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Officers a close-knit crew Continued from page 19 27 · Friday, September 7, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com So Gatt detained him. However, he bolted; she ran after him. "I tackled him and hit my head on the pavement. I was dazed and tried to hang on to him, but I was starting to lose consciousness and let him go." The suspect was captured several hours later. The head injury was devastating to Gatt. A doctor told her to work it off, even though she had an apparently serious concussion. She worked four more shifts but then had a seizure. She was off the job for 18 months with multiple physical issues. She couldn't drive for six months. There has been some permanent memory loss of parts of her personal and professional life, but it's getting better with the passing years. When she returned to work, Gatt was told she couldn't handle patrol duties anymore. There were no desk jobs for uniform officers then, she said, so she was offered a civilian position. Gatt joined the communications department in 1989 and says she enjoyed being a dispatcher and trainer, but laments not being able to be on the street in uniform for more of her career. "I was very disappointed that I had to give up my (patrol) career. I missed the camaraderie with those (Aldershot) guys... It's a different kind of closeness and bond, that everyone's got your back," she said of being on the street. She worked in communications until she retired. "I'm proud of the fact I was able to train so many people," said Gatt, who has been married to Wayne for 26 years. Gatt says she is also proud to be one of only three officers out of about 20 who passed their sergeant's exam on the first attempt when she wrote it in 1983. Her legacy is a foot-beat program for the Warwick Court/Surrey Lane troublespot. Gatt also remembers being the first officer on scene at a late night sniper call in Burlington in March 1979. Halton's specially-trained, more heavily-armed tactical unit was not available for the call, but detectives were able to convince the shotgun-wielding suspect to surrender. It was afterwards, Gatt noticed the whole side of her police car driver's side was riddled with shotgun pellets. About a week later, a local resident told Gatt he saw the gunman tracking (aiming at) her as she walked by. Officers believed they should be outfitted with bulletproof vests after that, but Gatt said the service did not agree so her platoon found a supplier and they bought some at nearly $300 each. They were not reimbursed. Bulletproof vests became mandatory several years later. Halton Acting Police Chief Andrew Fletcher said in an e-mailed comment that Gatt has had a notable career. "... in 1976 there were only four (other) policewomen on the job and she really was a pioneer in the world of women in policing... (and) developing the Warwick/Surrey village constable program." JOIN US FOR THE ULTIMATE CAYMAN DINNER PARTY Olivers Of Oakville Restaurant and the Cayman Islands welcome Dale MacKay, winner of Top Chef Canada and one of this year's Cayman Cookout chefs, along with chef Paul Rogalski of Rouge Restaurant in celebration of Eric Ripert's 5th Annual Cayman Cookout, the Caribbean's premier epicurean event, January 17-20, 2013. Don't miss this exclusive evening of food, wine, swimwear fashions from designer Tosca Delfino and the Cayman Islands. THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 6:30 PM OLIVERS OF OAKVILLE RESTAURANT 141 LAKESHORE ROAD EAST $175 PER PERSON Includes cocktail reception, 4 course dinner with wine pairings and a chance to win THE ULTIMATE DOOR PRIZE! Call to reserve your tickets: 905-845-9391 taste The CAYMAN ISLANDS is the Exclusive Partner of the WEST of the City DINNER SERIES. For more on Cayman Cookout and Dining in the Cayman Islands call 1 800-263-5805 or visit WWW.CAYMANISLANDS.KY THE WINTER COLD Replace you furnace and Air Conditioner * 10 YEAR PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY ARE YOU READY? IS COMING Now! 45 years Backed by Coleman's 2012 100% Satisfaction Guarantee We Service All Makes of Gas Furnaces We will pay the HST for your next home comfort system maintenance Expires 09/30/2012 Coupon must be presented at time of service · 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE · QUALIFIED MECHANICS · QUALITY WORKMANSHIP · Bronte Rd Bronte Rd SPECIAL OFFER SYSTEMS h 90 Lakeshore Lakeshore Rd Rd www.applebysystems.ca Third Line Third Line APPLEBY 24 HR. HOTLINE Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 11-4 Oakville Showroom Phone: 905-825-1893 905-825-1929 Burlington 2086 Speers Rd. Oakville 905-335-3203 QEW Speers Rd