Officers who responded to J.R. Michaud shooting recognized

Oct 14, 2016 | 11:22 AM

KAMLOOPS — RCMP have handed out commendations to a number of local heroes, including several people who sprang into action on the day Corporal J.R. Michaud was shot.

The detachment’s annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony saw St. John’s Life-Saving Certificates handed out to Constable Rob Welsman, Constable Richard Christy and Constable Steve Marcil for rushing to help Michaud after he was shot during a December 2014 traffic stop in Batchelor Heights.

Marcil was also given a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for Bravery, as he returned fire on shooter Kenneth Knutson before giving Michaud first aid.

Corporal Jodi Shelkie notes Sergeant Darren Michels, Corporal Cheryl Bush and Constable Tyler Braun were also recognized for the support they provided to Michaud and his family in the days and weeks after the shooting.

“There was a lot of care and attention that was needed over a few months and those three really stepped in, stepped up to the plate and did everything they could to help out J.R. and the whole family make it through the crisis,” said Shelkie.

In addition to the RCMP members, a number of members of the public received citations for stepping in to help others in trouble.

David Retzer and Donna Slater helped victims of a May 27 downtown Kamloops crash involving a stolen car.

Christine Newton and her son Nicholas Beaver swam to save five people from drowning while swimming in the North Thompson River.