Acting Sgt. Jeff Sarley of the Belleville Police Service has been recognized with the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery.
The announcement was made by Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General on Monday.
According to a release, on September 21, 2024, Acting Sgt. Jeff Sarley responded to multiple reports of a cube truck driving dangerously through a Belleville neighbourhood.
It is said that the truck ran into vehicles, yards and even a house.
Fearing for public safety, Sarley positioned his cruiser across the street to block the truck’s path the release said.
“As the truck accelerated toward him, he escaped on foot mere seconds before the truck violently collided with his cruiser, spinning it 15 metres and crushing its front end.”
The ministry says that despite the life-threatening situation, Sarley immediately returned to arrest the driver who was later charged with impaired and dangerous driving.
“Sarley’s decisive actions and disregard for his own safety prevented serious harm. His courage exemplifies the highest standards of police service.”
