PECI alum and former Picton Pirate Jeff Sarley was awarded an Ontario Medal for Police Bravery on November 24th in a special ceremony in Toronto.

Created in 1975, the medal recognizes acts of extraordinary courage and bravery performed by members of Ontario’s police services. Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner hosted the ceremony. 

Ms. Dumont noted Mr. Sarley and his fellow recipients demonstrated “remarkable selflessness and courage” during dangerous and life-threatening situations.

An Acting Sergeant with the Belleville Police Service, Mr. Sarley was on patrol in the Friendly City on September 21, 2024 when he responded to multiple reports of a cube truck driving dangerously through a neighbourhood. He explains he was in “search mode,” looking for the vehicle, contemplating how he would attempt to stop the driver and wondering about the motive behind the aggressive driving. 

The officer caught up with the vehicle on Victoria Avenue near Eastside Secondary School. Mr. Sarley activated his lights as the vehicle approached from a distance, expecting the driver to slow down.

“If anything, the driver picked up speed as it drove towards me and my cruiser,” Mr. Sarley told the Gazette. “I knew then if I allowed this vehicle to continue, someone would end up critically injured or worse.” Mr. Sarley angled his cruiser across both lanes with the emergency lights on.

The driver continued with no sign of stopping. “I knew I had to get out  of the car and get out fast.”

Mr. Sarley said most of his decisions were a matter of immediate instinct, but he remembered to turn on his body cam in time to capture video of the collision.

“I knew trying to describe what was happening wouldn’t do it justice.”

The truck violently collided with Mr. Sarley’s cruiser, spinning it 15 metres and crushing its front end. “Despite the life-threatening situation, Acting Sergeant Sarley immediately returned to arrest the driver who was later charged with impaired and dangerous driving,” the provincial citation reads. “Mr. Sarley’s decisive actions and disregard for his own safety prevented serious harm. 

“His courage exemplifies the highest standards of police service.”

Mr. Sarley knew early on that a career in law enforcement was something he wanted to pursue.

“I’ve always played competitive sports and I love being a part of a team,” he said. During his time as a Pirate, Mr. Sarley was coached by the late Jim Young, a decorated firefighter. Local Paramedic Todd Lamorre and OPP officer Anthony Mann were also part of the staff.

“Those guys had a huge impact on me wanting to join the first responder community, specifically policing. Jimmy and those guys help shape the future for young athletes and students,” he added.

To PECI students considering a career in law enforcement, Mr. Sarley said to be aware of making good choices, maintain strong grades and find ways to contribute to the community.

“Get a job, play sports, spend time outside away from a computer, volunteer, and, lastly, be a good friend and neighbour. I’d encourage PECI students to reach out if they have questions on how to get involved.”

The Belleville Police Service administration line is (613) 966-0882. 

Becoming a provincial constable is not an easy process and Mr. Sarley admits the job isn’t for everyone. “But it can be a great career choice and I’d like to see a lot more good young people pursuing policing.”