Star of Courage

• Awarded on: June 20, 2013
• Invested on: December 05, 2013

Master Seaman Jason Cecil Sparkes, S.C.
Star of Courage

Randy Johnson, M.B.
Gregory John Kutney, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On November 6, 2010, volunteer firefighters Master Seaman Jason Sparkes, Randy Johnson and Greg Kutney rescued a police officer from a possible drowning, in Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. The officer was responding to a call about a man who had been pushed off the rocks by a huge wave. As he searched, the officer was also pulled down onto the rocks, where he lay unconscious in the turbulent water. Master Seaman Sparkes jumped into the surf and threw himself on the injured officer, securing him against the rocks to keep him from being pulled out to sea. Despite the severe weather conditions and the constant pounding of the waves, firefighters Johnson and Kutney were able to pull both men to safety. Sadly, the first victim's body was recovered a few days later.