Outstanding peace officers honoured at Crime Stoppers awards night

Jamie Peace and Chris Perri were enjoying an evening out at a sports bar in Sudbury just over a year ago when the unexpected happened. 

The pair of young, off-duty constables with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service found themselves having to jump into action, nearly four hours from home, when an altercation between two men led to a fatal shooting inside the restaurant. 

Partners in duty and in life, Peace and Perri teamed up to secure the doors, contained the scene, and administered first aid to a shooting victim – all while ensuring members of the public in the area were safe.

For those efforts, the pair of Sault Police constables were two of five individuals who were awarded with the Peace Officer of the Year award during a ceremony hosted by Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District at the Grand Gardens on Wednesday night.

"I don't really have any words; it's not something I expected," Cst. Peace told SooToday. "It's just part of the job, even though we weren't working. You're never really off-duty in a situation like that."

"As soon as we heard screaming and panic, our first instinct was just to help people; get up and see what's going on," Cst. Perri added. "We just step up and try to help out as best we can. Just try to keep everything calm, cool, collected." 

While SooToday was speaking with the couple, it wasn't lost on Cst. Peace that the award was very fitting given her name.

"It's very ironic," she said. "It has made a lot of people laugh, that's for sure. It goes hand in hand I guess."

Meanwhile, Barry Kelly, a 29-year Provincial Constable with the Ontario Provincial Police, was recognized with a Peace Officer of the Year award for his dedicated service in a number of areas, including his recent work with the Sault Ste. Marie Canine Unit.

Cst. Kelly also played a role in helping locate then missing 11-year-old Ruby Kerr around this time last year near the St. Kateri Outdoor Learning Centre. He worked for 36 hours with very little sleep up until that emotional reunion that captivated the city. 

"It comes down to helping people," he said. "It was a desperate situation. We're expected as public servants, and as good people, to do the right thing and take the lead on it. To get a result like that was exhilarating."

"I'm surrounded by good people and my furry friends who make me look good," he added. "I love the people I serve and those I serve with, and I'm pretty humbled by this award."

Correctional officer Scott Fitzsimmons, Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre, was also recognized this evening for his diligence, thoroughness, and mentorship in his role for the past 22 years.

“We know that time and experience enhance a person's knowledge and abilities with their work, but it can also lead to complacency and fatigue,” the program reads. “Seldom does someone receive an inclusive ‘100 per cent of the time,’ so for this to be a descriptor, even after 22 years on the job, this is a true indication of what type of person Scotty is.”

Officer Nicholas Goral, Canada Border Services Agency, earned the Peace Officer of the Year award for leading by example and with compassion, as evidenced by a scary situation last year while driving home off-duty when he pulled over and provided CPR to an unresponsive man on the sidewalk until paramedics arrived.

“His accurate assessment, quick judgment, and life-saving actions played a vital role that night,” the program reads. “These actions were outside the normal scope of a Border Services Officer's duties, yet Nick didn't hesitate to act in this situation.”

Linda Maeumbead was Wednesday's civilian recipient of the Crime Stoppers Recognition Award for demonstrating a deep commitment to the Crime Stoppers mission.

“We have had the privilege of working with Linda, who has played a pivotal role in overseeing the payment process to Crime Stoppers as per the Memorandum of Understanding between our two entities,” the program reads. “Her efforts have been invaluable in ensuring this critical partnership remains strong and effective.”

Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District is currently looking for board members. Readers interested in volunteering can fill out an application by visiting here.

Registration for their annual Night Light Golf Tournament on Aug. 16 at Silver Creek will also be available soon, and inquiries can be sent to info@saultcrimestoppers.com