With every shift, every call, police officers never fully know what awaits them when they arrive on scene. What they do know is that someone may need help – and they must be ready to respond.
Often, that means taking steps to save a life in peril.
In the early hours of November 26, 2023, officers were dispatched to a report of multiple people stabbed at a residence on Langside Street. Within minutes, Constables Chad Swenarchuk and Adam Herrick arrived and began searching for a way inside the multi-unit building. Gaining entry through an unsecured rear door, they found multiple victims and quickly realized all had been shot (not stabbed as initially reported).
As additional officers (Constables Shaun Lewis, Scott Blanco, Tyler Lintick, Nicholas Bruneau, Colleen Mitani, and Erika Fenton) arrived, the team immediately began life-saving measures. Working in a high-risk, unsecured environment, they triaged five casualties and provided emergency first aid, including bleeding control, wound packing, chest seals, and CPR.
Within fifteen minutes, three victims were transported to hospital in critical condition, while two were declared deceased on scene. Despite the officers’ rapid and courageous response, two of the transported individuals later succumbed to their injuries. One victim initially survived but has since passed away.
Through it all, these officers demonstrated exceptional composure, bravery, and dedication. They acted decisively to save lives even as the suspect and firearm remained outstanding. Their actions exemplify the highest standards of service and commitment to the people of Manitoba.
Each member would be the first to say they were simply doing their job. Yet, on October 23, 2025, St. John Ambulance recognized their remarkable efforts at an awards ceremony hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba.
The officers received Gold National Life-Saving Awards, the highest honour presented by St. John Ambulance. These awards recognize individuals or groups who have saved or attempted to save a life through the administration of first aid where a degree of personal risk exists.
They were among several Manitobans honoured that evening, citizens and professionals alike, whose quick thinking and first aid skills made a life-saving difference.
About St. John Ambulance
For more than 140 years, St. John Ambulance has played a vital role in keeping Canadians safe. Its mission extends far beyond awards. They can be counted on to provide training, community service, and emergency response across the country.
Each year, St. John Ambulance instructors teach over half a million Canadians first aid and CPR skills that can be used at work, home, or play. Volunteers contribute millions of hours annually through community services, including emergency response and the Therapy Dog visitation program, improving lives wherever they serve.
The St. John Ambulance Life-Saving Awards Program, established more than 30 years ago, honours individuals who have administered first aid while saving or attempting to save a life. Awards are granted nationally by the Chancellor or provincially by the Chair of the Council. Nominees need not be members of, or trained by, St. John Ambulance to be considered.
Their long-standing motto “For the Service of Humanity” continues to shine through the actions of people like these Winnipeg Police officers and all those recognized this evening.
About that evening
The Langside Street tragedy deeply impacted the community, claiming four lives and leaving one critically injured. The incident drew widespread attention, with Premier Wab Kinew calling it a “terrible act of violence,” and Mayor Scott Gillingham describing it as “shocking and disturbing.” Both thanked first responders for their professionalism and courage, acknowledging the lasting toll such traumatic calls can take.
Tonight’s recognition serves as a reminder, not of glory or fame, but of the compassion and commitment that drive police officers, paramedics, and citizens alike to step forward when others are in need.
