Chatham-Kent police officers honored for life-saving bridge rescue

Chatham-Kent Police Service officer with body-worn camera in Chatham-Kent, Ont., on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

Chatham-Kent Police Service is honouring the officers involved in a life-saving rescue at the Lacroix Street bridge.

On July 1 at 8 p.m., officers responded to a call about a citizen who was standing on the bridge, threatening to jump. Constables Cole Brigley, Steve Gagnon, Sgt Fraser Leontowicz, and Acting Sgt Chris Reynolds immediately coordinated their efforts to engage the man in verbal communication.

Their approach was effective enough to distract him while 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.

“The actions of Constables Brigley, Gagnon, Sergeant Leontowicz, and Acting Sergeant Reynolds were critical in ensuring the preservation of life during this dynamic encounter,” say police.

During this critical situation, police say Emergency Communications Operators (ECO) Brock Bechard, Camryn Dudley, McKenna Ladd, and Victoria Labadie demonstrated exceptional professionalism and focus. They gathered essential information and relayed it to all emergency responders, which allowed for a quick response that played a vital role in the outcome of this incident.

All of the emergency personnel involved were presented with a Commendation on Wednesday, recognizing their exemplary service and embodiment of the core values of the Chatham-Kent Police Service.