Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: April 10, 1996
• Invested on: September 13, 1996

Robert Charles Fitzgerald, M.B.
Constable Philip Gavin Francis, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On September 21, 1994, Mr. Fitzgerald and Constable Francis pulled two people from a burning tractor trailer on highway 401 in Milton, Ontario. After colliding with another vehicle, the rig struck the median barrier wall, bursting into flames as the fuel tanks ruptured. Mr. Fitzgerald and Constable Francis, passing motorists, saw the driver banging at the window of the flaming vehicle. As the tires began to explode, Mr. Fitzgerald hoisted Constable Francis onto the cab of the truck. The Constable smashed the window and, unable to dislodge the driver, pulled the other occupant from the inferno. While Mr. Fitzgerald brought the co-driver to safety, Constable Francis managed to free the driver, moments before the rig was completely engulfed.