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Constable Patrick Ruest

Embrun, Ontario

Decorations for Bravery

  • Medal of Bravery

    Awarded on: 2015-11-24
    Invested on: 2016-02-08
    Star of Courage RCMP Corporal Dany Daigle, S.C. Ottawa, Ontario RCMP Constable Martin Fraser, S.C. Gatineau, Quebec Constable Louis Létourneau, S.C. Gatineau, Quebec RCMP Sergeant Richard Rozon, S.C. Gatineau, Quebec Constable Samearn Son, S.C. Ottawa, Ontario Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, O.N.B., S.C. Miramichi, New Brunswick and Dublin, Ireland Medal of Bravery RCMP Constable Michelle Bergeron, M.B. Ottawa, Ontario RCMP Constable Gary Bubelis, M.B. Spencerville, Ontario RCMP Constable Somoza Célestin, M.B. Ottawa, Ontario Corporal Maxim Malo, M.B. Gatineau, Quebec RCMP Constable Sylvie Marcoux, M.B. Embrun, Ontario RCMP Constable Michel Palmer, M.B. Rockland, Ontario RCMP Constable Patrick Ruest, M.B. Embrun, Ontario Constable Charles Thom, M.B. Ottawa, Ontario RCMP Constable Herbert Waye, M.B. Oxford Mills, Ontario On October 22, 2014, members of the House of Commons Security Services and the RCMP were instrumental in stopping an armed man who had stormed the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Ontario. Constable Son was stationed at the front entrance when he spotted the man entering with a concealed rifle. The constable lunged to gain control of the firearm, but it discharged and struck him in the leg. Drawn to the Rotunda by the noise, Corporal Malo and Constable Thom took cover and exchanged several rounds with the gunman after he entered the building. Constable Létourneau tracked the gunman down the Hall of Honour toward the Library of Parliament and fired at him several times. RCMP Sergeant Rozon, Corporal Daigle and constables Barrett, Bergeron, Bubelis, Célestin, Fraser, Marcoux, Palmer, Ruest and Waye, who had assembled outside the Peace Tower, entered the Centre Block. Supported by their colleagues, Sergeant Rozon, Corporal Daigle and constables Barrett and Fraser assumed a tactical formation (IARD) as they charged down the Hall of Honour. With the shooter now cornered in an alcove leading to the Library, Sergeant-at-Arms Vickers, after being advised of the shooter's location, dove to the floor in front of him and fired his weapon. RCMP Constable Barrett walked directly toward the gunman while also firing his weapon. The collective actions of these 16 individuals brought the incident to an end in less than three minutes, and avoided further tragedy.