In April 2015, four skateboarders from Calgary became heroes after they stepped in to protect a young woman from danger during a late-night incident. Their brave actions didn’t go unnoticed, and they were later awarded the Chief’s Award for Bravery by the Calgary Police Service, a prestigious honor recognizing extraordinary acts of courage.
The Incident
It was a regular night for four teenagers—Kyle Tenove, Warren Churchill, Clay Stein, and Josh Hunter—when they decided to skateboard through downtown Calgary. As they skated along the streets, they noticed a young woman walking alone.
She appeared distressed and was visibly intoxicated, making it clear that something wasn’t right. According to CBC, the teens could tell she was in trouble, and they began to pay closer attention to the situation.
Things quickly escalated when they saw a man approaching the woman. The man was aggressive and was trying to force her into a nearby alley. Realizing the danger she was in, the skateboarders didn’t hesitate. They knew they had to do something.
“We just saw something wrong happening, and we knew we couldn’t just stand there and do nothing,” said Kyle Tenove, one of the skateboarders. Without thinking twice, the group of friends charged forward to intervene.
They confronted the man, making sure to create a safe distance between him and the woman. Their presence startled the man, and before anyone could react, he fled the scene.
But the skateboarders didn’t stop there. They quickly took the woman under their care, keeping her safe and calm while they waited for the police to arrive. Their quick actions likely prevented a much worse situation from unfolding, and their courage helped protect someone who was vulnerable in that moment.
Recognition for Bravery
A year later, the Calgary Police Service decided to honor the four friends for their bravery. During a special ceremony, they were presented with the Chief’s Award for Bravery, a recognition given to civilians who show exceptional courage in difficult situations.
In a world where people often turn a blind eye to others in need, the actions of Kyle, Warren, Clay, and Josh stood out. The police officers who attended the ceremony praised the young men for stepping in without hesitation, showing maturity and compassion beyond their years.
“These young men showed what true bravery is—putting someone else’s safety above their own without a second thought,” said a police officer at the ceremony. “Their actions that night were extraordinary, and we are proud to honor them.”
A Powerful Reminder
This story serves as an important reminder about the impact that bystanders can have in dangerous situations. The skateboarders didn’t just walk away—they saw a woman in need, and they did everything they could to help.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about harassment and violence, and the brave actions of these four friends show how we all have the power to make a difference. Their intervention that night showed that one small act of courage can change the course of someone’s life.
The Calgary Police Service hopes that this recognition will inspire others to take action when they see someone in danger, reminding everyone that we all have a role to play in protecting each other.
In a world that can sometimes seem filled with apathy, the bravery of these four skateboarders stands as a shining example of hope. They remind us that even the smallest of actions can have a huge impact, and that when we look out for one another, we create a stronger, safer community for everyone.
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