Two Niagara Regional Police officers will be decorated for their unshakable courage today.
On July 5th of 2015, Constables Philip Sheldon and Dale Culley responded to a domestic disturbance call at a Vineland home.
As soon as they arrived, the pair could hear cries for help and charged into the house without hesitation, unaware that gasoline had been poured throughout the home.
Inside, they found a 50 year old man standing beside his 73 year old wheelchair bound mother.
At that moment, the man ignited the gasoline - Sheldon surged forward, trying to rescue the woman, but slipped and caught fire.
Both officers were able to escape the home, where Culley extinguished the fire burning Sheldon.
Culley then tried to re-enter the home to save the two people still inside, but neither occupant survived.
Sheldon will be receiving the Star of Courage today, while Culley will now bear the Medal of Bravery.
In a statement Sheldon says, "First off, I want to thank Tanya for all her love and support. For her constant care, ensuring I complete my daily exercises and for driving me to my countless daily appointments. From helping me through the nightmares and the constant flashbacks, to tending to my burns and skin care when I want to give up. Thank you to my kids, Haley, Macey, and Mariah, for putting up with my bad moods and frustrations and for sitting and talking to me when I need to just relax after I get myself worked up over nothing.
Thank you, to all my family and friends for always offering me a ride, sending me a funny joke daily, taking me to see a movie or; just a kind word of encouragement to get me through the day.
I also want to thank the Niagara Regional Police and the Niagara Region Police Association for their help and support over the last couple years.
Numerous members of the community have reached out to me and my family since my injuries, their kind words have meant a lot.
I have had a lot of time to think of life and all of its pleasures and difficulties. With all the negatives that stem from this kind of injury, there are also many positives. It has given me more patience and love and appreciation for my family and friends. It also made me look at the big picture of life. It has given me a firsthand look at mental health in a way that unless you go through it, it is very difficult to really understand. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in first responders is a very real thing. It is not a sign of weakness but merely another obstacle to overcome in the road back to a normal life.
June is PTSD awareness month please consider the men and women 1st Responders who serve your communities. Your support of them is so important."
Culley also wanted to pass along his thanks: "I have gone through a lot over the last couple years. I would like to thank my wife Lisa, my daughter Avery, and sons Gavin and Colton; their love has given me so much strength. My family and friends are incredible.
I would like to thank, Chief Bryan MacCulloch, retired Chief Jeff McGuire, retired Sgt. Paul "Coach" Day, Dr. Peter Collins, members of 8 District Grimsby - D Platoon, the NRPS Recruiting Unit, and the many, many members of the Niagara Regional Police and the Niagara Region Police Association who have supported me and my family."