THUNDER BAY – Sgt. Hubert Beauclair and Const. Doug Golding had to act swiftly when they responded to reports of a sinking board adrift on Shebandowan Lake.
The Thunder Bay detachment OPP officers’ actions on that Aug. 4, 2012 were honoured Wednesday during the provincial police force’s annual North West Region Awards.
"They didn't have lifejackets, and their boat was caught up on a reef," Beauclair said during the award ceremony.
"Once we left the bay, we didn't realize how bad the water was, when we rounded the one bend there was probably six-to-eight foot white caps."
The Officers located the boaters within the hour with help from an off-duty firefighter.
Uninjured, the boaters were brought back to the shore where they were treated for exposure to the cold weather.
"It was a sense of relief that we were able to find them," Beauclair said. "There are not a lot of resources out in Shebandowan so I really don't think it would have been a successful mission if we hadn't found them at that time."
Every year, the North West Region Awards are held by the Ontario Provincial Police to acknowledge the courageous acts of individuals in each of its regions.
The awards are given to the North West Region OPP workers and community members who were being acknowledged for their various heroic acts and achievements, as well as those who have reached service milestones.
On behalf of the Governor General of Canada, the two local OPP officers received the Federal Certificate of Commendation.
This award is given to those who have made a noteworthy contribution by providing assistance to another person in a noble manner.
Beauclair was happy to receive the award, however, he stated that the OPP are being recognized for their jobs and he believes that every Ontario Provincial Police officer should receive an award for what they do.
