Several Belleville police service officers and staff have received a commendation for their roles in resolving a situation involving a suspect who had barricaded himself in a home with a child.
During Thursday’s Police Services meeting, Belleville Police B Platoon, along with control room operators Lindsay Rhodes, Trish Milligan, and Cathy Philion, were awarded the Chief’s Commendation for their roles in resolving the situation.
In November 2025, officers responded to a call about a man behaving erratically and shouting. The man was found by officers holding a child. The suspect didn’t believe the officers were police, and brandished a knife at them while still holding the child.
Officers attempted to negotiate with the suspect to put down the child and the knife. More officers arrived to assist with containment, talking to the suspect’s spouse, and controlling a dog the suspect released on the officers. The suspect called dispatch multiple times but was uncooperative. The suspect then exited the home voluntarily and was taken into custody during negotiations.
The child was unharmed.
Constables O’Hara, Whittaker, Burkitt, Clayton, Fernandes, Kendall, Verbeek, and McInroy of B Platoon, along with the control room operators involved, were commended for their team work, professionalism, and quick thinking, having resolved the situation peacefully.
