From the Chief's Awards Gala, 2017.
Just after midnight on, on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, a woman and her husband got into an argument. Their three children - a 15 year-old girl, a 12-year old girl and a 3-year-old boy - watched as the argument escalated. The oldest girl stepped in to intervene, but her father turned his rage on her, choking her before leaving the residence. He returned moments later with a gun and shot his wife and oldest daughter. The wife died immediately.
Despite gunshot wounds to her face and hand, the oldest daughter was still alive but played dead in hopes of deterring any further assault. The 12-year-old girl hid in a corner protecting her little brother from the terrible sight.
The father demanded that the two youngest children grab their coats. The 12-year old had the presence of mind to hide their jackets, telling him that she didn't know where they were, knowing her sister had called 9-1-1 and help was on the way. The father went back to the bedroom where his victims lay and kicked them repeatedly. He then gathered his youngest two children and fled in his car.
Despite her serious injuries, the oldest daughter was able to place a second call to 9-1-1 to tell officers her father had fled with her brother and sister. Before this information could be relayed, Constables Kyle Palyga, Andrew Harnett and Ashley Majewski arrived and forced their way into the home, not knowing the suspect had fled. They found the victims and quickly realized the oldest daughter was in serious condition.
Constable Palyga talked to her, keeping her calm and getting as much information from her as possible. All three officers worked quickly to tend to her wounds. EMS arrived and transported the victim to hospital where she later recovered from her injuries.
Meanwhile, other officers had located the suspect. He had pulled over and fired a round into the air. Knowing the children were still in the vehicle, officers were able to safely challenge and arrest him without further incident. The two children were found in the back of the car, the 12-year old girl covering her little brother with her own body for protection.
For their courage, bravery and quick thinking, the sisters have been acknowledged with the Chief's Award for Exceptional Recognition for Valour. To protect their identities we have not named them.