OPP honours heroic police officers, civilians

A man from Red Lake, Ont. is one of seventeen civilians and police officers recognized by the OPP on Wednesday at an awards ceremony in Thunder Bay.

Chris Jobson, along with Derek Hamilton, Gordon Pollard, and Ontario ProvincialPolice constables Matthew Gee, Joey Machura and Shannon McGale all receivedthe Commissioner's Citation for Bravery.

Jobson was driving to work on Highway 618, in the Red Lake area,in the early morning hours of June 26, 2014. Hecame toa section of the road whichhad collapsed under a pickup truck. The driver was still in the truck, and water was gushing into the vehicle.

Jobson got onto the hood of the truck, and triedto divert the rushing water awayfrom the man's face.

Help arrived in the form of police officers, paramedics and other first responders. But they all had to jump from the truck when it was started to wash away. Once the truck was secure, theman was eventually freed and was takento an ambulance.

Jobson said he's proud to receive the award, but doesn't consider himself a hero.

"I think it was more of the firemen and stuff that helped save him. I think I just kept him calm and reassured him that help was on its way. I can't say I saved his life, but, you know, some people think different, " said Jobson.

Rushing River incident

Another award handed out today, the St. John lifesaving award, went to aWinnipeg Police Service officer who helped rescue a man at Rushing River Provincial Park nearKenora. He also had assistance from three other civilians, who were unable to make the ceremony.

• AUDIO: Rushing River Rescue

Employees who have reached service milestones were also recognized.

Other award recipients also include:

• An OPP officer and civilian for pulling a young woman off of a railway overpass in Dryden
• Two OPP officers from Thunder Bay who rescued two boaters on Shebandowan Lake during a severe storm
• Two OPP officers who rescued a couple on Lake Huron who's sailboat had run aground in a remote area. The two officers waded through rough water to get the couple to shore.