Outstanding Call of the month
Jacques Rinquette wins Outstanding Call for November
On November 24, Para Bus Operator Jacques Rinquette arrived to pick up a regular client at her home. Jacques became concerned when the woman was not waiting outside as per usual. He went to the residence and found her lying on the floor at the front door with a severe cut above her eye. Jacques returned to his bus for a first aid kit and called Para dispatch for assistance. He administered first aid and stayed with her until an ambulance arrived.
The woman explained that she was on her way to exit the front door when she lost her balance and struck her head on the corner of a table. She was transported to the Montfort Hospital by ambulance.
2011
October - Michel Laurin
September - Robert Giekes
August - Daryll McCain
July - Jonathan Colwell
June - Ghislaine Belair
May - Hank Roelofs
April - Larry Langevin
March - Matt Scott
February - Christopher MacRae
January - Pierre Morin
Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa Paramedics in congratulating and thanking our Transecure Employees of the month for their quick response and concern for others.
Bus Operator Michel Laurin was heading to work on October 4 when he heard cries for help. He saw a young woman on the ground bleeding from the face and neck. Michel noticed a man in a beige car looking at him; he screamed to the woman to get out of the way to ensure she didn't get run over by the car fleeing the scene. Michel called 911 and reported the incident and provided the licence plate information. While waiting for OPS and EMS, Michel comforted the panic-stricken woman and assured her that he would stay until help arrived. When OPS arrived, the woman was afraid to speak to them. Michel asked her to cooperate with the police to ensure her safety. She provided all the details of the incident to the police. Before Michel left, the woman hugged and thanked him for what he did. Michel went home to change his uniform, which was covered in blood, and then reported to work. The investigation is ongoing.
While in service on September 13 at Hurdman Station, Bus Operator Robert Giekes came to the aid of Special Constable Flint, who had been seriously bitten during an arrest of a sexual assault suspect on Robert’s bus. Robert could see that Special Constable Flint was bleeding and recognized that this was a time-sensitive injury and needed to be treated as quickly as possible. Robert saw a passing ambulance and flagged it down. As a result, of Robert’s quick thinking and actions, the chances of Special Constable Flint contracting Hepatitis or HIV from the large bite were significantly reduced. Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa Paramedics in congratulating and thanking Robert for his quick response and concern for others.
While on duty on August 24, Para Transpo Driver Darryl McCain noticed a four-year-old girl alone crying outside Ruth E. Dickinson Library at the Walter Baker Center in Barrhaven. Darryl consoled the girl and stayed with her and was able to get her name and address. Within minutes her mother arrived. While in the library, the two had become separated. The mother was frantically looking for her child when she discovered her outside, safe with Darryl.
On July 13, Transit Law special constables were flagged down at Hurdman Station by several people including a bus operator who stated that a male had physically assaulted a pregnant female on board a bus. When special constables approached him, the suspect began running towards the exit leading to Riverside Drive via the bike path. The suspect had too much of a lead for the constables to catch him, so they requested assistance from a Transit Facility Maintenance van. Without hesitation, Jonathan Colwell of Transit Facility Maintenance got into his van and drove towards the suspect with the constable in the passenger seat. Jonathan drove up the path and blocked off the exit before the suspect arrived. Transit Law constables were able to take him into custody. "It is my belief that Jonathan acted beyond his regular duties and was crucial to the capture of the suspect," said Special Constable Eric Lefebvre. Charges are pending further investigation.
On June 15, 2011 at 21:15 Ghislaine Belair boarded Route 95 Trim at Hurdman Station and sat in the middle of the bus. She immediate noticed that something was wrong with the bus or the operator. The operator exited at the 174 on Montreal Road which is a "request stop only," although there was no need for it. He stopped, opened the doors, waited a few seconds and then left. The next exit was Jeanne d'Arc station. The operator let the riders off but this time two green lights came and went and he finally left the station on the third one. The next exit was Champlain/Place d'Orleans Drive and that is when Ghislaine realized that something was very wrong. The operator engaged in the ramp without slowing down and applied the brakes abruptly when he got to the red traffic light. Ghislaine then moved at the front of the bus opposite the operator and observed him for a few seconds. The operator's head was down and he was rubbing his eye. By then, three green lights came and gone. Ghislaine asked him if the bus was OK. He asked her why; she replied that the light was green. She then asked him if he was OK; he said that he had something in his eye. Ghislaine then realized that the operator was in great distress (blurry vision/confusion). At the same moment, she also realized that the bus was slowly moving forward towards the lamp post and the island at the entrance of Orleans Station. Ghislaine grabbed the wheel, went around the island, got on the left side of the station near the concrete wall and for a split-second thought that the bus was stopped, but it was not. She was holding the wheel and trying to remove the operator's foot from the accelerator by pulling on his pants but was not able not do it; she then asked for help. A man came to help, she asked him to apply the brakes. He did and the bus finally came to a stop. After a few seconds of trying to communicate with the bus operator he opened the door. By then, the bus was on the other side still on the roadway at the bus stop. Ghislaine asked the man to keep his foot on the brakes while she ran to the bus behind and asked the bus operator to call for an ambulance and Control. Ghislaine then ran to the bus parking lot and asked another bus operator to come and stop the bus engine. When she returned to the bus a man was comforting the bus operator. The ambulance arrived as well as OC Transpo personnel. Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa Paramedics in congratulating and thanking Ghislaine for her quick response and concern for others.
Superintendent Hank Roelofs was driving to work early on May 31 when he noticed a young boy sitting in the curb lane at Innes and Viseneau. Hank immediately blocked the lane with his car, and a woman travelling in the opposite lane pulled over to help. They called 911 and checked on the boy, who was about two years old. The boy was covered in mosquitoes and visibly frightened, so the woman took him to her car while they waited for OPS. When the police arrived, they took down Hank’s information and he continued on his way to work. OPS later determined that the boy had opened the back door of his house while everyone was asleep and went for a walk. The boy was returned home to his mother; Children’s Aid Society is following up.
While in service on April 22, Operator Larry Langevin noticed that a house was on fire. Larry parked his bus a block away in a safe area, ran to the house and began to pound on the door to get the residents out. A young man came out of the house followed by an older woman with a child. Larry heard screaming coming from the back of the house and went to investigate. A young woman was at the window ledge of the second floor about to jump. While Larry searched for something to break her fall with, an older man pushed the woman out of the window. Larry ran to her aid; she had sprained her ankle in the fall and had burn marks. Larry helped her to the front of the building and then attempted to go into the house to get the older man out but the fire was too intense. Larry used his cell to call Control and request assistance. Larry took the fire victims to his bus to wait for the ambulance and fire department. It turned out that Larry knew the residents, who were part of his community.
While in service on March 23, Operator Matt Scott heard an OPS Code 50 asking operators to be on the lookout for a missing boy with an intellectual disability. Matt was stopped at the lights at the corner of Ogilvie and City Park when he saw a boy run across the road. While he continued in service, Matt kept his eyes open for the boy. As he passed the corner of City Park and Jobin he saw him once again. Matt immediately contacted Control to advise that he had found the missing boy. Thanks to Matt’s call, the police were able to locate the boy and return him home safely.
While on duty, on February 23, 2011 at approximately 11:15, Operator 2532 Christopher MacRae picked up a male passenger with two large home theatre electronic boxes at Bayshore Station. The man left one of the boxes on the wheel well and Chris noticed that the box did not have a store sticker on it. The man began trying to sell the electronics to the passengers. Chris became suspicious and contacted Control and advised Supervisor Hunt of the situation. Transit Law met Chris at Lincoln Fields Station where they removed the boxes for the man and made an arrest. It was later learned that the electronics were stolen from the Zellers store at Bayshore
While on duty on January 28, Operator Pierre Morin was entering the westbound Queensway ramp when he noticed a young man walking along the highway. Once he checked to ensure it was safe to do so, he put on his hazard lights (four-way flashers) and stopped to ask the young man where he was going. Pierre quickly realized the young man was intoxicated and was at risk of being hit by a vehicle. Pierre picked him up and dropped him off at Pinecrest Station where he would be safe.
2010
December - Operator Peter Paquette (2010 TRANSECURE Employee of the Yeer)
November - Placer Peter Parmar
October - Operator Parvinder Jassal
September - Operator Roseanna Caldwell
August - Operator Margaret Bicknell
July - Operator Denis Leblond
June - Mechanic Norm Seward
May - Operator Paul Hachey
April - Operator Joanne Szabo
March - Dispatcher Vic Graham
February - Operator Timothy O'Malley
January - Operator Marilyn Miles
Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa Paramedics in congratulating and thanking our Transecure Employees of the month for their quick response and concern for others.
While driving his bus through Vanier on December 9, Operator Peter Paquette noticed a three-storey building on fire. He contacted Control and advised Supervisor Hunt of the situation, then rushed into the building and began evacuating its residents. As a trained volunteer firefighter, Peter was able to perform the evacuation professionally, which included breaking down doors to make sure everyone was aware of the situation and that they had assistance leaving the building. Officials from Ottawa Fire Services have noted that Peter put his own life at risk for others, and called his actions heroic. Peter suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital. He was released after receiving treatment for his injuries. Peter has also been nominated for the Governor General’s Bravery Award.
While Bhupinder (Peter) Parmar was working as the north starter placer on November 19, he saw via the cameras that bus 4209 was on fire in Jurassic Park. Peter contacted Supervisor Luc Cyr and advised him of the fire. When Luc and Superintendent James Greer arrived on the scene, Peter was already moving the surrounding buses away from the burning bus. James shut off the batteries while Peter and Luc fought the fire using fire extinguishers. The team was able to slow the fire as Ottawa Fire Services arrived. Luc and Peter's quick actions prevented major damage and secured the area until help arrived. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.
While in service on October 23, Operator Parvinder Jassal noticed a man driving a truck erratically. Parvinder contacted Control, advised Supervisor Frangione of the situation, and gave her a description of the vehicle and location. OPS located the vehicle and determined the man was intoxicated; he was charged with impaired driving.
On September 9, Operator Roseanna Caldwell was at the end of her run when she noticed a 10-year-old boy who was still on the bus. The boy was teary-eyed and told her that he had missed his stop and was lost. Roseanna met with Transit Supervisors Lafrance and Verzeroli, and with their help, they were able to get his home information. They contacted the boy's father and a supervisor brought the boy home.
On August 21, Operator Margaret Bicknell denied bus access to two young males who were dressed in full operator uniform at Lees Station. Margaret is also a booking clerk and recognized that the individuals were not OC Transpo employees. Margaret notified Control and informed Supervisor Williams of the situation, who contacted Transit Law and Superintendent Sloan. The two males were detained at Laurier Station by OPS and Transit Law. They were later transported home and the uniforms were confiscated. This investigation is open and ongoing.
On July 23, Operator Denis Leblond spotted a man who matched a police description that had been relayed by Control. The suspect had taken off his jacket in an attempt to escape police. Denis called Control and informed Supervisor Livingstone. As a result of Denis’s call, the suspect was caught by OPS.
On June 28, Mechanic Norm Seward responded quickly when a car lost control on the 417, drove through a fence, and hit a tree on Pinecrest Garage property. Norm called 9-1-1 then tended to the confused and injured driver. Norm was able to calm the victim down and helped him aboard an empty bus. He administered first aid until EMS arrived and took the victim to the hospital.
May - Operator Paul Hachey
While on duty on May 2, a customer approached Operator Paul Hachey. He informed Paul that a man at South Keys Station was threatening to stab people with a knife. Paul immediately contacted Control and advised them of the situation. Ottawa Police Services were dispatched to the South Keys Station. Once the police arrived on the scene, they located the individual. The male was apprehended and several charges were laid.
While on duty on April 19, Operator Joanne Szabo heard a Code 50 announced on the bus radio. OPS were looking for a 14-year-old autistic boy. Joanne had a gut feeling that the boy was on her bus. She stopped and checked her full bus and found him at the very back. Joanne contacted Control and informed Supervisor Moreau that she had found him. Transit Law and OPS were dispatched and took custody of the boy. Ottawa Police Services sent an e-mail to the Transecure Committee commending Joanne; they as well as the boy’s father were grateful for all she had done.
While on duty on March 22, Dispatcher Vic Graham was walking towards the St. Laurent North operator’s lounge when he witnessed an operator collapse to the floor. He immediately went over to him, checked for a pulse and made sure he was breathing. Vic instructed one of the other dispatchers to call 9-1-1. He then cleared the area and asked that someone wait outside to direct the ambulance. Vic continued to monitor the operator, who then regained consciousness within a few minutes. While waiting for EMS to arrive Vic asked the operator a few questions to establish his condition. Vic periodically rechecked the operator’s vitals, kept him comfortable and reassured him until EMS arrived. Vic relayed all the information he had obtained to EMS before they transported the operator to the hospital.
While on duty on February 19, Operator Timothy O’Malley was listening to a male passenger who was complaining about his employer’s treatment and how his doctor had misdiagnosed him. The passenger then continued by saying more than once how he wanted to go and blow them away with a gun. The gentleman got off the bus at Conroy and Walkley Road where he had told Timothy he needed to go to the welfare office. Timothy wasted no time in calling Control to report the conversation and have the police notified. The police met up with Timothy to obtain his statement of the events and were able to ascertain it was the individual who was wanted by the authorities for a break and enter at the same location he was picked up at on the route. Due to the accurate description of the individual and location information the suspect was apprehended not long after the call placed to Control.
While on duty on January 17, Operator Marilyn Miles saw a woman running for the bus wearing only a t-shirt, wind pants and socks. The woman looked distraught and frightened. When she boarded the bus she told Marilyn her blind date had become abusive and was threatening her. The woman had been able to run out of the house and then saw the bus and headed towards it. The woman said she wanted to go to Blackburn Hamlet. Marilyn called Control for assistance because she could not let her transfer to another bus in the condition she was in. Marilyn loaned the woman her coat to keep warm and tried to calm her down until Supervisor Joly and Transit Law arrived.
2009
December - Operator Jian Bai
November - Operator Juan Paolo Paz (2009 TRANSECURE Employee of the Yeer)
October - Operator Denis Landry
September - Operator Simon Feizo-Gas
August - Operator Alfonso Mejia
July - Supervisor Dominique Montpetit
June - Operator Shaun Cooper
May - Operator Daniel Belliveau
April - Operator Clifford Adams
March - Operator David Couvillon
February - Operator Jean Constantineau
January - Operator Thérèse Dumais
Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa Paramedics in congratulating and thanking our Transecure Employees of the month for their quick response and concern for others.
While on duty, on December 27, 2009 Operator Jian Bai was returning to his bus from the washroom at Hurdman Station when a young woman requesting his help approached him. The female told Jian that she had been punched in the stomach area by her boyfriend and was having trouble breathing. Jian immediately encouraged her to board his bus where she would be safe while he contacted Control requesting assistance. While the young woman was on board she became ill and Emergency Services were dispatched to Hurdman. The responding Supervisor who relayed the information to Transit Security obtained a very good description of the boyfriend from her. Special Constables were able to locate and arrest the male from this description at Blair Station within a half hour of the incident.
While on duty, on November 27, 2009 on route 97 at 16:27 Operator Juan Paolo Paz witnessed a hit and run at the intersection of Richmond Road and High Street. A motorcycle was passing the bus while in the opposing lane a car was making a left turn onto High Street. The motorcyclist tried to avoid the collision by dropping his bike into a skid but could not come to a complete stop and slammed into the car. Juan watched as the driver of the car panicked and drove off; as he was leaving the scene he ran over the motorcyclist. Juan immediately stopped the bus blocking the street to prevent other vehicles from driving through and called Control for assistance. A passenger on board, who was a witness to the accident, exited the bus to check on the motorcyclist while Juan completed the call. Juan then went to check on the motorcyclist. OPS and EMS were dispatched to the operator’s location.
While on duty, on October 13, 2009 on route 146 at 10:02 Operator Denis Landry saw a 1 ½ year old boy at the intersection of Cahill Drive and Uplands Drive. The young child was standing in the rain wearing only a shirt with no diaper or shoes on. Denis immediately called Control and brought the child on board his bus while waiting for assistance. Transit Law and the OPS were dispatched to the operator’s location. While the officers were at the scene the mother of the child ran to the bus looking for her son. OPS dealt with the mother.
While on duty, on September 25, 2009 on route 86 at 16:39 Operator Simon Feizo-Gas noticed a very young girl walking onto Industrial Avenue from Sir Sandford Fleming. As he was turning onto Neighbourhood Way he observed her crossing Industrial Avenue in heavy traffic. Simon parked the bus and approached her in the middle of the field at that corner. She said she had lost her parents at the Walmart. After speaking with her for 2 to 3 minutes Simon was able to convince her to come with him to Hurdman Station where they would get help. Simon called Control and explained the situation to them. He was instructed to terminate his 86 trip and drive to Hurdman where a Supervisor and Transit Law met him.
Constable Racine was able to locate the parents who were still at Walmart and reunited them with their daughter.
While on duty, on August 28, 2009 on route 124 at 9:51 a passenger complained to Operator Alfonso Mejia that they were having respiratory problems. Alfonso observed the customer and realized she was in a serious way. He contacted Control immediately to alert them of the situation. He asked that an ambulance be dispatched right away because her situation was getting worse. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive the lady passed out. Emergency Services, Special Constables, Police and Fire Services arrived within minutes. The paramedics revived the lady, administered oxygen and transported her to Montford Hospital.
While on duty, on July 10, 2009 at Baseline Station, Supervisor Dominique Montpetit was approached by a customer who informed her that a female on the platform was carrying a knife. Dominique immediately contacted Transit Law and kept a visual on the female until they arrived.
The female circled the platform and then headed to the skate park at Centrerpoint. When Transit Law arrived, Dominique gave them a full description of the female and her whereabouts.
Transit Special Constables located the female and confiscated the knife. OPS were notified and responded.
While in service on route 12 June 23, 2009 at 24:02 on Ogilvie Road approaching the Burger King, Operator 6144 Shaun Cooper noticed two people standing outside the drive-thru window. When he got closer he could make out that they were wearing bandanas over their faces. Shaun thought this was suspicious and contacted Control and advised Supervisor Sharma of the situation. As he was pulling away, he looked in his mirror and saw the two people going through the drive-thru window. Once Shaun finished his trip he circled back to inquire if anyone had been injured and needed assistance. He then went to Blair Station and gave a report to OPS and Supervisor Marochko.
It was later learned that six suspects with two bats and a sword were apprehended; the investigation is ongoing.
While in service on May 11, 2009 at 23:21 on route 16 at Lebreton Station, Operator Daniel Belliveau witnessed an argument which lead to a man pushing a woman down onto the ground. Daniel contacted Control and advised Supervisor Bush of the incident, requested assistance and gave her an accurate description of the male. Transit Law and Transit Supervisor staff responded immediately to his location.
During the investigation of the incident at Lebreton Transit Law Special Constables made an arrest and issued a PON.
While in service on April 22, 2009 at 12:29 on route 160 on Katimavik Road and Castlefrank Road, Operator Clifford Adams, noticed a vehicle behind him hit the curb, which was being driven by a female who seemed to be in distress. Clifford immediately secured his bus and went to assist her. He opened the car door, shut the car off, and secured it from moving any further. Once Clifford was sure that she was o.k; he went back to his bus, contacted Control and advised Supervisor Spenard of the incident. Clifford stayed with the female until Ottawa Paramedics arrived and transported her to the Queensway Carleton Hospital with chest pain.
While in service on March 6, 2009 at 21:13 on route 12, on Montreal Road, Operator David Couvillon, witnessed a male driver, who had caused an accident, get out of the his vehicle and try to hide a bottle in the snow bank. When that did not work he retrieved the bottle and threw it against a fence. Dave thought this was suspicious and contacted Supervisor Rob Hunt in Control. Supervisor Morris was dispatched to the scene and informed the OPS officers on scene what was reported. OPS asked if the operator who witnessed the incident could return to the scene. Dave returned to the scene after his shift to fill out a police witness report and show them where the male had stashed the bottle. The driver of the car was arrested for impaired driving.
While in service on February 19, 2009 at 18:41 on route 14-1 westbound, Operator Jean Constantineau, had a male passenger board his bus at the Rideau Center. He requested that Jean announce when they reached Kirkwood Avenue and Lepage Avenue. Jean noticed that the man appeared to be very confused and kept an eye on him during the trip. When they approached the man's requested destination, Jean observed that the man appeared to be agitated and searching for something in his bag. Jean contacted Control and advised Supervisor Bush of the situation and requesting help. Jean then comforted the man until Supervisor Villeneuve, Transit Law, and EMS arrived.
When EMS arrived, it was discovered that he was a diabetic and needed his medication. The man was treated at the scene, but refused transportation to the hospital. EMS commended Jean for managing the situation.
While in service on February 9, 2009 at 20:11 on route 152 on Iris Street, Operator 2746 Therese Dumais, witnessed a male pedestrian stagger across the street in front of her bus. Therese immediately stopped to offer assistance and observed that he was bleeding profusely from a cut to his head. Therese brought the man onboard the bus and contacted Control advising Supervisor Bush of the situation. While waiting for EMS, Therese administered first aid. EMS transported the man to Queens Way Hospital.
2008
October - Operator Donato Dipietrantonio
September - Operator David Mutter
August - Special Constable Steven Flint
July - Operator Harry Singh Bal
June - Operator Shawn Duval
May - Operator Bhupinderpal Gill
April - Operator Daniel Groulx
March - Operator Ricardo Ferrara
February - Operator Rosie Dipientrantonio
January - Operator Marino Verzeroli
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