Constable Clifford William (Bill) Peterson, Toronto Police Service (TPS), was recently the recipient of a Medal of Bravery for a voluntary act of courage in preventing a person from jumping from the Castle Frank Bridge in Toronto, Ont., in December 2013.
Peterson who grew up in Fort St. James and now lives in Ajax, Ont., has been a member in the TPS for ten years said his father John Peterson. John and his wife Annette flew out to Ottawa May 1, 2015 to Rideau Hall to attend the presentation of the medals by the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.
Medals were presented to 39 recipients at the Canadian Bravery Decorations ceremony. The Canadian Bravery Decorations was first created in 1972 and is a way for the nation to express its gratitude to the people who risk their lives to protect others.
While on duty Cnst. Peterson prevented a man from jumping 30 metres from a bridge onto a busy roadway in Toronto. Peterson, without any thought for his own safety, leaped onto a 1.5 metre wide concrete pillar and grabbed the man. Sprawled on his stomach and with his partner Cnst. Jeff Wesley holding him by the legs, he then pulled the struggling man back onto the bridge.
“This fellow had climbed up on the outside of this pillar, and the fellow had actually let go when Bill grabbed him,” said John. “It’s the second time he (risked his life).”
Cnst. Peterson was also awarded the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery in December, 2015 and has been nominated for a Carnegie Medal in recognition of his efforts to save the life of another person.