October 10th, 2025
On October 9, 2025, the Corps was proud to honour Corporal (Ret’d) Michael Crotty, CD with the Commissionaires’ Medal of Bravery (CMB) for his actions while on duty earlier this year. The CMB is one of the Corps’ most prestigious awards and it recognizes service that goes above and beyond the standard performance of duty. It is only awarded in exceptional circumstances which involve an element of bravery or personal risk.
Michael grew up in Parry Sound, Ontario, but didn’t stay in one place for long. His father’s military career meant the family moved often, providing him with an understanding of military service. After high school, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1986 as a Mobile Support Equipment Operator.
His 28-year military career took him to many parts of the world, notably serving in the Golan Heights and the former Yugoslavia. He also completed six tours to Canadian Forces Station Alert in Nunavut, the northernmost permanently inhabited place in the world. After retiring from the RCAF in 2014, Michael wasn’t done serving. He joined Commissionaires Manitoba in 2016.
On March 19, 2025, his knowledge and experience were put to the test. While on a routine shift, he encountered a dangerous situation when an individual began verbally assaulting a worker outside the front entrance of the building where he was posted. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical attack. Without hesitation, Cmre Crotty stepped between the assailant and the worker. At that moment, the aggressor pulled out a machete. Remaining calm and composed, Cmre Crotty firmly instructed the individual to back down and leave the premises, and the assailant eventually complied. His actions stopped the threat and ensured everyone’s safety.
Looking back on the incident, immediate past Manitoba Division Chair Colonel (Ret’d) Robert Poirier said:
“Commissionaire Crotty displayed extraordinary courage by intervening to protect a civilian from an armed assailant. Such exemplary conduct merits the utmost recognition.”
Commissionaires is proud to recognize the bravery that Commissionaire Michael Crotty demonstrated while protecting his community. We are grateful to have him on our team.
