Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: November 19, 1990
• Invested on: June 21, 1991

On May 25, 1990, in Surrey, British Columbia, Derrick William Hay saved a young woman with multiple sclerosis from her burning home. Mr. Hay and his father had been driving on the Fraser Highway when they noticed smoke billowing from a residence and decided to investigate. They walked to the rear of the house to determine if any occupants were inside and neighbours approached them to advise that the front door was unlocked and that, indeed, a woman was inside. Mr. Hay went to the front door to look into the smoke-filled house, whereupon he saw the woman lying some distance from the door. He ran inside but, overcome by the smoke, was forced to retreat. Upon re- entering the house, he succeeded in reaching the victim and pulling her to safety.