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VicPD honours two with service awards

An off-duty court sheriff who came to the rescue of two police officers locked in a struggle with a suspect, and a hospital security guard who convinced a distraught man not to jump from a parkade ledge were given civic service awards by Victoria pol
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Victoria Police Chief Frank Elsner is flanked by Anthony Norman, left, and Allen Kirschke. Both were awarded civic service medals.

An off-duty court sheriff who came to the rescue of two police officers locked in a struggle with a suspect, and a hospital security guard who convinced a distraught man not to jump from a parkade ledge were given civic service awards by Victoria police this week.

Allen Kirschke, a 23-year-old who just started the sheriff job a month ago, had finished his shift at the Victoria courthouse about 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27 when he heard shouting and noticed a distraught man kicking and punching the two officers. The man, who was in the underground parking area, had requested police be called but suddenly charged at them and became violent.

“I assisted in controlling the man to the ground and held him there until more police arrived,” Kirschke said, describing the scene as “chaotic.”

The officers were treated in hospital and released. The man is facing charges of assault causing bodily harm. The next day, the officers sent an email to Kirschke thanking him for his quick action.

Chief Frank Elsner said people in law enforcement serve as a community, “and sometimes [police] need help as well. We look to that community for help.”

Anthony Norman, 27, was working as a security guard at the Royal Jubilee Hospital the afternoon of Dec. 10 when he was alerted to a suicidal man threatening to jump from the top of the parkade. Norman climbed to the top of the parkade and had to climb up a ladder to reach the man.

He talked to the man for about 15 minutes, trying to calm him down and reassure him.

“He got a little bit closer to me and he was up on a ledge four feet up. I was able to grab him and bring him down,” Norman said.

Victoria firefighters were then able to hoist the man down to safety.

The Victoria native said, in his three years working security at the hospital, he has dealt with several suicidal people. The important thing, he said, is to be compassionate.

“It’s about being a listening ear and letting them know everything is OK,” he said.

kderosa@timescolonist.com