2021
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Patrol Team displayed a tremendous amount of bravery when they responded to an emergency call involving the rescue of a person in crisis at the Manuels River Bridge in Conception Bay South.

The team is comprised of six officers who are members of Operational Patrol Services: Constable Daniel Cadigan, Constable Kyle Fowler, Constable Brittany Hierlihy, Constable Stephen Martin, Constable Alexander O’Keefe and Constable Jake Sharpe.

The officers overcame harrowing conditions such as heavy fog causing poor visibility and unreliable radio transmissions due to poor reception, as well as a distressed individual who actively fought against the lifesaving attempts. During the rescue, the situation was very dangerous for the officers. There were points in the rescue effort where the officers began to lose their footing and were pushed down the bank. In order to ensure rescue, they removed their body armour to fit between the rails in an attempt to pull the individual to safety. Multiple officers worked courageously and tirelessly to ensure a positive outcome.

Despite the harsh circumstances, the officers continued to persevere, relying on their training, experience and quick thinking to achieve a positive outcome that could have otherwise resulted in tragedy. They worked as a team through these exceptional challenges under immense pressure. By the time the Conception Bay South Fire Department arrived on the scene, the individual was too weak to resist rescue attempts and was ultimately taken to safety.

The officers demonstrated a commitment of service to the community through their profound act of bravery and peaceful resolution that saved someone’s life.