EDITOR'S NOTE: A version of this article originally appeared on SooToday on June 22, 2023. It is being republished here for readers who may have missed it.
Sault Ste. Marie Const. Jeff Tait has been awarded a 2022 Ontario Medal for Police Bravery after his quick action helped save his partner's life as they responded to a domestic disturbance, according to a news release from the Ontario solicitor general.
Tait was working the night shift on Sept. 28, 2021 with Const. Ryan Vendramin when the call came in at about 3:30 a.m. Upon arriving at the address, the officers saw a a man in a parking lot wearing clothing that matched the description of the suspect. They attempted to communicate with the man as a second cruiser arrived.
Suddenly the man pulled out a gun and began firing at the officers. Tait returned fire and took cover when he realized Vendramin had been shot in the leg. Tait immediately tended to Vendramin's injury to control the bleeding. In the meantime, the suspect took his own life while Vendramin was rushed to the hospital. He underwent emergency surgery, and subsequently several more, before making a full recovery.
"It was thanks to Const. Jeffrey Tait’s bravery and swift actions that his partner’s life was saved," said the release.
The Ontario government is honouring 21 police officers and 13 firefighters with the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery and the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery. The medals are the province's highest honours and are given to police officers and firefighters who have demonstrated great courage in risking their lives to save the lives of others.
“I have spent much time thinking about the constant risks and dangers that first responders face. Our province has benefitted greatly from their service, and today, we recognize the remarkable bravery of 34 police officers and firefighters from across Ontario,” said Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell. “In accepting these medals, I hope that these brave men and women will re-commit themselves to serving the public with integrity, knowing that their accomplishments will help motivate a new generation of Ontarians to join their ranks – looking to follow their example.”
“Ontario is fortunate to be home to the best police officers and firefighters in the country,” added Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “When confronted with the perils these men and women faced, most of us would have hesitated – they didn’t. They ran toward danger. And for that we honour them with the province’s highest award for bravery – their work is an inspiration to us all. On behalf of a grateful province, we thank them for their dedication to their communities and their extraordinary courage.”
Click here for more on the 2022 medal winners.