Presentation of Decorations for Bravery

The Governor General was joined by all the recipients for a group photo.

The National Anthem was sung by Mr. Garth Hampson.

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.

With the shooter now cornered in an alcove leading to the Library, Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers (pictured left), after being advised of the shooter’s location, dove to the floor in front of him and fired his weapon. RCMP Constable Barrett walked directly toward the gunman while also firing his weapon. The collective actions of these 16 individuals brought the incident to an end in less than three minutes, and avoided further tragedy.

On October 22, 2014, members of the House of Commons protection services and the RCMP were instrumental in stopping an armed man who had stormed the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Ontario. Constable Samearn Son (pictured left) was stationed at the front entrance when he spotted the man entering with a concealed rifle. The constable lunged to gain control of the firearm, but it discharged and struck him in the leg.

Constable Louis Létourneau (pictured left) tracked the gunman down the Hall of Honour toward the Library of Parliament and fired at him several times.

Drawn to the Rotunda by the noise, Corporal Maxim Malo and Constable Charles Thom (pictured left) took cover and exchanged several rounds with the gunman after he entered the building.

RCMP Sergeant Richard Rozon, Corporal Dany Daigle and constables Curtis Barrett, Michelle Bergeron, Gary Bubelis, Somoza Célestin, Martin Fraser, Sylvie Marcoux (pictured left), Michel Palmer, Patrick Ruest and Herbert Waye, who had assembled outside the Peace Tower, entered the Centre Block. Supported by their colleagues, Sergeant Rozon, Corporal Daigle and constables Barrett and Fraser assumed a tactical formation (IARD) as they charged down the Hall of Honour.

The Governor General presented 6 Stars of Courage and 9 Medals of Bravery during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. This special ceremony paid tribute to the bravery of security services members who responded to the tragic events of October 22, 2014, on Parliament Hill.

"We’re here because on a day of great tragedy and suffering you gave us something different," said His Excellency. "You reminded us that, while human beings are indeed capable of doing the worst to each other, we’re also capable of the best."