Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: January 16, 1996
• Invested on: May 17, 1996

Stanley Houle, M.B.
Earl Okemow, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On February 23, 1995, eight-year-old Stanley Houle and eleven-year-old Earl Okemow saved two younger children from a burning house at Peerless Lake, Alberta. Playing outside the residence, Stanley and Earl noticed flames on the living room curtains. The boys immediately ran inside to try to save the five-year-old boy and baby girl they knew were inside, but they were forced out by the extreme heat. Stanley and Earl covered their jackets with snow and re-entered the house. They grabbed the two victims, covering them with their jackets. Earl tried to pull the burning curtains down, but could not. The fire was intensifying and Stanley had to kick open the burning door for them to leave. Moments after the four children escaped, the house was ablaze.