Three Belleville police officers were commended for providing emotional support following the passing of resident’s mother in 2019.
Constables Dave Bradley, Steve Cooke and Hans Verbeek were commended for their “compassion and empathy” following the passing of Peter Matwyuk’s mother at her home.
“She passed at home, like she had wanted, and since it wasn’t planned, Belleville Police Service officers arrived on scene,” Matwyuk said in a letter to police.
Matwyuk outlined how two years prior, his father passed away, and how other factors had made the situation even more stressful.
“When the funeral home was contacted, it was noted to your officers and the paramedics that they would be hours away due to multiple deaths that day,” Matwyuk said.
“So, your officers and one paramedic stayed with me and my wife. They talked with me. They laughed with me. They cried with me. They took the time just to be with me. They wanted to make sure I was as okay as I could possibly be.”
Matwyuk said had he known the officers could have been nominated for commendations they would have been done sooner.
Police Chief Mike Callaghan commended the constables’ commitment to excellence and service to the community.
