On Thursday Jan. 28, London Police held a virtual ceremony to recognize the many heroes of the Woodman Ave. explosion.
22 individuals were recognized, as well as the London Fire Department and the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service.
“Aug. 14, 2019, is a date that will live in people’s minds for a very long time,” said Chief of Police, Steve Williams. “On that evening, in only a matter of minutes, Woodman Ave. went from a calm, quiet neighbourhood to the scene of a serious collision and subsequent devastating explosion. In the face of unknown danger, and amidst the chaos that comes from unexpected tragedy, heroes emerged from all directions to offer assistance.”
Awarding London’s local heroes
Chief Williams awarded six members of the police service with a Certificate of Valour. This honour is awarded by the Chief of Police for an act of exceptional bravery in the face of great danger and risk to personal life.
Recipients of the Certificate of Valour included Sgt. William Tennant, who was the first supervisor on the scene at Woodman Ave.
Chief Williams award Cst. Waseem Deep with the Certificate of Valour.
“[He] was instrumental in coordinating the initial police response,” said Williams.
Other recipients included Cst. Waseem Deep, Cst. Dylan McRae, Cst. Riley Morrow, Cst. Jordan Richardson, and Cst. Jordan Thomas.
Chief Williams also awarded citations to eight police members, for “outstanding service displaying extreme perseverance and dedication in a task well done.”
Citation recipients included Jennifer Carrothers, a Communications operator for London Police.
“Jennifer assisted with the many calls that came in while not knowing the full enormity of the event at the time, but remaining professional and composed,” said Williams.
Other Citation recipients were Sergeant Derek Spence (now retired), Matt Drake, Arlene Fuller, Tracy Schade, Sarah Schwindt, Tawnie Sim, and Jamie Spencer.
Chair of the London Police Services Board, Dr. Javeed Sukhera presented Board Citations to eight community citizens, as well as two partner first-responder agencies for their efforts on that fateful evening.
“In pre-pandemic times, the individuals and organizations that we’re honouring today would have been invited to receive these Citations from Chief Williams and myself in-person at a London Police Service’s Board meeting,” said Dr. Sukhera. “But as we are well aware that is just not possible at this point in time. It’s our hope, however, that his ceremony will serve as a reflection of the gratitude that we feel towards each person and organization we’re honouring.”
The citizens who received Citations were Brian Bertelsen, Theo Christoff, Laura Earle, Andrea Ladd, Eric Merkel, Chris Patterson, Michael Peckham, and Mario Jaime Ramirez.
One of the recipients, Laura Earle, had just spoken at the sentencing hearing for the driver of the Woodman Ave. explosion, Daniella Leis. At the hearing, Earle said her and her family would never forget what happened that night. Earle was one of the many residents who tried to pull Leis from her vehicle following the crash. Her home was destroyed in the subsequent blast.
Citations were also presented to first-responder partners who were instrumental in the life-saving efforts undertaken that evening. Middlesex-London Paramedic Service (MLPS) was recognized for their work under pressure, while the London Fire Department (LPD) was recognized for their heroic efforts in ensuring the safety of citizens and other first responders.
To close the ceremony, Chief Williams acknowledged the trauma of the events that took place on Woodman Ave.
“I know that the efforts you have been recognized for this afternoon are not ones which anyone would ever wish to have experienced, but please know how grateful we are that you were all there to heed the call and to help our community on a very difficult day.”
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