Angela Mitchell, Guelph Police Special Constable - 2022 Police Hero of the Year Finalist
Background: For the past seven years, the Police Association of the Ontario (PAO) has run the Police Services Hero of the Year Awards, during which, for a six-week campaign, the public is encouraged to submit their nominations for the police personnel they believe have done exceptional work protecting and serving their community.
The PAO’s Awards Committee (comprised of members-at-large, the President, Board Chair and civilian association staff) had the challenging task of selecting the winners and finalists from over 300 worthy and often personal nominations. The volume of incredible stories that outlined the efforts of police personnel in communities throughout the province cannot be understated.
Why Angela: This was the nomination that came in for Angela and the reason why she was named the finalist for this award:
In October 2018, I was employed with the Ministry of the Attorney General as a Court Service Officer with the Superior Court of Justice in Guelph. On the 22nd, I walked approximately 1km from parking into work. I entered the security office where I met Special Constable Angela Mitchell of the Guelph Police Service. Angela asked if I was having a problem with breathing. Even though I was having difficulty with shortness of breath as well redness in my face, I denied any problems. Angela insisted on me explaining what seemed apparent to her. I was in medical distress. She contacted the supervisor of courts with her concerns and advised the supervisor not to allow me to work the shift and that she would be taking me to the hospital. I was immediately admitted and was informed that I was having a heart attack. I was sent to St. Mary hospital for a double bypass. I would never have gone to the hospital on my own. Angela save my life. I never acknowledged to anyone or even myself that almost died and I have Angela to thank for me being able to live and enjoy the five grandchildren I have had since that day.
*EDIT* I am Jerry's wife and he asked me to proofread this before submitting. I will also add that Angela insisted on calling me and Jerry adamantly said "Don't you dare: there's nothing wrong with me! We don't need to worry Kelly-Anne." So she dropped him off at the Emergency Room and THEN called me. I too will be forever grateful to Special Constable Angela Mitchell for saving my husband's life AND for letting me know he was in danger so I could be by his side.... Thank YOU, Angela!
Read more about the awards at www.policehero.ca