The Victoria Police Department presented a Nova Scotian with a "prestigious" Civic Service Award for providing aid to the victim of a fatal vehicle incident earlier this year.
On Aug. 13, Victoria Police Chief Del Manak presented Adam with the award after his holiday in B.C. took a turn when he drove past the scene of where a vehicle had struck a pedestrian.
"Without hesitation, Adam sprang into action and was the first to provide critical aid to the victim. He stayed by the victim’s side even after BC Emergency Health Services paramedics arrived," noted a release from VicPD. "Although the pedestrian sadly succumbed to their injuries at the scene, Adam showed remarkable compassion by offering care in their final moments. He shared with officers that his sole goal was to comfort the victim so they would not have to die alone."
It is not clear when the incident occurred, but police say an investigation into the event is ongoing.
Adam was nominated for the award by a responding VicPD officer but he was unable to accept it because he needed to return home. Coincidentally, Manak was scheduled to speak at the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police in Halifax so the department coordinated the award ceremony in the Maritime province.
“On behalf of the entire Victoria Police Department, I would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Adam for his compassion and selflessness during what turned out to be a very tragic incident. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family,” said Manak in the release. “This story highlights a characteristic that unites us all as Canadians, regardless of which coast we are on: an unwavering desire to help one another in times of need.”
The Civic Service Award was created as a way to recognize those who have stepped up and demonstrated a noble act of service in the community. Adam’s name will join prior award recipients in the department's Hall of Honour.
