City councillor commended for assisting OPP in an arrest

Sue Nielsen
Speaker Reporter
TEMISKAMING SHORES — A Temiskaming Shores City councillor has been dubbed a hero by local police.
James T. Paterson went above and beyond as a resident of Temiskaming Shores according to Temiskaming Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Constable Miles Loach, when Mr. Paterson stopped to offer his assistance in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 10.
Constable Loach and his partner had been trying to gain control and arrest a somewhat aggressive person.
The OPP police officer was so impressed with the Temiskaming Shores councillor’s helping hand that he decided to send a letter to the City commending the councillor.
At the Tuesday, August 24 council meeting Mayor Judy Pace acknowledged receipt of the letter and Mr. Paterson’s actions.
Information in the letter from Constable Loach said, “Police officers around the world put their lives on the line everyday to ensure the safety of its people and its community. In some cases, the police need to turn to the public for assistance. The OPP take great pride in recognizing these people for their efforts to help the police officers.”
THE SCUFFLE
He said on the evening of July 10, he and his partner, were attempting to arrest an abusive male on the Wabi River Bridge in New Liskeard when Mr. Paterson drove by on his way home.
He saw the scuffle between officers and the abusive male and offered his help. Constable Loach said “because of his assistance no one was injured and the subject was taken into police custody.”
In his letter to council, Constable Loach said the actions of Mr. Paterson reinforce Sir Robert Peel’s Principles of Policing, “Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police...”
When contacted by telephone, Mr. Paterson said he felt it was his civilian duty to stop and offer his assistance.
“I am honoured and humbled by the recognition, didn’t expect it and was surprised to see the letter included in my council package. I will definitely do it again if the need arises.”
He said it was “kind of funny” when he offered his assistance to Constable Loach and his partner, he thought they told him to stand back, so he backed off but they really said to stand by as they would need his help.
He opened the squad car door for the officers when they had the individual under control enough to get him inside the car.
Mr. Paterson said he felt humbled by the recognition but never expected to be commended for his assistance and wanted to thank Constable Loach and his partner for the praise.
On behalf of council, Mayor Judy Pace said, “It’s important that good people step forward and help police, congratulations Mr. Paterson.”