2011 Police Officers Of the Month Awards - 51 Division

Sergeant Robert Davies, 51 Division; Detective David Irish and Constables Jason Hillier, Paul Korac, Brent Johnston and Mike O’Connor, Organized Crime Enforcement

On October 29, 2010, an investigation began regarding a male suspect who was trafficking in crack cocaine.  The suspect was contacted by phone and engaged in a drug‐related conversation, during which he agreed to sell crack cocaine for an agreed price at a given location.

Constable Mike O’Connor was undercover and attended the location, where he was met by the suspect and his partner.  Both suspects got into the officer’s vehicle and engaged the officer in a drug‐related conversation.  The suspects then refused to complete the transaction, left the vehicle, and began to flee on foot.  Sergeant Robert Davies and Constables Paul Korac, Brent Johnston and Jason Hillier identified themselves as police officers and advised the suspects they were under arrest for trafficking in cocaine.  One of the suspects immediately fled on foot from the building and Constables Korac and Hillier gave chase.  Sergeant Davies and Constable Johnston took physical control of the first suspect, but a violent struggle ensued.  The suspect struck Sergeant Davies in the face and the upper body area to try to break free.  During the struggle, the suspect produced a firearm from his waistband and pointed it at the officers.

The officers continued to struggle with the suspect. The suspect was able to break free of the officer’s grasp and flee, still holding the firearm.  Detective Irish joined in and followed the suspect on foot into a nearby schoolyard.  The suspect then discarded his firearm and a quantity of crack cocaine onto the ground.  He was later apprehended and taken into custody.  The second suspect was also seen brandishing a firearm and pointed it at a citizen who was jogging in the schoolyard.  Constable Korac chased after the suspect and saw him throw his firearm into the bushes.  After a brief struggle, Constable Korac gained control of the suspect and placed him under arrest.

In recognition of their brave actions and dedication to duty, Sergeant Robert Davies, Detective David Irish And Constables Jason Hillier, Paul Korac, Brent Johnston and Mike O”Connor have been selected as Police Officers Of The Month for October 2011.