From left to right: Councillor Charles Armstrong, Councillor Jamie Laurin, Mayor Mike Tarnowski, Brydon Cadieux, Councillor Lisa Deacon, and Councillor Marc Lalonde. (Russell Township)
Russell Township Council formally recognized four Infrastructure Department employees after they safely intervened when they discovered an unattended toddler near a roadway last month.
The recognition was presented in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police and Staff Sergeant Lalonde to employees Sylvain Leduc, Paul Martel, Brydon Cadieux and Will St-Yves.
According to council, the incident occurred on March 31 while the four workers were carrying out their regular duties. They noticed a toddler walking alone on Notre-Dame Street near traffic and immediately understood the danger posed by the situation.
The employees acted quickly by positioning their vehicles to block the child from entering the roadway. They then remained with the toddler while assistance was requested and family members were located.
Municipal officials said their prompt response, sound judgment and compassion helped ensure the matter was resolved safely without injury.
Council members praised the four employees for stepping beyond the scope of their normal responsibilities to protect one of the township’s youngest residents.
“You represented the township with professionalism, kindness, and a deep sense of responsibility to the community,” said Russell Mayor Mike Tarnowski during the recognition.
The mayor also acknowledged Staff Sergeant Lalonde and the Ontario Provincial Police for helping recognize the employees’ actions and for their continued partnership with the municipality.
“To me, it’s a reminder of the strong working relationship we share in supporting a safe and caring community,” Tarnowski said.
Council said the actions of the four employees reflected the values of public service and demonstrated the important role municipal staff can play in ensuring community safety, even while performing routine daily duties.
