Community Member Awards for unselfish acts of bravery, courage and assistance to the Toronto Police Service

Media advisory, Sunday, April 19, 2015, 1 p.m., Headquarters, lobby, Community Member Awards for unselfish acts of bravery, courage and assistance to the Toronto Police Service

Sunday, April 19, 2015 - 5:59 AM
Professional Standards Support
416-808-7716

On Sunday, April 19, 2015, at 1 p.m., in the lobby at headquarters, 40 College Street, 48 members of the community will be recognized for unselfish acts of bravery, courage and assistance to the Toronto Police Service.

The presentations will be made by Chief William Blair and Police Services Board Chair Dr. Alok Mukherjee.

View the Award Presentation program.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Antoinette Lobo, Professional Standards Support

Chin-Hua CHEN Submitted by 51 Division
Anthony ST. JOHN Submitted by 51 Division
Janie HARRIS Submitted by 51 Division
Jessica KEYES Submitted by 51 Division

Chin-Hua Chen, Anthony St. John and Janie Harris – Submitted by 51 Division

On February 23, 2014 a female and her neighbour entered their building lobby and were accompanied by an unknown male. The male followed them into the elevator and onto their floor. The female walked to her door and the neighbour to his at the opposite end of the hallway. The unknown male continued to follow the female into her unit and began snooping around and demanding money. As his demands were not being met or understood by the victim, who only spoke Mandarin, he tried to take the victim’s ring off of her finger and violently grabbed at her purse. The victim would not let go as the male dragged her out of her unit and down the hallway.

Chin-Hua Chen, a neighbour heard the victim screaming and rushed to assist her. He attempted to subdue the male but was hit in the face several times. Another resident, Anthony St. John, also came to assist. Both men continued to struggle with the suspectas they entered the stairwell. A third resident, Janie Harris, heard the commotion and immediately phoned 911. Janie entered the stairwell and calmly provided the dispatcher with clear directions as to what was happening and exactly where they were. Janie was also able to block off one of the stairways so that the suspect could not
escape.

A short while later police arrived and arrested the suspect.

In recognition of their heroic actions and willingness to ensure the safety of others
Chin-Hua Chen, Anthony St. John and Janie Harris are awarded with community
member awards.


Jessica Keyes – Submitted by 51 Division

On April 20, 2014 police responded to call regarding a woman who had climbed over the 
railing of the bridge and was preparing to jump.

When officers arrived on scene they located the female standing on the sidewalk, speaking with a young woman. Officers learned that Jessica Keyes had been driving by when she noticed the female climbing over the railing of the bridge. Jessica immediately stopped her vehicle and cautiously approached the female, engaged her in conversation and distracted her. While talking to the distraught female, Jessica flagged 
down a passerby and asked him to call 911.

Jessica subsequently convinced the female not to jump and helped her down from the 
railing.

In recognition of her quick actions and willingness to save another in distress Jessica Keyes is awarded with a community member award.