A tale of heroics: Constable wins ‘Officer of the Year’ award
Posted May 31, 2016 9:38 pm.
Last Updated May 31, 2016 10:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s not everyday someone puts themselves in the line of fire for a stranger.
But to Constable Zoran Ivkovic, it was all in a day’s work.
“This year’s nominees showed extraordinary bravery, dedication, diligence and skill. The 2015 winner, Constable Zoran Ivkovic, matched those who have come before him,” said Chief of Police Mark Saunders.
Constable Ivkovic played a part in rescuing a child from a vicious apartment fire last year. His bravery, humanitarianism and outstanding police skills earned him the title of 2015 Officer of the Year by the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
“When we hear the stories of heroism, bravery and selflessness it’s impossible not to be humbled by the incredible commitment of our police,” said Jan De Silva, president and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
“We are privileged to be served by this extraordinary service of officers who work day in and day out to make Toronto one of the safest cities in the world.”
Ivkovic arrived on scene of a second-floor apartment fire in Etobicoke last March. When he entered the building, he was met with thick smoke and flames so he had to crawl his way through the building’s hallways in order to order tenants to evacuate.
By the time he reached the second floor, his lungs and eyes were stinging with smoke.
Ivkovic knocked on every door, including the suite at the end of the hallway, which was completely engulfed in flames.
That’s when he heard slight moan through the door.
In an incredible show of heroics, he forced the last door open and battled a wall of flames to find an 11-year-old boy badly burnt. Ivkovic cradled the boy, shielded him from flames using his own body and carried him out of the building into the care of firefighters and paramedics outside.
Thanks to Ivkovic, the boy survived the inferno. The boy was transported to hospital along with six other people.
Ivkovic was one of the six.
“This year’s nominees showed extraordinary bravery, dedication, diligence and skill. The 2015 winner, Constable Zoran Ivkovic, matched those who have come before him,” said Chief of Police Mark Saunders.
