Last week, two Portage area men were honoured in Fredericton, New Brunswick, with a Canadian Police Association (CPA) Awards of Excellence.

Constable Jason Towle of Portage la Prairie and Constable Lee Hanneson of Langruth, employed by the Winnipeg Police Service, were presented with this national award of excellence by the CPA for their heroic efforts in safely evacuating 10 people from a multi-unit home which was fully engulfed in flames.

According to a social media post from the Winnipeg Police Service, the heroic event occurred on April 29th, 2018, when both Towle and Hanneson were on patrol near Martha Street and Henry Avenue in Winnipeg. It was at this time the duo observed smoke in the area. 

After alerting the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) members to the possible blaze, the two continued to search for the source when they came upon a multi-suite residential building on Lily Street. 
The top floor of the multi-unit home was fully engulfed in flames, with black smoke billowing from the house. 

While the WFPS arrived directly behind them to attack the fire, the constables ran into the residence, directing residents from the first two floors out of the house. This included a mother and father and their three-year-old daughter. 

Upon learning there may be a female resident living on the third floor, Constable Towle made his way up through heavy black smoke to continue the search while Constable Hanneson continued to assist a resident on the second floor, which was now completely engulfed in smoke. Constable Towle could not locate the female on the third floor. It was later learned she had left the house before his search.  

Both officers were treated for smoke inhalation by WFPS and Constable Towle was transported to the hospital, where he was treated and released. 
As a result of their heroic efforts, 10 residents were safely evacuated.

Two residents were transported to the hospital, one in unstable condition with complications due to smoke inhalation.

Born and raised in Portage, Constable Towle says that receiving this honour made him feel a little funny.

"Maybe, what I did was a little bit out of the ordinary. But I've been doing this job for 15 years now, and from what I see every day from police across the City of Winnipeg and the entire country, this is not uncommon for police to put their lives on the line. So, for me to be recognized did make me feel a little funny because I know that every police officer that shows up to work every day and puts their uniform on is is just as deserving of this, if not more than myself."

Towle, a proud Portager to this day, making the drive down the Number 1 highway each shift for his duties, notes that while he was treated for smoke inhalation, he never missed a day because of it.

"It's just part and parcel of the job. You show up to work, you do your job, and there are people counting on you, the City of Winnipeg, and your shift mates. Winnipeg's a busy city, and there are a lot of calls I never missed any time."

The Portage Collegiate institute and La Verendrye School alumni points out that sharing this experience with Constable Hanneson, his partner for about a year, has brought the two closer.

"We have got to know each other quite a bit over since that time, and just spending time being recognized in Fredericton for this award was very much appreciated."

In closing, constable Towle shared his appreciation to all members of the Winnipeg Police Service, police across the country, firefighters, all emergency personnel, doctors and nurses.

PortageOnline will be in contact with Langruth native Constable Lee Hanneson to hear his thoughts on receiving this prestigious award in the coming day. 

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