SIOUX LOOKOUT — Ontario Provincial Police have award the OPP Commissioner's Citation for Bravery posthumously to a man who helped residents of a Sioux Lookout seniors' home escape a fire.
But Allan McInnes was known and loved for a lot more than that.
The fire occurred on Feb. 4, 2023 at Patricia Plaza, a housing complex operated by the Kenora District Services Board.
Eleven apartments were destroyed.
According to OPP, McInnes "unhesitatingly assisted police and emergency services personnel to clear the building, removing several residents from the burning complex . . . Thanks to his brave actions, all the tenants of the building exited safely."
Caitlain McInnes accepted the award this week on behalf of her dad, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 65.
She said it means "everything" to the family to see him recognized
"He's been a selfless man his whole life. He'd do anything for anyone, give his shirt off his back and the change out of his pocket. There's never a time he'd say no to anyone if they ever needed a hand. So to have him recognized like this is bittersweet after his passing because he's not here to celebrate with us."
McInnes said her father worked at Patricia Plaza as the senior facilities technician, but always went beyond his normal duties to help the residents, such as by driving them to get groceries or to appointments.
She was touched, she said, to recently hear a former co-worker of her dad's describe how much everyone misses him.
"She was saying 'This award is so well-deserved. He wasn't just a hero that day . . . He's a legend, and I'm lucky to have worked with him.'"
The citation will be hung inside the entrance to the family home.
