Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: June 19, 2003
• Invested on: September 12, 2003

On June 15, 2001, Paul Morin rescued a severely injured man following a collision between two boats at a ferry crossing on Rivière des Prairies, in Laval-sur-le-Lac, Quebec. Mr. Morin was boating nearby when he witnessed the crash. Although fearing for his own life because of his restricted physical mobility, he jumped in the fast current and reached the victim in a dog-paddle swim. Despite weakening strength and hampered by his life jacket, Mr. Morin pulled the man to his own boat and attempted to push him onboard, with his wife and friend pulling from inside. Although his efforts failed, he managed to grab a rope and hold the man's head above water until someone arrived on a Sea-Doo and dragged both men to the riverbank, some 30 metres away. The victim recovered but, sadly, his brother was killed on impact during this tragic accident.