Matthew de Koning, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On December 15, 2005, Matthew de Koning risked his life to disarm a suicidal man in a local bar in Langley, British Columbia. The distraught man, armed with a hunting rifle, stormed into the bar and chambered a round. As patrons started running for the exit, Mr. de Koning confronted the gunman. Without concern for his own safety, he tried to calm the man down and quickly grabbed the rifle from his hands. Other people then helped restrain the disturbed man until police arrived.