Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a special Kitchener hero. This morning the Governor General recognized Constable David Nicholson in a posthumous decoration for bravery. Senior Constable Curtis Rutt and Constable Robert Sauvé also received medals of bravery in connection with the same event.
On August 12, 1998, Constable Nicholson lost his life while attempting to rescue a 12 year old boy at the Grand River's Parkhill Dam. Constable Nicholson was trapped underwater when his scuba tank wedged in a hole. Constables Rutt and Sauvé made valiant efforts to save their colleague but sadly their efforts were unsuccessful.
The Ontario Police Memorial carries the words “Heroes in life not death”. These words were inspired by words from Constable Nicholson's own family. These words remind us that every man and woman who dons the uniform of a police officer is a living hero, deserving our respect and admiration.
I ask the House to join me in saluting Constable Nicholson and all our police heroes who go about their duties every day, proud to serve and protect.