James Smith
Served 1976 – 2009
In the early evening of 29 December 1980, David Churm, Frank Czukar, James Redwood and Hamilton Police Constable James Smith and Ontario Provincial Police Officer Ronald Wakley, took part in a rescue on a highway in Flamborough, about fifteen kilometres north of Hamilton, Ontario. When a road-sander collided with an oil tanker, the two occupants of the former had been thrown on the pavement near the tanker. The Tanker of course had burst into flames. Constable Wakley was off-duty at the time, but he ran to help from his home, out to the scene of the accident. With the help of Mr. Churm, and despite the threat of another explosion, he dragged the unconscious driver a safe distance away.
Aware of the danger, with the spectacular fire causing intense heat and smoke, Mr. Czukar, Mr. Churm, Mr. Redwood and Patrol Constable James Smith of the Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police, combined their efforts to remove the passenger of the sander to a place of safety.
On 6 October, 1982 Jim was awarded the Medal of Bravery
in Ottawa by Governor General Edward Schreyer.
Behind him is OPP Constable Ron Wakley.
Jim was an important part of the Hamilton Police Service, serving in many roles throughout his storied career. He worked in the Drug Squad, Major Case Unit and trained many other young officers.
By Dave Bowen, Retired Inspector, Hamilton Police Service