HALIFAX – Two men who attempted to rescue a man who fell into the Halifax harbour this summer are being recognized by police.
Police Chief Jean-Michel Blais presented Eric Richards with a Chief’s Certificate of Merit Monday afternoon at the Halifax Regional Police headquarters on Gottingen Street.
The second man, Andrew Leonard, is currently out of the province and will be recognized at a later presentation.
“Andrew and Eric reacted without any concern for their own health or safety,” said Blais. “It is our hope that their quick, selfless actions have brought a measure of comfort to the family of the deceased.”
On Aug. 7, 35-year-old Kyle Chambers was sitting on the side of the boardwalk when he fell into the water.
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Leonard was the first man to jump in and attempt to keep Chambers’ head above water.
Richards heard the commotion and jumped in as well.
“I ran over and I ended up in the water as well to try and support him. And we got him in the boat and did mouth-to-mouth for as long as I could until the fire department got here,” Richards told Global News at the scene.
Monday’s presentation took place during a Board of Police Commissioners meeting. Members of Chambers’ family were on hand, as well as the officers who responded to the incident.
Richards said meeting Chambers’ family was emotional.
“I feel terrible for the family. I wish the outcome had been different,” he said. “Unfortunately we don’t have control over those things. We tried.”
Chambers was originally from Abercrombie, N.S., but had worked in Alberta for a number of years. His roommate and close friend Michael Hatfield described a man who loved nature and was passionate about music.
“Anybody that’s ever met this guy liked him. I’ve known him for a long time. I’ve introduced him to so many people in my life and everybody I’ve ever introduced him to, loved the guy.”
Hatfield said it was important to attend today’s presentation because it offered him a chance to personally thank the man who tried to save his friend.
“I know Kyle would have appreciated it because I know he didn’t want to go this young. I’m sure he’d appreciate it that he tried to help him out.”
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