braun and Ridley were both within close range of the suspect and were both shot as a result. Ridley suffered serious injuries which he’s still recovering from.

Bassi and Rivet were at the other end of the hallway and returned fire, shooting the suspect and ending the danger to Ridley and Braun.

The officers involved in this incident were fully aware of the heightened danger, said a police release submitted by Const. Phil Gavin.

“It is only through their heroic actions that no one else was injured or killed. Had the man escaped from the building with the loaded rifles and handgun, the risk to the public would have increased significantly. A total of seven firearms were seized from the man's apartment.”

The NRP’s Joshua Kalailieff also received a chief's commendation earlier this year for his leadership during this incident, having been recognized for his excellent management of the crime scene, his assistance to the injured officers and for the protection and evacuation of the public.

The awards were presented by Governor General Julie Payette.

Subscribe to our mailing list