Stratford officers praised for life-saving actions during 2024 Bradshaw Drive shooting

On Aug. 1, 2024, Stratford faced a rare and violent crisis as Stratford police received multiple 911 calls reporting gunshot victims and an active shooter on Bradshaw Drive in the city’s north end.

Within minutes, six Stratford police officers arrived at the scene.

“In that moment of uncertainty and danger, six of our officers – Consts. Jeff Serf, Brady Simpson, Brent Poppe, Scott Parkinson, Amy Knechtel and Nick Feltz – responded without hesitation,” Acting Deputy Chief Mark Taylor said.

“They rushed toward the threat, knowing the risks, and acted with courage and professionalism. Their decisive actions and life-saving measures that evening not only protected lives but exemplified the highest standards of policing.”

Ricky Bilcke, 31, shot his neighbours, Jonathan Bennett, 36, and David Tokley, 43, with a high-powered rifle. He then shot Bennett’s partner, Stephanie Irvine, with a shotgun before taking his own life.

Bilcke was pronounced dead at the scene. Bennett later died at Stratford General Hospital. Tokley and Irvine sustained serious injuries, were hospitalized and later released.

The incident marked Stratford’s first homicide in nearly two decades.

“These officers demonstrated what it truly means to serve and protect,” Taylor said. “They saved lives that day.”

In recognition of the officers’ actions, the Stratford Police Service applied for the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery, but the application was unsuccessful.

“While we were informed in November 2025 that our application was not successful, that does not diminish the heroism displayed that night,” Taylor said. “Their actions will forever stand as a testament to their commitment to this community.”

Police also recognized the role of two communicators who received the initial 911 calls: Nikki Smidts and Heather Forsyth. Taylor said both quickly triaged calls to ensure officers were dispatched efficiently.

“They did an amazing job taking those 911 calls,” he said. “So many calls came in, and they were able to prioritize the most critical information – where individuals were, what they were doing – and calmly dispatch officers to the scene.”

Taylor noted the emotional toll the situation carried for dispatchers in a small police service.

“Our dispatchers have personal relationships with these officers. This is a small service, and this is like their second family,” he said.

“These two dispatchers had to send officers into a situation where there was an active shooter, knowing they could be putting their friends at risk. That carries a huge emotional toll.”

“On behalf of the Stratford Police Service and the citizens we serve, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Consts. Serf, Simpson, Poppe, Parkinson, Knechtel and Feltz, as well as communicators Smidts and Forsyth,” Taylor said. “Thank you for your dedication and unwavering resolve to keep our community safe.”