THUNDER BAY – Five officers who stormed into a home knowing deadly carbon monoxide levels were present are among several Thunder Bay Police Service members nominated for the 2018 Police Service Hero of the Year Award.
On Feb. 11, TBPS officers Ryan Krupa, Chris Kampela, Matt Sombrutski, Dan Irwin and Rick Popowich decided public safety was more important than their own well-being and decided to enter a MacTavish Street home, despite being warned it was too dangerous, knowing they likely only had mere minutes to avert a tragedy.
The officers, all of whom were hospitalized afterward, breached the east-end home and removed three individuals.
"The sergeant on scene knew there were people inside in distress and made the decision to breach one of the doors. When they entered, the first two officers in found two individuals unconscious on the floor. They picked them up over their shoulder and carried them out to the backyard," Sgt. Al McKenzie said the next day.
Another victim was removed from the kitchen area, while another was found unconscious in the basement. A fourth individual in the home died from the deadly gas.
Several other local officers also received nominations, which opened on Monday.
Const. Joe Zaina, a 20-year member of the Thunder Bay Police Service, got the nod for the award, which is given out by the Ontario Police Association.
In a brief bio accompanying the nomination, it states Zana, a former naval officer, has been a part of the honour guard, the dive team and the emergency task unit, working hundreds of overtime hours in the call of his community.
“His passion is unwavering and his dedication to protecting citizens of Thunder Bay is demonstrated by his commitment to staying on the road or on the beat to be an active participant in his role within the force,” the bio reads.
“In his spare time, Const. Zaina volunteers with the local Navy League, teaching the youth of Thunder Bay valuable life skills.”
Const. Mike Dimini will also be up for the award, a local paramedic nominating him for going out of his way to provide great service and acting as a role model for the Thunder Bay Police Service.
Officers Mike Burns and Ben Grieve also received nominations for their work with international students at Lakehead University.
Const. Kyle Kehler was nominated for being a “wonderful role model to community youth.”
Finally, Kathy Williams, who works in the TBPS’s cyber crime division for her dedication and passion for coaching children,
Williams, a former boxer, received three different nominations calling her an incredible role model.
Nominations can be made here.
