Open Letter May 3, 2014 The following factum is being provided to the citizens of Thunder Bay and members of our emergency services community in an effort to clarify and resolve the ongoing controversy surrounding the successful water rescue at Marina Park on May 26th, 2010: During the late evening of May 26, 2010, witnesses observed a vehicle roll into the water at Marina Park. A lone female was in the vehicle calling for help as the vehicle began to submerge into the frigid waters. Witnesses also observed a lone unidentified civilian attempt to swim out to the vehicle without success. As a result of a 911 call, Thunder Bay Police Service, Superior North EMS and Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the scene as a tiered response. Thunder Bay Police Service were first on scene and the first 3 responding officers attempted to swim out to the sinking vehicle as screams could still be heard from the vehicle. The officers were unsuccessful in the initial attempt due to the frigid waters. A life ring and rope line was then utilized by one of the officers as he continued his attempts to enter the submerging vehicle. Other officers in the water manned the life line to support his efforts. Moments later, Superior North EMS and Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Service attended on scene. Two fire fighters donned immersion suits and joined in the rescue effort. The vehicle had now submerged in approximately 15 feet of water. After several attempts, one of the 2 firefighters managed to break through a window of the car with a center punch device and extracted the victim with the assistance of the other firefighter and the police officer. Once brought to the surface, police officers pulled her to the shore .The victim had no vital signs and was turned over to waiting Superior North EMS paramedics. Two other police officers then tied themselves off to the life line and assisted the firefighters in checking the submerged vehicle for further possible victims. Superior North EMS paramedics performed emergency life saving techniques and were able to revive the victim at the scene before transporting her to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center. The patient made a full recovery. Commentary: The heroic efforts of the involved firefighters and police officers were recognized internally with commendations by their respective services. Five members of the Thunder Bay Police Service were nominated and received medals of bravery from the Governor General of Canada for their efforts. All federal nominations for medals of bravery are investigated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on behalf of the Governor General. The brevity of the recent Governor General’s press release did not provide a clear account of the heroic efforts of all involved in the rescue. At no time did any member of the Thunder Bay Police Service make any misleading statements regarding the incident. Members of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue were also nominated for the Ontario Firefighter Bravery Award. The Thunder Bay Police Service provided a letter of support for the nomination of the firefighters. Unfortunately, the nomination was not successful. The rescue at the Marina Park on May 26th, 2010, was a display of professionalism, skill and heroism by all emergency personnel on the scene. We wish to assure the citizens of Thunder Bay that they are served by the finest EMS, Police and Fire and Rescue Services in the province. End of story. J.P. Levesque Chief – Thunder Bay Police Service John Hay Chief – Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Norm Gale Chief – Superior North EMS
Posted on: Sat, 03 May 2014 12:21:57 +0000
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