What Michael Binkley and James Houle did at Timmy's

You don't want to try and get away with anything with these guys, Michael Binkley and James Houle, around.

On November 5, Houle spotted a man breaking a window downtown and followed the perpetrator while flagging down City Police Consable Jon Carson.

As Constable Carson tried to apprehend the suspect, violence erupted.

The suspect assaulted the officer and proceeded to reach for his service revolver.

Houle ran over to help and was accompanied by Binkley as the suspect was restrained.

Binkley and Houle received one of eight Police Service Board Commendations presented at the 18th Annual Police Community Programs Night, jointly sponsored by the Holiday Inn and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

The following is the full text of their commendation:

*********************************** POLICE SERVICES BOARD COMMENDATIONS

Michael Binkley and James Houle

When an officer requires assistance it could feel like several minutes pass by before fellow officers arrive to render the help that you need.

Fortunately for Cst. Jon Carson, on November 5th, 2003 Mr. Michael Binkley and Mr. James Houle were in the downtown area just prior to lunch hour.

Cst. Carson had responded to the downtown area where it was reported that a man had broken a window at the Queen’s Center.

The suspect was located near the Tim Horton’s on Bay Street where Mr. Houle had followed the man after witnessing him break the window.

Mr. Houle flagged down Cst. Carson and identified to him the man who broke the window.

At this time Mr. Binkley was at the Greyhound bus depot where he was sending off a family member.

While moving his vehicle he saw the struggle that had developed between Cst. Carson and the accused man.

This particular struggle went beyond an assault.

The man that became engaged in the physical confrontation with Cst. Carson was attempting to disarm the officer.

Simply put – he was trying to take his gun.

Thankfully Misters Houle and Binkley elected to get involved in a very violent situation without any regard for their own safety.

It did take the three men to get this violent individual to the ground where he continued to struggle but was eventually restrained and handcuffed.

******************************* This year's Kinsmen Elmer Safety Awards went to five schools that achieved accident-free awards: Prince Charles Public School, F.H. Clergue Public School, St. Mark Elementary School and Bay View Public School.

St. Ann Elementary School also received an award for being accident-free for 15 years.

To see some of our photos of the Elmer Safety Award presentations, please click on the photo gallery below.