Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: September 8, 1995
• Invested on: May 17, 1996

On June 14, 1994, Mr. Fazekas rescued two men from a capsized boat on Pakwash Lake, near Red Lake, Ontario. He was aboard a helicopter when the two victims, grasping onto the side of the boat, were noticed in the rough waters below. While the helicopter hovered over the vessel, Mr. Fazekas leaned out and tried unsuccessfully to pull in one of the victims. Despite the wind and waves, he stepped onto the helicopter skid, then onto the overturned boat, and tried once more to pull the man up. At that moment, waves flipped the vessel over, throwing him in the water. Mr. Fazekas was able to hoist himself into the boat and, with great effort, to help the two victims out of the water and into the helicopter.