Paramedics, firefighters and police force members were honoured Thursday night during the 15th annual 911 Community Service Awards.
The awards, presented by the Windsor Parade Corporation and other sponsors, are meant to celebrate excellence, dedication, compassion and diligence. They were handed out during a gala at the Caboto Club.
Files: Senior Const. John Atkinson
Brian Boismier with Essex Windsor EMS received the Emergency Medical Services Award. Melanie Kish, a Windsor Police Service communicator, received the Meredith McPhee Memorial Award.
Const. Shawna Coulter with Tecumseh OPP and Const. Silvano Bertoniar with Kingsville OPP received the Police Services Award. Capt. Doug Diet with Windsor Fire and Rescue Services took home the Fire and Rescue Award.
Auxiliary Supt. Robert Savage of Windsor police accepted the Senior Constable John Atkinson Memorial Award. It was the first time an auxiliary officer received the award.
“I’m pretty overwhelmed,” said Savage, an auxiliary officer for 18 years who has given thousands of volunteer hours. “John Atkinson, he’s a special person not only to our organization but to our community. To receive this in his name, I’m speechless.”
While keeping up the busy, mainly volunteer position, Savage also has a full-time job as a youth worker with the public school board. In 2002, he also received a Certificate of Merit for his efforts to resuscitate an elderly man suffering an aneurysm at the annual fireworks.
“We have full-time jobs, we have careers, but for whatever reason needed to find a different way to give back to the citizens of Windsor and the community,” said Savage.
