Heroes awarded at OPP Ceremony

A special ceremony was held in the city Thursday evening to recognize OPP officers and citizens from across the region for acts of heroism and years of service.

Attending the 2009 OPP Awards Ceremony, held at the Old Fort William Historical Park, included the OPP’s top cop – Comissioner Julian Fantino.

Fantino recognized Paris Nicolaides, a front-desk clerk at the Sunset Inn and Suites, for his quick thinking in rescuing a woman from a burning hotel in Sioux Lookout.

Nicolaides said he bolted from the front desk after hearing the hotel’s fire alarm. He eventually located the fire on the second floor of the building.

"Outside of her door I heard her calling for help," he said. "I put my hand on the door to make sure it wasn’t too hot and went in and pulled her out."

The fire was burning on a bed and up the side of the hotel room wall when Nicolaides entered. He said he got onto his knees and crawled along the carpet until he could reach the woman trapped inside the room.

"You stop thinking when actions are required of you," he said. "You don’t think, you just do."

Fantino said this story is just one of the reasons why he is proud to honour our officers.

Nicolaides was presented the Commissioner's Citation for Bravery, while two other officers from Sioux Lookout were awarded the Commissioner's Commendation for selfless actions.