Eleven children recognized at 9-1-1 Children’s Achievement Awards

Eleven of Ottawa’s most courageous and quick-thinking young residents were honoured at the City of Ottawa’s 17th annual 9-1-1 Children’s Achievement Awards, presented today at Ottawa City Hall.

Since it was established in 1998, the 9-1-1 Children’s Achievement Awards, in partnership with Bell Canada, annually recognizes children under 12 who effectively used the 9-1-1 service.

Mayor Jim Watson was joined by Councillor Riley Brockington, Vice Chair of Community and Protective Services Committee, and Councillors Rick Chiarelli, Keith Egli, Jeff Leiper, Scott Moffatt,  Shad Qadri and Marianne Wilkinson to present awards to recipients who all called 9-1-1 at some point in 2014 when faced with an emergency.

“Calling 9-1-1 can be an intimidating experience, no matter how old you are or who it is you are trying to help,” said Mayor Watson. “Which is why we want to celebrate when children, ages 12 and under, are able to properly use the 9-1-1 service to help someone in need.”

The City continues to reach out to all residents—not just children—on how and when to use the 9-1-1 service. The service should only be used for emergency situations. Misuse of the 9-1-1 system or accidental calls can result in delays in responding to real emergencies.

“I know that emergency personnel are concerned about the misuse of our city’s 9-1-1 service,” said Councillor Brockington. “I also want to pay tribute to the parents and educators who took the time to teach these children how to use the 9-1-1 service.”

Also participating in the event were Roger Chapman, Chief of By-law and Regulatory Services, Gerry Pingitore, Chief of Ottawa Fire Services, Peter Kelly, Acting Chief of the Ottawa Paramedic Service, Mike Flanagan, Superintendent with the Ottawa Police Service, Pierre Poirier, Chief, Security and Emergency Management and Bell Canada Regional Director, Community Affairs, Sandy McDonald.