Four skateboarders from Calgary are being recognized for their bravery after they intervened to protect a young woman from potential harm during a late-night incident. The young men were honored with a Chief’s Award for Bravery, a prestigious recognition granted by the Calgary Police Service.
The Incident
The incident occurred in April 2015 when four teenagers—Kyle Tenove, Warren Churchill, Clay Stein, and Josh Hunter—noticed a distressed woman being harassed by an aggressive man in downtown Calgary. As the group of friends skated in the area, they spotted the visibly intoxicated woman walking alone, per CBC.
The skateboarders became increasingly concerned when they saw a man attempting to coerce her into a nearby alley. Recognizing the danger she was in, they immediately decided to act.
The teens confronted the man, creating a safe distance between him and the woman. Their presence disrupted his attempts, and the man fled the scene. Not stopping there, the skateboarders took the woman under their care, ensuring she was safe until police arrived to assist her.
Their quick thinking and courageous actions likely prevented a potentially devastating outcome. Police officers later praised the young men for stepping in without hesitation, demonstrating maturity and compassion far beyond their years.
Recognition for Bravery
A year later, the Calgary Police Service honored the four friends with the Chief’s Award for Bravery during an official ceremony. The award is given to civilians who perform extraordinary acts of courage and selflessness.
A Powerful Reminder
This story serves as an important reminder of the role that bystanders can play in preventing harm. With increasing awareness about harassment and violence, the skateboarders’ actions set an example of how vigilance and intervention can make a difference.
The Calgary Police Service hopes this recognition will inspire others to act when they witness someone in danger.
In a world often filled with stories of apathy, the bravery of these four young men is a beacon of hope, proving that even small actions can have a profound impact.
News of the skateboarders’ heroism quickly spread throughout Calgary and beyond, with many praising their actions on social media and in local news outlets. Residents commended their bravery, with some even calling them “guardian angels on wheels.”
Local businesses and community organizations also took note, offering the four friends free skateboarding gear and lifetime memberships to local skate parks as a token of appreciation for their selfless act.
Their story inspired discussions about the importance of stepping up to help others, particularly in situations where individuals may feel unsafe. Advocacy groups highlighted their actions as a shining example of what it means to be an active bystander, encouraging more community members to intervene safely in similar situations.
Skateboarders Speak Out
Reflecting on the incident, Kyle Tenove shared in an interview, “We just did what we felt was right. We would want someone to do the same for our friends or family if they were in trouble.”
Josh Hunter added, “At first, we weren’t sure what was happening, but once we saw she was in distress, we knew we had to help. It could have ended badly if we didn’t step in.”
Their humility and courage resonated with many, reinforcing the message that everyday people can make a difference, even in unexpected situations.
Encouraging More Acts of Kindness
The Calgary Police Service has since used the skateboarders’ story in educational campaigns, highlighting the importance of situational awareness and community support.
“Small acts of bravery like this can change lives,” said Chief Mark Neufeld during the awards ceremony. “We encourage all citizens to be vigilant and to support each other in making our community safer.”
Ultimately, the story of these four skateboarders is a powerful reminder that kindness and courage can shine even in the darkest of alleys.
