Justin Don Pierro, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On July 17, 2005, Justin Pierro rescued a 12-year-old boy from drowning in the Thompson River, at the junction of the Bonaparte River, in Ashcroft, British Columbia. While fishing with friends, Mr. Pierro noticed the panicked boy struggling in the middle of the fast-moving river, caught in a back eddy. When he saw the boy going under for the second time, Mr. Pierro jumped into the water and swam to him, some 25 metres out. In spite of the overwhelming force of the current dragging them down, he managed to push the victim out of the strong whirlpool and, although exhausted by his efforts, got out on his own. He was then able to bring the child back to shore, where others provided assistance.