Mountie who climbed along bridge to stop girl from jumping among RCMP award-winners

When Const. Matthew Doane arrived at a bridge about 15 metresabove the North Saskatchewan River after calls of a suicidal young girl, he knew he had to act quickly.

Several people had tried desperately to get a hold of the 12-year-old girl through the guardrails, but without success.

The Rocky Mountain House RCMP constable crawled to the unsecured side of the bridge and used his body to hold her to the bridge, preventing her from possiblyfalling orjumping to her death.

Then he askedanother Mountie to getrachet straps from his bag and tie them around the guard rails, himself and the girl.

His quick thinking ensured the girl stayed safe untilpolice, the fire departmentand civilians were able to talk her back to safety.

• Parliament Hill security personnel honoured for Oct. 22 bravery
• RCMP receive award for Moncton shootings social media response

That was back in March of 2014.

Const. Doane's actions, along with other officers, were honoured at the RCMP Commendation Awards at a private ceremony in Calgary on Tuesday.

"I am so honoured to be here today to recognize the inspirational efforts our employees have made," Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan said.

Doane is now postedat the Didsbury RCMP detachment.

In early June 2010, an armed man showed up at the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) office in Calgary looking to speak with Andrew Johnson, an RCMP sergeant at the time.

The man pulled a knife and stabbed Johnson several times.

A severely-injured Johnson did what he could to get the knife from the man but was unable to do so.

Calgary police Sgt. Gary Creasser heard what was happening and risked his own life to intervene, becoming injured while trying to get the weapon from the suspect.

Calgary police Det. David Keagan also jumped in to help, after having a receptionist call 911.

'Risking their lives to save others'

The attack ended after the man was taken into custody with the help of other ASIRT members.

The Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP said these officers are role models.

"From dedicating their lives to serving the citizens of our nation to risking their lives to save others, I am so very proud of these employees and their contribution to the safety and security of Canadians," Ryan said.

The ceremony also recognized 33 RCMP employees with long service awards.

• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |NDP surpassed Wildrose in fundraising during last quarter
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Calgary police officer's son charged in Utah meth bust facing up to life in prison