Meritorious Service Medal

• Awarded on: June 22, 1999
• Invested on: September 10, 1999

R.C.M.P. Inspector Kenneth Charles Gates, M.S.M., Vancouver, B.C.
R.C.M.P. Constable Bradley Ernest Kent, M.S.M., London, Ont.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)

In February 1995, Insp. Gates, then sergeant, and Cst. Kent displayed compassion, humanitarianism and generosity of spirit, on several occasions, while serving as instructors at the Haiti National Police Academy. On February 6, both R.C.M.P. members provided first-aid to a police recruit who had an infected knee. While inspecting and cleansing the wound, they soon realized the severity of the infection and immediately transported the individual to the hospital, ultimately saving his life. Just days later, Cst. Kent's selfless and quick actions were instrumental in saving a recruit's severely infected arm. Finally, within two weeks of the first incident, both members, who were at a local beach during time off, observed a swimmer in distress and entered the rough choppy water, battling an undertow and strong winds to bring the woman to safety. Whenever assistance was required, Insp. Gates and Cst. Kent displayed outstanding professionalism and a ready willingness to help.