Although we could not gather in person this year for the Community and Police Awards Gala, we would still like to formally recognize members of our Service and of the Public who have had a direct impact on community safety and well-being in Greater Sudbury.

Today, we present the 2021 Nicole Belair Service Above-Self Memorial Award to Pascal Bedard, a community member from Greater Sudbury. Man smiling and holding award

The Nicole Belair Service Above-Self Memorial Award is presented annually to a community member who has distinguished themselves by an act of personal courage, community service or service above-self.

In December of 2020, a GSPS Officer came across a Wanted Person in the area of Notre Dame Avenue and King Street in Greater Sudbury. This dangerous offender was responsible for numerous robberies and was known to be aggressive with Officers.

As the Officer approached the man to place him under arrest, the man began to fight back, making it difficult for the Officer to safely handcuff him. The Officer was able to take the man to the ground in order to gain control of the situation; however, the man continued to fight back.

The Officer was the only unit in the area and knowing that backup was not close by, he continued to struggle with the man until a kind community member, Pascal Bedard, offered him assistance.

Pascal was driving in the area when he noticed the officer struggling with the man on the ground. Without hesitation, Pascal stopped his vehicle and came to the officer’s side providing him with the ability to get the offender into handcuffs.

Thanks to Pascal’s assistance, the officer was able to safely affect the arrest, removing a dangerous offender from our streets and ensuring that neither the man nor our officer sustained any injuries.

Congratulations Pascal Bedard, this year’s recipient of the Nicole Belair Service Above-Self Memorial Award.