Const. Taylor Olenic was presented with a Chief's Commendation plaque by chief Alan Murphy and Sarah Scahill, vice chair, on Feb. 21 during a police commission meeting in council chambers at city hall.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
A school resource officer was recently recognized for his outstanding efforts springing into action following a serious collision that occurred right outside Medicine Hat High School.
Const. Taylor Olenic was presented with a Chief’s Commendation on Feb. 21 after the police commission heard how the officer handled the serious accident to which he was first on scene.
Chief Alan Murphy told the commission that on Jan. 10 a driver suffered from a medical emergency and collied with a tree stump on the front lawn of a residence located directly across the street from the high school, narrowly missing the house.
“Taylor heard the call dispatched (over the radio) and sprung to duty, he dispatched himself there,” explained Murphy.
As Olenic approached the scene he noticed the vehicle’s throttle was still engaged and the wheels were in motion while it was stuck on the tree stump in the front yard.
Olenic also noticed the driver was incapacitated.
Jumping into action, Olenic breached the passenger side window to turn off the vehicle and then sprung into life-saving mode by removing the unconscious driver from the vehicle and immediately began to administer CPR until EMS arrived on scene.
Sadly, the driver was pronounced deceased following the medical emergency.
Shortly after the collision a relative happened to drive by the scene of the accident unexpectedly.
Olenic, showing compassion and professionalism, then notified the relative of the tragic news.
“Taylor had to then go from life-saving mode to counselling mode and do a next of kin notification that was unexpected,” said Murphy. “Generally it doesn’t happen that way. He had to show a lot of compassion to a family that was going through something that they didn’t even expect to have to go through as they drove by the scene.”
Olenic was able to inform administration at Medicine Hat High School on the traumatic event so teachers and staff could act appropriately.
“He showed a lot of compassion. He sprang into action when he was needed and tried to save a life,” said Murphy. “Unfortunately that didn’t happen, through no fault of his own.
“I just think he did a great job. I think the school community appreciates it because he was able to advise the school when it happened.”
In a Facebook post by the Medicine Hat Police Service, Olenic is commended “for his demonstration of situational awareness, quick response and compassion. Recognizing that he was the best situated to provide an immediate crisis response he acted without hesitation.
“He demonstrated courage and exceptional decision-making skills when evaluating the threat level and reacted accordingly. He also demonstrated selflessness and compassion by voluntarily engaging a distraught family member.”
A chief commendation is intended to recognize the collective achievement of a group or individual for bravery and life-saving efforts, an exceptional contribution and outstanding work in the community, and is presented at the chief’s discretion.
