Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: June 26, 1989
• Invested on: December 11, 1989

While driving along Highway 417 in Kanata, Ontario, near midnight on March 25, 1988, Lawrence Owen spotted what appeared to be flames moving along the road some distance ahead. As he drew closer he saw that a car had run under the back of a transport truck, caught fire and was being dragged along the highway. When the truck came to a stop on the shoulder of the road, Mr. Owen parked his car and ran to the passenger side of the burning vehicle. While two other persons were trying to open the driver's side door, he leaned in through the open passenger door and, despite the flames which were now invading the passenger compartment through the fire wall, was able to cut the seat belt straps holding the unconscious driver. He then pulled the man from the car and with the help of others carried him to safety.