On December 26, 2024, Thunder Bay Police Service responded to a report of a male walking along Hwy 11/17 carrying a firearm. Cst. Ken Ogima and Cst. Josh Pugh responded to the call and were first on scene. Cst. Pugh began speaking with the male and tried to get him to put the firearm down, but to no avail. During this exchange, the male pointed the firearm he was carrying at Cst Pugh and pulled the trigger. The firearm did not discharge so the male pulled the trigger again, this time, discharged a shotgun round into the driver side door of the police cruiser, with Cst Pugh standing on the other side.
Before the male could discharge another round, Cst. Ogima made the critical and split-second decision to discharge his firearm in defense of a fellow officer who was in immediate and imminent danger of being shot. Cst. Ogima fired one round, striking the male in the chest, which caused the male to drop to the ground, ultimately stopping the threat. Officers then rendered first aid to the male.
Cst. Ogima's intervention directly prevented harm to another member and reflects the highest standard of bravery, presence of mind, and duty to protect life.
This act was not only necessary and justified—it was heroic. Cst. Ogima's courage and willingness to place himself in a position of extreme risk in order to safeguard his colleague deserves the highest recognition. His actions exemplify the valor and commitment we ask of our officers, and he is fully deserving of the PAO Police Hero of the Year Award for On-Duty Difference Maker Uniform/Sworn.
