A Ranch Ehrlo employee has been recognized by the Regina Police Service (RPS).

Unit manager Mike Deis was presented with a Special Service Award by RPS on Jan. 23, in recognition of his contribution to the community, policing, and public safety.

Last year, Mike Deis assisted police in a fatal hit-and-run collision by detaining and reporting one of the suspects.

After hearing a loud bang just after noon on Feb. 20, 2013, Mike and fellow staff Krista-Leigh Hill and Josee Westermann looked out their back window to see a smashed up truck and two men running through the backyard of their unit.

Sensing the men were fleeing the scene of the accident, Mike went out the front door and intercepted one of the suspects. He captured the man and detained him until police arrived.

“Grabbing that man was an absolute first reaction,” said Mike. “It was look, see, and act. I wasn’t going to just stand there and let this guy get away.”

Mike said he didn’t realize the scope of the incident until afterward when he learned that a man had died at the scene of the accident.

Although recognition wasn’t necessary, Mike said he appreciated the presentation of the Special Service Award.

“It was an honour to be recognized,” he said. “It made my family very proud, but I just so happened to be in the right place, at the right time.”

Seventeen civilians and 82 police officers were honoured on Thursday for their contributions to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Regina.