I am nominating Sgt. Andrew Poustie of the Hamilton Police Service. In March 2024, Andrew was off duty at Binbrook Conservation Area fishing from shore. A man was kayaking in the middle of the lake when he fell overboard into the cold water (this occurred about half a kilometre away from shore). Andrew noticed the man was struggling and unable to get back into the kayak. He quickly located a boat (which belonged to the conservation area) and advised a staff member to call 911. Andrew rowed the boat to the kayaker without assistance (no bystanders around at that time). He managed to pull the man into the boat from the water and paddle them back to shore. By the time they made it back to shore, fire, paramedics and police had arrived, to transport the man to hospital. The man was admitted where he was treated for hypothermia but made a full recovery. Sgt Andrew Poustie should be commended for his quick thinking and actions which most likely saved the man’s life.
