Presentation of Decorations for Bravery

Created in 1972, Decorations for Bravery recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others. The Cross of Valour (C.V.) recognizes acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril; the Star of Courage (S.C.) recognizes acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril; and the Medal of Bravery (M.B.) recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

Alexander Peter David Nassak - Medal of Bravery: On June 30, 2010, 15-year-old Alexander Nassak rescued a friend from a possible drowning, in Salluit, Quebec. During a seal-hunting expedition, Alexander and two friends ventured onto the ice-covered river on two all-terrain vehicles when the ice broke under them. One boy managed to pull himself out, but the ice kept breaking as Alexander and the third boy tried to climb out. Alexander finally managed to crawl up onto the ice, but his friend, weighed down by heavy clothing, struggled against the current. As the ice continued to crack beneath him, Alexander reached out, grabbed his friend by the coat and, with a strong tug, pulled him out. The boys walked towards the town, shouting for help, until they were rescued by local residents on snowmobiles.

Amanda Walkowiak (featured in this photo) - Medal of Bravery: On December 29, 2009, paramedics Craig MacInnesd, Patricia St. Denis and Amanda Walkowiak risked their lives to stop a man who was attacking a police officer in the parking area of an Ottawa hospital. The paramedics witnessed the altercation between the officer and the man, and ran to assist. Mr. MacInnes pulled the attacker off the victim while Ms. St. Denis grabbed the assailant’s arm to get him to release his knife. Ms. Walkowiak kicked the weapon out of the man’s hand, grabbed handcuffs from the wounded officer, and helped restrain the suspect until further help arrived. Sadly, the police officer did not survive.

Jean-Claude Lindsay - Medal of Bravery: On July 6, 2010, Jean-Claude Lindsay rescued his wife who was trapped on their burning boat, in Saint-Gédéon, Quebec. Mr. Lindsay was starting up the motor when it exploded, projecting his wife into the air. She landed at the back of the boat where the fire was spreading rapidly. Mr. Lindsay ran through the flames and pulled his wife with him into the water. Although both were suffering from serious burns, he tried to keep her calm until the ambulance arrived. Both were taken to the hospital where they spent several months recuperating from their injuries.

Andreas Michael Jorgensen - Medal of Bravery: On October 12, 2011, Andreas Jorgensen risked his life to protect his mother during a violent altercation with her ex-spouse, in Campbell River, British Columbia. Hearing his mother’s cries for help, Mr. Jorgensen ran into the kitchen to find her on the floor, being kicked by the attacker. He grabbed a small knife and stabbed the man with it. The aggressor turned on him and, during a brief struggle, inflicted several knife wounds to the young man’s face and chest. Mr. Jorgensen managed to release the weapon from the assailant’s hand and ran outside with his mother to wait for the police. The aggressor was soon apprehended, and Mr. Jorgensen and his mother were brought to the hospital where they were treated for their injuries.

Sara Beth Hutchison - Medal of Bravery: On July 9, 2010, sisters Annie and Sarah Beth Hutchison rescued their great-uncle from a possible drowning in the Winnipeg River, in Pine Falls, Manitoba. The family had been enjoying an afternoon of swimming when they realized that their 86-year-old great-uncle was caught in the swift current and quickly approaching the rapids further downstream. Annie swam out to him, removed her life jacket and helped him put it on. Sarah Beth swam out to them with two life jackets in tow and helped Annie put them on their great-uncle. The trio made their way to the riverbank where Annie and Sarah Beth were able to pull the victim out.

Harry Malcom Fraser - Medal of Bravery: On April 8, 2010, Harry Fraser risked his life to rescue a neighbour from a burning house, in Trenton, Nova Scotia. Alerted to the fire, Mr. Fraser called the fire department for help as he followed his neighbour back to her home. Mr. Fraser ran into the thick smoke after her, only to find the living room completely engulfed in flames. He shouted out to the woman, who had rushed to the second floor to find her dog. Blinded by the smoke, Mr. Fraser held a sweater over his mouth and nose, went upstairs and guided the owner outside. The flames were spreading quickly and the front window blew out just as they managed to escape to the street.

David Edison Adams (featured in this photo) - Medal of Bravery: On February 1, 2010, David Adams and Bruce Raymond rescued a man whose ATV had broken through the ice, in Port Blandford, Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Raymond heard cries for help and alerted Mr. Adams. Together, they made their way towards the victim, who was struggling against the strong current to hang onto the edge of the thin ice. Mr. Adams crawled in closer and threw a rope to the victim. After several attempts, the rescuers pulled the man onto the ice and dragged him safely to the shore.

Tianah Auger - Star of Courage: On June 14, 2009, Tianah Auger showed great courage in battling the strong current of the Heart River to save two young girls, in Peace River, Alberta. Tianah was on shore when she heard screams and saw a young girl struggling in the water. Without hesitation, Tianah ran in and swam out to reach her. As Tianah grabbed hold of the girl, she felt a strong pull on her head. She was surprised to see a second little girl reach out from beneath the surface and climb onto her back. With both victims clinging to her, Tianah managed to get them back to the riverbank.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, delivered a speech on this occasion: “This is such a special ceremony. Besides being an occasion to present the decorations for bravery, this morning affords an opportunity for recipients to meet and speak with those who have been affected by these remarkable acts. Here at Rideau Hall, there are few moments more poignant. This is an opportunity to give thanks, to get to know one another, to discover your diverse backgrounds, as well as all that you have in common.”

Constable Toby Whinney - Medal of Bravery: On July 30, 2011 Ontario Provincial Police Constable Toby Whinney rescued two women from a burning vehicle, in Kingston, Ontario. A vehicle carrying three people was involved in an accident, causing it to flip onto its roof. Constable Whinney arrived within minutes of the incident just as fire erupted from the engine. He reached inside the car and cut the front passenger’s seat belt. With another person’s help, Constable Whinney pulled a woman out through the broken window. After putting out the fire momentarily, he crawled in through the broken rear window and pulled out another passenger. Sadly, the driver could not be rescued.