The Independent

Four Lambton County police officers are being recognized by the province for their bravery in the line of duty.

Two OPP officers and two Sarnia Police officers were honoured Monday by the Minister of the Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner.

In July 2023, Const. Sarah Joseph and Benjamin Kenter were called to Grand Bend Beach to help a person in crisis trying to drown themselves. “In the middle of the night, with stormy weather and high winds creating treacherous conditions, the officers spotted a faint light from the individual’s phone approximately 150 metres offshore,” says the news release from the ministry.

The person couldn’t hear the officers, so both officers swam into deep water to reach them.

The individual’s emotional and intoxicated state made the rescue dangerous and unpredictable. Joseph talked to the person while Kenter came up behind them. Together, they brought the person to shore.

In Sarnia, Const. Karl Brown and Erick Ostenfeldt were recognized for a welfare check that lead to Brown being injured in August 2024.

They were called to an apartment because someone was screaming in pain. The pair entered the apartment and forced open a locked bathroom door. Brown was ambushed and stabbed multiple times by the person hiding behind the door.

Despite being stabbed, Brown fought to control the attacker. Ostenfeldt rushed in and forced the knife out of the assailant’s hand and the officers made the arrest.

“Their quick thinking and fearless actions in the face of extreme danger likely saved Brown’s life and stopped a dangerous individual,” says the ministry.

“Ontario’s firefighters and police officers never hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe,” said Kerzner in a news release. “Those we are honouring today have demonstrated great courage in risking their lives to save others. They went above and beyond the call of duty, and their actions play a vital role in protecting Ontario. I thank them for their dedication and extraordinary heroism.”