Owen Sound police officer honoured after donating part of liver to co-worker
Going above and beyond is exactly what Owen Sound police officer Cory Fernando did.
Earlier this year, she donated part of her liver to her co-worker Special Const. Jason Helm, who has cystic fibrosis. Without it, the 31-year-old may not have survived.
"What she did, I don't even know how to put it in words. She saved my life," Helm said.
Her selfless act earned her a special honour.
On Wednesday, she was given a Police Service Hero of the Year award annually by the Police Association of Ontario.
For her, it was just about helping a friend.
"The word hero … I don't know if that really describes me. We're all human, and we need to help each other," Fernando said.
This year, there were over 300 nominations. The awards were created seven years ago to recognize Ontario officers who go above their call of duty.
"We know that there's incredible work that gets done and incredible selfless, heroic actions much like what Cory did. It's really important for us to get those stories out," said Mark Baxter, Police Association of Ontario president.
The Owen Sound Police Service members say they aren't surprised that Fernando received the award.
"Cory is just that person. She's so caring, so kind and just so humble too," said Brent Down, Owen Sound Police Association president.
Helm and Fernando said the outpouring of support and positive response to their story has been overwhelming.
"People now are considering donating organs or even just blood. It's been really good for that," Helm said.
"We have been hearing from people around the world with stories of donations, stories from recipients," Fernando said.
Helm and Fernando said they feel great and are back to work full time.
They hope their story will inspire others to sign up to become organ donors.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.