Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: November 24, 2011
• Invested on: October 12, 2012

Michael John Hancock, M.B. (posthumous)
William John McKeag, M.B.
Jason William Phillips, M.B.
Ronald Earl Walton, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On September 7, 2008, Michael Hancock lost his life trying to rescue his daughter who was caught in the strong current of Lake Huron, in Kincardine, Ontario. He and his family were spending the day at the beach when his daughter was caught up in the waves. He swam out to her and was bringing her back to shore when they were pulled apart. In a nearby boat, William McKeag and Ronald Walton donned life jackets and navigated towards the victims, only to end up in the water themselves as the waves swamped their small craft. They swam towards Mr. Hancock and struggled to bring the unconscious man in. When they were some 30 metres away from shore, bystanders threw them a ring buoy and pulled the three men to safety. Meanwhile, Jason Phillips swam out to the girl and brought her to the beach, where she was revived. Sadly, Mr. Hancock did not survive.