The Saanich Police Department is proud to recognize former Auxiliary Constable Graeme Henderson with the Chief Constable’s Citizen’s Award of Valour for his heroic actions during a violent incident more than five decades ago.
On April 30, 1973, Auxiliary Constable Henderson was partnered with Saanich Police Constable Greg Crouch on a call to support the Central Saanich Police Service with an impaired driver. What began as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a life‑threatening confrontation.
Auxiliary Constable Graeme Henderson accompanied Central Saanich Sergeant David Yuill in transporting the impaired driver back to the Saanich Police Department for a breath test. During the trip, the man in custody produced a knife and from the back seat stabbed Sergeant Yuill in the neck area. Aux. Cst. Henderson immediately intervened to protect Sgt. Yuill, suffering stab wounds to his chest and hand as he attempted to disarm the attacker.
Central Saanich Police Chief John Gelling, who had responded to the call, was also stabbed multiple times before the injured officers were able to subdue the man. All three recovered from their injuries.
Graeme Henderson’s decisive actions inside the vehicle that day likely saved the life of Sergeant Yuill.
Despite his bravery, Aux. Cst. Henderson did not receive formal recognition at the time. After a recent interview by Bill Turner, of the Saanich Police Historical Society with retired Sergeant Greg Crouch, this incident was brought to the attention of the Office of the Chief Constable, prompting the Department to revisit the case and honour Auxiliary Constable Graeme Henderson appropriately.
“Graeme Henderson made a conscious choice to risk his life to protect another,” said Saanich Police’s Chief Constable Dean Duthie. “His bravery prevented an already critical incident from becoming even more tragic. It is our honour to finally acknowledge his courage and bravery.”
On December 9, 2025, former Auxiliary Constable Graeme Henderson was formally awarded the Chief Constable’s Citizen’s Award of Valour for his selfless and lifesaving actions on April 30, 1973.
