City salutes the eyes and ears of the community

Ottawa – John Kidd is OC Transpo’s 2002 TRANSECURE Employee of the Year. He received the award this morning for his role in the arrest of a young offender.   

On the evening of July 8, 2002, a young man on Mr. Kidd’s bus attacked another male passenger just before the bus pulled into Bayshore station. As soon as the bus doors opened, the attacker exited and fled on foot. John called the Control Centre for emergency help, and paramedics soon attended to the victim. A week later, Mr. Kidd immediately recognized the attacker when he boarded his bus.  

“It was just a coincidence for the attacker to board my bus a week later,” said John, “but I was determined that he would not get away a second time.” 

John discreetly alerted the Control Centre that the attacker was on board. He was instructed to stall until the police could reach his bus stop. He announced to passengers that the bus had developed mechanical problems and that a replacement was on the way. Transit Law Enforcement Officers and police soon arrived and arrested the young man without a struggle. 

“The people honoured here today, and all OC Transpo employees who serve the public, serve as ambassadors for our city,” said Mayor Bob Chiarelli. “Their concern for the safety of our residents makes them key contributors to the quality of life in Ottawa,” he added. 

“John went beyond the call of duty by recognizing the alleged attacker and trusting his instincts,” said Councillor Madeleine Meilleur, who is also chair of the Transportation and Transit Committee. “We are very proud of him and all operators who make our community safer by participating in TRANSECURE, OC Transpo’s neighbourhood watch program on wheels.” 

Since the TRANSECURE program’s inception in October 1989, OC Transpo employees have logged almost 9,000 TRANSECURE calls. More than 300 calls were recorded in 2002. 

 For more information:       

Communications & Marketing
(613) 580-2450