A pair of Chatham-Kent police officers are being recognized for their quick and selfless actions following a serious crash north of Wallaceburg.
According to the Chatham-Kent Police Service, a vehicle containing four people was heading north on St. Clair Parkway on December 2, 2023 shortly before 4 p.m., when it left the road between Dufferin Avenue and Stewart Line and crashed into Running Creek.
All four occupants were able to exit the vehicle in various manners.
Constable Max Bossence was the first officer at the scene and found one man severely injured sitting against a tree at the water’s edge and another man floating face down in the water.
As Constable Trevor Biskey arrived at the scene, Bossence quickly removed his police equipment, waded into the cold water, and brought the man to the shore.
Bossence then began CPR on the man, while Constable Biskey provided first aid to the injured man sitting against the tree. When paramedics arrived, both officers helped to carry the injured man up the bank to the ambulance.
Despite life-saving efforts, the individual pulled from the water, a 27-year-old Windsor man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Constables Bossence and Biskey quickly recognized the dangers they were faced with, however, [they] assessed and acted quickly in the face of adversity,” Chief Gary Conn said in a report.
As a result of their actions, the two officers were awarded a Chief’s Commendation on Wednesday during a CK Police Services Board Meeting.
Bossence said when approaching incidents such as this it’s important to quickly determine who is injured and to render aid.
“I think it’s a thankless job for the most part and it is nice to get recognized for some of the things you do on duty,” he said. “That’s obviously not why we do it, but it is nice to be recognized for doing calls like this.”
Biskey said the first thing that goes through his mind in situations like this is ensuring public safety.
“It really brings to light the teamwork that goes into calls like this, with not just us, but with the Chatham-Kent fire department and Chatham-Kent EMS and all the citizens that assist [as well],” he said.
