Star of Courage

• Awarded on: July 31, 1989
• Invested on: December 11, 1989

On May 29, 1988, firefighter Richard J. Shiah saved three members of a family when their truck pulling a trailer carrying fuel went out of control near Fonthill, Ontario and burst into flames. Witnessing the scene, Mr. Shiah, a U.S. citizen, immediately approached the vehicle and pulled a five-year old child out. He again reached into the vehicle for another child but suffered severe facial burns when a large flame flared up. When he saw the other door open and the father and child tumble out, Mr. Shiah grabbed the child and took him away from the blaze, then returned to help the father. Two of the three victims and Mr. Shiah received first, second and third degree burns but due to Mr. Shiah's swift and heroic actions a family tragedy was averted.