Constables Connor O’Hara and Andi Boka received commendations for their handling of a suicidal female in June 2024.
According to a Chief’s recommendation report to the board, the two officers were dispatched to a home in the east end of Belleville on a report of a suicidal female.
The report to police was that the woman had emailed and left a voice mail message at a local medical clinic indicating that she was planning to commit suicide.
Police say the woman was in crisis and had a lengthy history of mental health-related police incidents.
Constable O’Hara and Boka arrived at the home and, following a lengthy conversation, the woman agreed to voluntarily accompany the officers to Belleville General Hospital where she was admitted for treatment.
On June 19, the woman reached out to the Belleville Police Service through the “Compliment A Member” form on their website left the following message for the officers:
“Thank you for your help. Grateful is an understatement. When nobody else listened, you both did – even the words that were left unspoken. You made me laugh when I felt unable especially when sitting in that hospital room which was pretty nerve wracking given past experiences. Although I feel lost right now, I feel more optimistic and hopeful. I’m finally getting help and I’m accepting it too. You both sat with me in the hospital and stayed when you didn’t need to. You have a special place in my heart. I won’t forget you. Thank you for everything. I don’t see the tiredness in my eyes as much – my spark is back. Thank you.”
Acting Police Chief Chris Barry said the two officers deserved to be commended.
“You heard her words that were delivered to us, that she felt that they made a tremendous difference, and that she’s seeing things more positively now, and those officers need to be commended,” Barry tells Quinte News.
“They have incredibly high call volumes every day… they were not duty bound to stay with her at the hospital, but they did because they recognized that she needed that support, and made a tremendous difference in the life of one of our community members, and those two officers just displayed compassion and empathy and deserve to be brought forward and commended for that.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, the following resources may be available to you:
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- Canada Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-833-456-4566
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: 1-800-463-2338
- Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
- If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital
