Four local officers have been awarded the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery for their "individual acts of outstanding courage."
The medals were presented by the Lieutenant Governor and Solicitor General of Ontario at a ceremony held in Toronto.
On August 20, 2024, Sarnia police Det. Cst. Karl Brown and Erik Ostenfeldt responded to an apartment to check on the wellbeing of a yelling and screaming man.
After knocking on the door multiple times, and announcing themselves as police with no response, they used a master key to enter the residence. Police said the suspect emerged from a concealed location and attacked Cst. Brown with a knife, stabbing him violently in the head, face, hand, and neck.
Cst. Brown fought back against his attacker as Cst. Ostenfeldt, disregarding his own safety, immediately intervened.
Despite Cst. Brown’s severe injuries, the two officers subdued, disarmed, and secured their attacker.
The accused, Ryan Whiteway, 36, of Sarnia was charged with attempted murder and his case is still before the courts.
Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis said this incident underscores the fact there is no such thing as a routine call.
"This incident has affected our organization deeply and is a sobering reminder of the dangers officers face in their difficult work," said Davis. "On that fateful night, we saw all our officers and civilian staff, unified into a single urgent mission to ensure our injured officer was taken to safety. As chief, I am grateful to all involved, including our partners in EMS and the emergency medical staff at Bluewater Health, for their urgent lifesaving response."
Davis said they're immensely proud of the courageous actions of Cst. Brown and Ostenfeldt, in the face of this violent ambush attack.
"They persevered through one of the most harrowing situations an officer can encounter, surviving to return home to their families and friends. I congratulate them both on receiving the Medal of Police Bravery," he said.
Meanwhile, Lambton OPP Cst. Sarah Joseph and Benjamin Kenter were presented with medals for saving a person who was trying to drown themselves at Grand Bend Beach in July of 2023.
In the middle of the night, with stormy weather and high winds creating treacherous conditions, the officers spotted a faint light from the individual’s phone about 150 metres offshore.
The wind, waves and distance drowned out the officers’ voices, making it impossible for the person to hear their calls.
Recognizing the urgency, both officers swam into deep water to reach the individual.
Police said the individual's emotional and intoxicated state made the rescue more dangerous and unpredictable.
Kenter and Joseph worked together to bring the person safely to shore. Police said their courageous actions turned a potentially tragic situation into a lifesaving rescue.
More information about the awards can be found here.
