Decorations, Medals and Awards Ceremony at the Citadelle of Québec

Her Excellency presented Decorations, Medals and Awards to 24 recipients at the Residence of the Governor General of Canada at the Citadelle of Québec, on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. “The individuals honoured today for bravery, volunteerism, academic achievement and distinguished service, are role models in their community and an inspiration for young people who are following in their footsteps. It is an honour for me to pay tribute to you here, in your community.”

Louis-Paul Courbron, M.B., Québec (Que.) received the Medal of Bravery. On August 16, 2007, Messrs. Benji Correos, Louis-Paul Courbron and Kimpton Gagnon-Després rescued Mr. Correos’ son, who had slipped into the high, rushing waters of the Yukon River, in Whitehorse, Yukon. After seeing his son fall in, Mr. Correos jumped in to grab him, but soon, both were pulled under by the current. Witnessing the scene, Messrs. Courbron and Gagnon-Després jumped in to rescue the boy whose body had surfaced at the bottom of the rapids. They held the boy’s head above water and swam through the turbulent waters to bring him to shore, where he was revived. Sadly, Mr. Correos did not survive the ordeal.

Two constables of Jonquière, Quebec, received the Medal of Bravery. On May 14, 2007, Constables François Lavoie (picture above) and Yves Rousseau (next picture) rescued an elderly woman from a burning house. The police officers attempted to enter the building, but were forced back due to the thick, black smoke.

Constable Rousseau (above) charged back inside, followed by his colleague, Constable Lavoie (previous picture). As they ran down a blazing corridor, they could barely see the victim in her wheelchair, which was stuck in a door frame. Together, they succeeded in freeing the wheelchair and brought the victim to safety.

Sûreté du Québec’s Constable Langis Rouleau, of Montmagny, Quebec, received The Police Exemplary Service Medal, First Bar, for 30 years of service, which recognizes police officers who have served in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency.

The Corrections Exemplary Service Medal recognizes employees of the Canadian Correctional Service who have served in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency. Mr. Robert Hardy was awarded the First Bar, for 30 years of service.

Mr. Lionel Chicoine received the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal for 20 years of service. Recipients must have completed 20 years of service, including 10 years as a peace officer in an institution, a parole officer or a probation officer, or in a capacity which has brought the recipient into contact with offenders in the regular performance of duties.

Ms. Renée Langevin also received the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal for 20 years of service. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the medal.

Mr. Olivier Simon, of the École secondaire Cardinal-Roy of the City of Québec, Quebec, was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Medal for the 2008-2009 school year. For more than 125 years, the Governor General’s Academic Medal has recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada. It is awarded to a student graduating with the highest average from a high school, or approved college or university program. The Governor General’s Academic Medal is awarded at four distinct levels: Bronze at the secondary school level; Collegiate Bronze at the post-secondary, diploma level; Silver at the undergraduate level; and Gold at the graduate level.