Back to SearchCitizen Recognition Awards 2025
During the December 16, 2025, Peterborough Police Service Board meeting, seven (7) residents were recognized by the Peterborough Police Service for their extraordinary actions in connection with several incidents in our community.
“We thank them for being engaged and willing to help fellow citizens or bring awareness to a crime in progress,” said Stuart Betts, Chief of Police, Peterborough Police Service. “While we don’t want anyone to put themselves in harm’s way, we also recognize that we sometimes find ourselves in compelling situations where we can help. In each of these cases, the actions of these residents made a difference in our community.”
Congratulations to:
Narissa C., Malory S., Matthew H., and Noah S. While investigating an unrelated incident at Peterborough Square in March 2025, the officers were approached by the 14-year-olds who told them that they had seen a man with his pants down gesturing and trying to get one of the girls to join him in a washroom inside the mall. The four youths went out of their way to make sure this was brought to police attention and it resulted in the arrest of man who was charged with sexual touching under 16 years of age and failing to comply with a probation order. The youths remained on scene and provided statements. The man was convicted and was sentenced to time in jail. We thank these four young people for their courage to speak up and leadership.
James T. On August 6, 2024, James was with his wife in a bank on Chemong Road when a man rushed in, ran to a teller and attempted to rob the bank. James, in a moment of action and instinct, realizing what was happening, grabbed the would-be robber and wrestled him to the ground, where he was able to detain him until police arrived. As it turned out, the suspect was wanted in two other robberies that happened in April and July of 2024 and also involved lighter fluid being splashed on employees. While no fires were set, we recognize that this was very concerning activity. We thank James for his quick thinking, and selfless response. His actions assisted officers in solving three robberies and led to the arrest of someone who clearly presented a danger to community safety.
Ruban V. On April 22, 2025, an 80-year-old man entered the Esso Gas Station store on Parkhill Road East and attempted to use the Bitcoin ATM machine. Ruban, aware that the man could potentially be a victim of a scam, called police and kept the elderly man distracted until officers were able to attend and intercept him to prevent him from using the bitcoin machine and becoming a victim of a financial crime. It was further learned that the potential victim suffered from dementia. We thank Ruban for being aware of the warning signs of possible frauds and scams, and his willingness to intervene. He truly made a difference in this resident’s life.
Zachary S. On June 16, 2025, there was a call for service involving a 27-year-old man who was on the wrong side of the fence at the top of the Lift Lock. Zachary selflessly rushed over to this man and was able to grab and hold onto him until police arrived. Upon their arrival, officers could see the man’s feet dangling from the locks while he was being held by Zachary. Police quickly ran up to the top of the Liftlock and were able to lift the male back to a spot of safety where he was apprehended under the Mental Health Act. We truly believe the 27-year-old man would not be alive today without this intervention and it goes without saying that the act by this civilian saved a life. We thank Zachary for his actions.
Each received a certificate presented by Chief Stuart Betts.
In order of presentation as above:
Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
Peterborough Police Service
sdueck@peterborough.ca
705-876-1122 x217
Subscribe to News