Salt Spring Island RCMP officers recognized for going above and beyond

On November 30, 2023 Salt Spring First Responders gathered at the Salt Spring Island Legion (Branch #92) to recognize the efforts by two Salt Spring RCMP Officers - Cst. Hardip GILL and Cst. Felix Charette-Thibault.

Prior to transferring to Salt Spring Island, Cst. Hardip Gill was working in the Lower Mainland. While working Cst. Gill witnessed a shooting. Cst. Gill, without hesitation, engaged in a foot pursuit with the assailant who was still in possession of the firearm. Despite the personal risk to himself Cst. Gill continued to engage with the suspect who had fled on foot into a densely populated residential area. Cst. Gill was able to contain the suspect to a residential backyard; he was arrested when he tried to flee. Deputy Commissionaire Dwayne McDonald, Commanding Officer for British Columbia commented that Cst. Gill’s dedication and courage in the apprehension of an armed suspect in a shooting incident assisted in bringing to a successful conclusion to the incident. Cst. Gill’s actions and dedication to duty bring credit to himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Prior to transferring to Salt Spring Island, Cst. Felix Charette-Thibault responded to a medical emergency in Duncan. Cst. Charette-Thibault quickly recognized the person had suffered an overdose, administered Naloxone and provided CPR. Cst. Charette-Thibault’s efforts were able to keep the victim alive until Paramedics arrived on scene. The victim was transported to hospital where she passed away 4 days later. Although the outcome was not what not what we hoped, it did provide time for the victim’s family to say good-bye. Cst. Charette-Thibault was nominated for a St. John Life-Saving Award.

Both of these awards were presented on November 30, 2023 by Superintendent Ray Carfantan, Acting Commanding Officer for the RCMP Vancouver Island District.

As the Detachment Commander for Salt Spring Island RCMP detachment, I am very proud to work with all of the staff and RCMP officers here,said Sgt. Clive Seabrook. The actions of Cst. Gill and Cst. Charette-Thibault highlight the excellent work done everyday by our officers across the country.