Above and beyond: two Ottawa officers respond to a senior in need

The Ottawa Police Service communications centre received a 9-1-1 call from an elderly woman who explained that her Personal Support Worker (PSW) had cancelled for the day, and she would be without help.

“She was crying on the phone stating she was hungry and had no one to help her,” said Acting Sergeant Keith Martin.

Cst. Hopkins and Cst. Chipman were dispatched to respond to this call: a woman unable to get out of bed and no one else to turn to.

“The woman, who lived alone and has no family to help her in the city, completely relied on her PSW in the morning, afternoon, and evening to get through the day,” said Cst. Chipman.

“We were happy to attend and help in any way possible.”

When the officers arrived, they found the woman lying on her side in bed, unable to move. “We helped her out of the bed and into her wheelchair,” Cst. Chipman explained. The woman was able to regain some independence in her apartment.

“It was immediately obvious that this was a vulnerable person who just needed some help,” said Cst. Hopkins.

After ensuring she was comfortable, Cst. Chipman noted something about her situation. “[I thought of] seemingly menial tasks that most may take for granted, which reminded me that some don't have the luxury of making a simple breakfast.” Cst. Hopkins and Cst. Chipman asked what she wanted for breakfast and prepared her meal.

As they moved through the apartment, they noticed another issue: the lights weren’t working. The woman explained that she had asked her landlord to replace the bulbs several times, but her requests had gone unanswered. Without hesitation, the officers found replacement bulbs and installed them, bringing much-needed light back into her home.

Before leaving, they made one final effort to ensure the woman would have support later in the day, leaving a voicemail for the PSW service to follow up on her care. “After making sure the female was settled and had everything she needed, we left the apartment,” Cst. Chipman shared. “She was very appreciative of the help and thanked us numerous times.”

For the officers, this was simply part of the job. “This call was a great reminder that policing is sometimes lending a simple hand and ensuring that the person who called is left with a positive interaction they may have never had before.”

Cst. Chipman added: “Without question, this would have been done by any other officer who attended. We don’t do the job for the recognition, but a simple positive interaction with a stranger can go a long way in ensuring the caller’s dignity is left intact.”

This quiet act of compassion serves as a reminder that policing is more than enforcing the law. It’s about answering the call, no matter how big or small, and ensuring that no one in the community is left behind.

“Often, people look at police as just a crime response,” explained Cst. Hopkins. “And forget that service to the community is one of Ottawa Police's core values.”

A 9-1-1 call from a senior can be more than just a response to an emergency: it’s also an opportunity to check on their overall wellbeing. It’s a chance to ensure they have food, electricity, and a safe living environment, and that they’re not experiencing neglect, abuse, or fraud. Loneliness is a serious and often hidden issue for many older adults, and sometimes a crisis call is the only time someone checks in.

If you’re a neighbor, friend, or family member, take a moment to reach out—being that one person they can call or rely on could make all the difference. Together, we can help keep our elders safe, supported, and seen.