moniPart of being a police officer is running toward danger. But sometimes situations, like the one Langley RCMP Const. Aaron Kehler found himself in, are a reminder of how scary police work can be.
In July 2014, Kehler arrived at a violent scene, where a woman was brandishing a knife and threatening to jump out a third floor window of a Langley City apartment.
Kehler put himself in harm’s way to stop her from jumping and injuring any more people. The woman had already injured one person with the knife, poked the knife at a second person and attempted to stab Kehler.
Thanks to his efforts, the woman was arrested and held in custody.
For his bravery, Kehler received the Award of Valour at B.C.’s 35th annual Police Honours Night in Victoria, Nov. 19. The Award of Valour is the highest award for a police officer in B.C.
In all, four Langley officers were recognized at the event for their actions in saving a life.
Constables Audrey Parent, Inderjeet Sandhu and Warren Long (currently with Emergency Response Team), received an Award of Meritorious Service for saving the life of a suicidal woman.
Officers were called to a residence in Langley City in October, 2014 where a woman had overdosed. When they arrived, they found her unconscious and not breathing.
The officers began CPR and were able to detect a faint pulse. Paramedics arrived and said the officers had saved the woman’s life by starting CPR when they did. The woman was rushed to hospital and recovered.
The Meritorious Service Honour recognizes exemplary performance that exceeds expectations.
“On a local level we are obviously quite pleased and proud of the actions by Langley detachment members,” said Langley RCMP Supt. Murray Powers.
“All members of the RCMP recognize that we can be thrust into these types of situations with no warning or preparation. We count on our constant training to ensure we make the best possible choices for all parties involved. These members clearly accomplished that.”