On August 14, 2013 at approximately 10:50 a.m., members of the Guelph Police Service Tactics and Rescue Unit were training at the River Run Centre in downtown Guelph. While conducting rappel training inside the facility, a member of the team fell to the ground from a height of approximately 40 feet. Emergency personnel from Guelph Wellington EMS and Guelph Fire Department attended and the officer was transported to the Guelph General Hospital. As a precaution, the officer, an 8 year veteran of the Guelph Police, was transported to a hospital in Hamilton. The officer was alert and responsive, but the extent of his injuries is not known at the present time.
At the time of the fall the member was attached to the rappelling rope and was wearing safety equipment. The tactical officers receive special training in rappelling as a part of their emergency response responsibilities.
The Ministry of Labour was notified and an investigator attended. The Guelph Police are cooperating in the investigation.