Three Chatham-Kent police officers and a pair of 911 dispatch operators are being recognized for their actions, which helped to save the life of a young girl.
According to the Chatham-Kent Police Service, officers responded to a residence in the municipality on June 5 after a mother frantically called police saying that her daughter had fled their home with the intention of taking her own life.
The family pursued the girl to a field where she climbed a large pine tree. Sergeant Fraser Leontowicz and Constables Marko Sapateiro and Kyle Blommers arrived at the scene to find the girl 40 feet up in the tree, threatening to jump and kill herself.
The offers attempted to negotiate with the girl who refused to come down. While speaking with her, the officers learned that she suffered from seizures which had become more frequent.
When the girl suddenly became quiet, it quickly became clear she was in medical distress. Without hesitation, Constables Blommers and Sapateiro climbed the tree to keep the girl from falling after she began suffering from convulsions due to a seizure.
At the same time, Sergeant Leontowicz called in an aerial fire truck and EMS to assist and provide medical treatment.
The officers remained in the tree for 20 minutes as the girl suffered two more seizures before becoming unresponsive. Once the aerial fire truck arrived, police and fire crews attempted to lower the still unresponsive girl, however, she came to and became extremely combative.
Fortunately, officers were still able to lower her safely and she was taken to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance to be assessed.
During the incident, authorities said Emergency Communications Operator (ECO) Helen Grubb was able to gather all the necessary information and remained on the line with family until officers arrived. She also provided updates to the responding officers about the girl’s location and medical history.
Police officials said ECO Supervisor Jen Roesch also supported dispatching and provided updates throughout the incident. She ensured all information gathered was accurate and delivered all transmissions in a calm, organized sequence.
As a result of their actions, both ECOs and the three officers were presented with a Chief’s Commendation during the CK Police Services Board meeting on Wednesday.