Two Guelph Police officers were nominated for the Police Hero of the Year Awards put on by the Police Association of Ontario.
Angela Mitchell, Guelph special constable, was nominated by someone whose life was saved by her. Mitchell was working at the Superior Court of Justice in Guelph. She noticed the clerk looked like he was having trouble breathing.
She insisted he go to the hospital but he said he was fine. Mitchell told the clerk’s supervisor she doesn’t think he should be working and she would take him to the hospital. Turns out he was having a heart attack and later had to have a double bypass surgery.
Rob Panek, Guelph police officer, was nominated by someone who appreciated the time he took to help her navigate the police and court systems. Panek paid special attention to her case and was in communication with her throughout. She said she wasn't sure she would have made it without his help.
“Throughout the pandemic, Ontario’s police personnel have been on the front lines, causing increased stress on them and their families.The PAO Police Hero awards is a great opportunity for the public to acknowledge the hard-working efforts of our police personnel,” said PAO president Mark Baxter.
Nominations are now closed and winners will be announced in May.
