Christina Morris answered the phone at work one day and little did she know it would result in her receiving an award of valour from the Coquitlam RCMP.
The kennel attendant for the City of Coquitlam's bylaw and animal services was honoured as part of the detachment’s annual Officer in Charge (OIC) awards handed out May 16. The Port Moody resident received the award for sticking on the line with a distraught man.
Her patience and understanding, said an RCMP press release, led to her realizing “the man was in emotional distress and at risk of harming himself. By keeping the man engaged and earning his trust, Ms. Morris was able to gain enough information for police to identify and locate the man and bring him to safety.”
Morris received the award from Coquitlam RCMP Supt. Sean Maloney.
“I could hear the struggle in his voice,” said Morris in the release. “I was able to be there… for him in his moment of need. The thought of hanging up never crossed my mind. I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help.”
Besides Morris, six other private citizens and 10 police officers were given awards for valour.
Four officers, a citizen and the auxiliary program executive team received leadership awards. Brenda Diack and Carmin Lemon picked up community service awards.
Volunteer and officer long-service awards (ranging from 20 to 35 years of service) were also handed out.
