Windsor cops called Heroes
For Windsor police constables Michael Gallant and Philip Kolody, saving the lives of four people sleeping in a burning home was all in a day’s work.
The officers were recognized by the Windsor Police Services Board Tuesday for their actions in rousing four members of the McMullin family as their home burned on June 17, 2008.
“It’s a good feeling,” said Kolody, 31, a three-year veteran of the force, after receiving a commendation from police services board chair Mayor Eddie Francis.
“I myself think we were just doing our job that night. This is something that officers do on a regular basis.”
The pair were on patrol in their cruiser in the early morning hours in the area of Assumption Street and Parent Avenue when they smelled smoke. After driving around in search of the source they saw flames shooting from the roof of home at 831 University Ave. E.
The rear of the house was engulfed in flames and the officers pounded on the front door with no reply before kicking it in and running through the house yelling “fire”.
“We had to act quickly,” said Gallant, 38, a 15-year member of the force.
“There were a lot of things going on very quickly. You just hope for the best when you go in. There were a lot of people sleeping in various rooms in the house. We woke them up.”
Inside was 66-year-old grandmother Margaret McMullin, her daughters Gloria and Denise, and her 17-year-old grandson Jordan.
“Obviously they were very startled,” said Gallant.
“They were confused as to why there were two policemen in their home and why their house was on fire. That initial shock must have been horrible for them.”
Once outside the four groggy occupants of the home told police there was nobody left inside, but just to be sure the pair re-entered the building for one last sweep.
Neither officer had previously been involved in such a life-and-death situation.
“I’m just glad we got everybody out,” said Gallant.
“Just doing our job like every other man or woman on the service would have done. To be there at the right time to help these people.”
Francis referred to the pair as heroes.
“It is very likely that the constables saved the lives of these four people,” Francis said.
Asked if he thought of himself as a hero, Kolody replied “Absolutely not.
“Of course to be recognized is nice,” Kolody said.
“I’m just happy everybody made it out safe and uninjured that night.”
Gallant was grateful for the recognition but also declined the “hero” tag.
“It was a privilege and an honour to be recognized for this,” said Gallant.
“I’d like to thank the chief and the Police Services Board for the recognition. It’s much appreciated.”
Chief Gary Smith also lauded the officers.
“As chief it’s always a proud time when we can recognize officers for actions like this,” said Smith.
“Thank you very much.”
The cause of the fire was never determined and damage totalled $100,000.
